I was reading Mark Koopman's (Mark Koopmans: Vignettes from VA (and DC, Too!) blog post and started to answer his question when I decided to write a blog post stating why I continue writing.
There is no single reason why I do so. I do harbor some vague notion that I might write something that someone someday will enjoy, maybe even a lot of someones. But that's putting the cart before the horse.
I like writing because I enjoy seeing a story develop and come to life.
I enjoy the surprises I get during the writing process, especially when things I never thought of suddenly appear and make the story better.
I enjoy the process of visualizing scenes and characters.
I enjoy seeing the way my characters change as a result of what happens to them within the story.
I enjoy the challenge of making my words say what I mean, and of searching for the right word to convey what I'm trying to say.
I like a good plot and do my best to develop one. I don't mind if the plot undergoes changes as I write the story.
The more my writing relates to my internal feelings and beliefs about life, the better I like it, that is, the more connected I am to my stories.
Being a writer has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. I'm still dreaming.
How about you? Do any of these reasons jive with yours?
28 comments:
Yup. Sounds about right. Magic. I read an interview by an editor a few months back and he said, if you don't have to write you shouldn't be writing. And I got thinking about what he said because do any of us HAVE TO write? I mean, we can stop writing can't we? Can't we??? And if that is the case, why does anyone write? And so I tried not writing and just about died, killed off non fictional characters, and was rewriting the plot of my trip to the grocery store so it flowed better. I decided I have to write.
Hi, Tanya,
I'm not sure I feel like I MUST write. The reasons for writing are a little more mysterious to me these days, and I kind of like that. I can go a day or two or three without writing and feel no real distress. In fact, I can go weeks. But I'm happier when I'm writing.
I enjoyed reading about why you write Richard. I think many of us share your motivations. I've always loved creating stories and can't imagine stopping now. Great for your brain anyway!
Denise :-)
Your list of reasons pretty well sums up what I feel about writing. One writes because . . . well, because one likes all those things about writing. I've heard a variation of Tanya's advice: "If you don't love writing, you shouldn't be a writer." That makes sense to me. If you are going to voluntarily spend time on something, you should enjoy it. I'm glad you are back to writing, Richard, and enjoying the process.
Thanks, Denise and Elizabeth, I'm happy to be writing again. Some days requires a little more effort and determination than others, but once I'm into it, it's amazing to be a part of the process.
You have a talent for writing and I like your list very much.
I have tries writing fiction but feel it is not something I have a knack for. I feel I dont have it in me to develop a fictional character and enjoy personal journal style writing more. Whenever the moment is right I feel a need to write and express myself, it has a catharsis effect that draws me to it and has since I was a little girl.
Writing for me is a way to capture a memorable moment.
Hi, Olia, writing fiction is not for everyone. You do have a knack for writing memoir/personal stories and essays. Have you heard of Cheryl Strayed? If you haven't, you might like her writing.
Thanks! I haven't heard of her, I'll check for her books in my library and book cellar, thanks!
Hi Richard, many of your reasons jive with me. I like the surprises my story throws at me and the way my characters and scenes come to life.
Hi, Rachna, It definitely makes writing surprising.
Your reasons are pretty much my reasons except that I mostly only write on my blog these days and rarely write the other things that I dream most about writing. Hopefully I'll get a greater motivation going to start some serious writing.
Don't lose the dream! Keep on writing. I guess even if you're discovered posthumously it would be better than to never have been discovered at all.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Thanks, Arlee, I know you're prolific on your blogs. Maybe that's all you need to do.
I like when new things appear that make the story better.
I started writing because I wanted to read stories I couldn't find elsewhere.
Ironically, I've never gone back and read any of my published books.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I left a comment for you.
Writing is so much a part of my life now, I can't imagine being without it. Whatever happens, and as long as head and heart allow, I'll continue. It's something that belongs to me, and I think we all deserve something we can call our own. I hope you keep writing, Richard.
Thanks, Valentina. My thoughts, too.
Thanks, Elizabeth.
As I read this post, I kept shaking my head up and down, and mumbling, "Yep. Yep. Yep."
It is magical. And what you describe is about writing with passion. Not allowing the whys or the rules to get in the way.
Write on, Richard. It's a beautiful thing. :-)
Thank you, Teresa.
I write because I love the creative process. I've always had stories going on in my head, so it's fun to flesh them out and make them "real".
Thanks, Donna
Lovely post, Richard. I'm still dreaming too!
Thanks, Emily
Those reasons pretty much sum up why I love writing, but I also write because I don't feel comfortable in my own skin if I don't.
Thanks, Misha; Yeah, part of it is that I can't not write.
I also write because I enjoy writing. Sometimes I think there's more to it, though. It's more like I have an urge to produce stories, and I guess I'll stop when that feeling goes away. :-)
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Dream, dream often, dream hard, dream until you make the dream come true! Writing is seriously rewarding.
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