My friend said, “I don’t know why I keep on writing. Nobody wants to publish my work. I should just quit. Poor me. Why me?” Okay, so my friend had a pity party. We’re all entitled to those once in a while. He didn’t realize it, but if my friend had focused on his first statement, “I don’t know why I keep on writing,” he might have found a way around his why-me woes.
Why do you write? Grab a piece of paper and make a list.
Have you wanted to write since you were five years old?
Do you dream of becoming the next Stephen King or of your children’s books winning Newbery Medals?
Do you write because you enjoy it?
Do you write to leave a legacy?
What do you love about writing?
What do you hate?
Do you write only to be published?
Do you write just wanting to earn money?
How does writing feel? Does it fill up your heart, or are you running on empty?
Do you dream of becoming the next Stephen King or of your children’s books winning Newbery Medals?
Do you write because you enjoy it?
Do you write to leave a legacy?
What do you love about writing?
What do you hate?
Do you write only to be published?
Do you write just wanting to earn money?
How does writing feel? Does it fill up your heart, or are you running on empty?
Whatever your reasons for writing, jot them all down. Then read your list and ponder your reasons. Really think about them.
Writing is about hope, perseverance, satisfaction, love, pleasure, faith and learning. Which of your reasons nourish these things? These are your best whys. Are they enough for you to keep on writing?
Writing is about hope, perseverance, satisfaction, love, pleasure, faith and learning. Which of your reasons nourish these things? These are your best whys. Are they enough for you to keep on writing?
If you’re brave enough, leave a comment and tell us: Will you continue to write? Why or why not? You never know; your reasons might inspire someone else who asks, "Why should I keep writing?"
What things there are to write, if one could only write them! My mind is full of gleaming thought; gay moods and mysterious, moth-like meditations hover in my imagination, fanning their painted wings. But always the rarest, those streaked with azure and the deepest crimson, flutter away beyond my reach. ~Logan Pearsall Smith
3 comments:
I've been making up stories since before I could write, and writing since I was in first or second grade.
I can procrastinate my writing,sometimes forever.
And I can take a break from writing so much, like right now, when I am spending more time outdoors and with my grands.
I can labor over writing and sometimes hate it or dread it, but the thought of quitting leaves me with an empty, sad feeling.
I can't Not write.
I can't not write either, Sherry, and like you, I sometimes procrastinate. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Jean:
I believe I write because I am called to. I have tried to not write and I felt something lacking in my spirit.
I may not get published in book form, but I know God uses my words to reach people and to help them with their concerns.
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