Quote from: DediRock on March 24, 2025, 04:20:44 PM

Writing a book is a rewarding but challenging journey.

If it's a hobby and you're not just doing it because it's a ‘job’, then the most important aspect is the journey.
Writing should also give you something. Normally, it's a kind of balance to stressful everyday life, you can forget everything and let your thoughts run free.
The journey is certainly worth much more than the result.

Quote from: boyptc on March 24, 2025, 04:54:26 PM

It might take time but as long as you're encouraged to do that, you'll be able to do it.

You are happy to take the time if it brings you something. You also benefit from it.
You can assume that you're interested in writing and literature, so you're happy to put in the time.
As long as that's the case, you should give it a go. It just shouldn't become a burden and you shouldn't stress yourself out.

Quote from: planingkoala on March 25, 2025, 11:11:48 AM

@Fretum: Appreciate the detailed reply. Your point about this being like a natural “next step” in a hobby hit me right in the gut – never thought of it like that, but yes, that’s exactly the itch I’m trying to scratch. That mix of pride and self-doubt, you know? I hadn’t thought much about writing courses, but now I’m tempted. Do you think it helps more with structure or with staying motivated?

This point is likely to come up for many people. You are not sure whether you should run your first marathon, whether you should really take part in a competition,.... When you've jumped in at the deep end, you often think to yourself, it's not that bad, I should have done it much earlier. These concerns are usually unfounded.

I think such courses can also show you that you're ready for it. When you get feedback from other authors or you get good reviews for your stories and writing style, it takes away those doubts we're talking about.
Courses or exercises could be the final push you need. As long as it's not the motivating words here in the forum