It probably goes without saying that I love to write. Not only do I write poetry (strictly for me, not for publication), I like to write short stories and novels. In fact, I love writing so much, I have even started a blog so I can write about writing.
Recently, as in five minutes ago, I read Cat Woods current installment of the seven writing sins. Today’s topic is greed and she asked the question why do you write?
Of course I left her a comment, but after, the question stayed in my head and I realized I had more to say. So after some thought, these are the reasons why I write, in no particular order:
1. It makes me happy;
2. I believe I have something to offer the world and the way we view it; and
3. Depending on the day, I genuinely believe I’m good at it.
There are other reasons, but these are the main three reasons why I started writing and why I continue writing today.
The first reason, it makes me happy, was something I figured out in middle-school. I suffered from insomnia and stayed up late almost every night. Honestly I think my mom enjoyed my late nights because it almost always meant the house would be clean from top to bottom when she woke the next day. But I definitely was not happy. So I did what I always did and I researched ways to help with my insomnia. One of the many tricks to help cure insomnia was for the person to keep a journal by their bed.
I didn’t keep a journal, instead, when I felt like I couldn’t sleep, I would write a poem. Poems were the first things I ever wrote and I thought I was pretty dang good at them, not so anymore, but then I thought I was a genius.
As time went on I attempted to write stories. I had people and places in mind, but I could never construct a plot, or keep track of one long enough to complete one. Looking back now I realize I spent too much time on description rather than the story itself.
Eventually I learned that a great story, and even just a good one, has something to say. So I tried to discover what I had to say. What had I been through that nobody else had? At the time I couldn’t think of anything, so I put off on trying to write my novel, but I continued to write short stories and poems, as I waited to “experience” life so I would have something to say.
Now, a few years later, I have discovered not only the genres I am most passionate about, but I have also debunked the notion that I hadn’t “experienced” life yet. I have many childhood and adult experiences I can draw upon to inspire me and help share what I have learned about human nature.
The last reason I think is my favorite because it really does depend on the day. My boyfriend laughs at me because one day I will be confident, borderline cocky and the next I will tell him how bad my writing is and how much I suck. Most days I’m in the middle, I think I have the tools to be a solid writer. I may never be as great as some of the other authors and writers in the world, but I do believe I am better at writing than the average person. Most people don’t have the patience to hone their writing ability, which is something a writer must do if they want to succeed because no matter where you start, or how good you are, there is always something else to learn. And even though I’m not there yet, I know I’m closer than many people and that gives me hope that one day I might be able to make a humble living by my pencil.
So that is why I write. It is one of the few things I am truly passionate about and enjoy, even when I’m frustrated and swear I’ll never type again, I know, deep in the back of my mind, it’s the only thing I really want to do.
So why do you write? Is it for your own self-satisfaction? Or does the potential money you could make entice you?
Please let me know while I find my pencil. It seems to have disappeared again.
The ups and downs about writing is definitely a universal writerly experience. I have fleeting thoughts of quitting (usually when I think my writing sucks so hard it’s all garbage), but then I get some support, or great beta feedback, or a really cool idea and I start writing again. Really, as low as the lows get, I still enjoy it too much to give up.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
PS–I’ve lost my pencil too… ;)-
Lol, I think we’ve all lost our pencils at some point, the only thing that matters is if we find them again. Thanks for stopping by, it’s nice to know someone reads this, at least every now and again ;p