Writing Workshop
Björn and Sveinn share the challenges and joys of their writing journey
Languages are like drawers. When you learn a language, you get the key to open one. When you use that language to create something, you store your ideas and thoughts inside.
Writing is a way to save your past. so that one day, you have the chance to talk to who you used to be.
Björn and Sveinn started their writing journey when they felt ready. They began with tool books like Swedish Note and Icelandic Note, then explored culture through the Nordic Sayings series. After those steps, they finally started writing their own stories.
At first, they were a little afraid and shy. They hid their stories inside the Ordlista, so people could find small pieces of them while learning a language.
But slowly, they needed more words to express themselves. As that feeling grew, they made up their minds to start the Quiet Corner.
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Björn
Likes poetry and deep discussion
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Sveinn
Likes stories and creative writing
Start the First Word
The first step doesn’t have to be perfect. Björn and Sveinn started their first paragraph with the Note series. They tried to make grammar easy to understand by using fun and interesting example sentences.
Sometimes they ran out of ideas, but once they began, they gradually got used to the writing process.
Choose a Format for You
There are many writing formats, such as news, articles, reviews, papers, stories, and poetry. The best way to find your own style is to write a sample for each. Give it a try!
It took about half a year for Björn and Sveinn to find their own way to create. Before they decided to use short stories to express themselves, they had written more than 200 pieces. But this is probably not the end of the road. Writing habits and skills change over time. Maybe one day, they will find a new way to continue their stories.
Find Your Direction
Finding your direction is the most important part of writing. We all want to avoid mistakes when we create, but that is rarely easy. Sometimes, when Björn and Sveinn look back at their older work, they don't feel fully satisfied, and that is normal. In fact, being able to judge your past work is a sign that you are improving.
The purpose of writing is not to be perfect, but to express yourself well enough so others can understand you. For Björn and Sveinn, they want to share their values and knowledge. Their goal is to make languages easy to approach, helping readers feel relaxed and encouraged. Most importantly, they always make sure their words never hurt others online; kindness is a value they keep close to their hearts.
Be with Your Audience
Your audience will be attracted to your words and the ideas behind them. By starting to create, you have already opened the door.
When you find the format and style that suit you best, your audience will find you more easily. They are out there somewhere in the world, waiting for you to inspire their inner lives.