Writing Exercises: Why Do You Write?
Most writing exercises are designed to give you new writing ideas or hone your writing skills. This one asks you to look in the mirror and ask yourself a critical question:
Why Do I Write?
Every now and then I review all my projects and goals and spend some time determining which ones should be set aside and which are worthy of further pursuit. Inevitably, this always leads me to ask: What do I want to write? Am I a poet or a novelist? A copywriter or an essayist? A blogger or a journalist?
Why do I write anyway?
I recently mentioned that one of my goals is to write for change. Imagine reaching out and having a real impact on the world! Comics write jokes and then give the gift of laughter. Poets use words to captivate our imaginations, tickle our senses, and trigger emotions.
The Force That Drives
There are many forces that drive writers to the page. Some do it for love, for creative expression, or because writing is simply something they must do, a compulsion. Others do it for big money, for fame, or simply to make a living.
But it’s not easy to succeed as a writer. Wendi Kelly of Life’s Little Inspirations recently talked about writing a book, and she put it succinctly: “This is where self-discipline comes in I guess.”
On top of self-discipline, writers are competing in a field that’s saturated with dreamers and overrun with talent. Creativity is fleeting, gigs are sometimes scarce, and far too many novels end up half-finished and buried in the bottom drawer.
Intent to Succeed
For those of us who intend to succeed, to finish that novel, get that poem published, or earn a living wage as a freelancer, it’s imperative that we stay focused. Writing is also one of those endeavors that lends itself exceptionally well to distraction.
One trick for staying focused is to keep your eye on the ball.
Always know where you are in relation to your goals, but more importantly, always remember why you are on the field. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves what our real goals are. Other times, we have to remember why we set those goals in the first place.
Writing Exercises
Fridays at Writing Forward are all about writing exercises. This week’s exercise is a little different, and it’s very simple. All you have to do is answer one question:
Why do you write?
If you have any writing exercises to share, feel free to post them in the comments or send them in as a guest post.
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[...] read an interesting post at In the Mirror which asked the question: why do you [...]
The short answer is that I write because I have things to say to an audience.
The somewhat longer answer is that I write because I see it as a necessary step in my growth as a person. Writing is an exercise in self-actualization to me. I was a content consumer for most of my life and I’ve thought about it enough that I’m wanting to create my own. So I do. I also have a dream of being good enough at this and sufficiently networked to make this a much more significant part of my life, including making it a big part of my livelihood.
Plus it’s fun to make things.
Mark Dykemans last blog post..Are you a sequential or random-access doer?
I write because I adore words, and there’s few things better than dribbling around with them.
Hi Melissa. I always say that I love to write because I like playing with words, sharing and expressing myself. And with blogging I can now also add connecting with people to that list and aiming to earn some $$$$ too. But I think below all that is that it keeps me searching and uncovering more.
Davinas last blog post..Free Spirit My Ass!
I write because I am endlessly fascinated by words, and by the power of language. I write to understand myself and my world. I write for the feeling of accomplishment I get, having written. I write because it makes a few of my friends smile to read my words, and bringing those words to a larger audience gives me a goal to structure parts of my life around. And most of all, I write because when I’m not writing, it feels as if something’s missing.
Bill Womack – Words for Writerss last blog post..No way. No how. No blank check.
“Why do I write anyway?”
Lately, I have been considering deleting my thousands of pages of journals and stories and even my website — something I have never thought to do. What have they brought me? Sometimes I think more misery than anything else, especially when the significant other gets a hold of the private or creative ones; it’s been the grand finally to a few relationships. What good is writing in circles and having evidence of repetitive bad choices or putting loving relationships at risk?
Writing for the Internet (as opposed to print or private) has been a strange experience where you get direct and immediate feedback, sometimes thankless and unpleasant. If you write in part to help people, like I do, and they don’t want your help, then what is the point?
The only thing that keeps me going is that maybe I am a light to someone as certain writers have been the light to me, lifting me up when I am down, showing me knew ways of thinking, or helpful life tips. Every time I am on the verge of throwing in the towel, that someone speaks up, and so I press forth against the odds and practicality.
Without connecting the bridges of our knowledge, where would future generations be? We are obliged to pass down information and what we have learned, whether they want it or not… I guess.
screenwritingforhollywoods last blog post..Milk Drops Keep Falling on My Head
@Mark, I think the reason I started writing is because it’s fun to make things
Now there are many reasons, but I think the number one reason is to connect with others.
@Writer Dad, Playing with words! I enjoy that too and wish I could do more of it. That’s how poetry writing is for me (at least the revision process), a whole lotta play.
@Davina, The more reasons we have to write, the more driven we’ll be to get the writing done. You have lots of great reasons!
@Bill, You have lots of reasons like Davina, but the last one you mentioned strikes a chord for me: “when I’m not writing, it feels as if something’s missing.” I feel the same way about writing, and dancing too
@Jaden, That is exactly why the journals I keep on the computer are password protected. Actually, I’m not sure if the passwords transferred to the Mac. (Just checked – yes they’re still protected). Some things just aren’t meant to be shared, even with a significant other. I don’t know why you’d delete SFH. It’s a great resource for screenwriters and all the commentators I’ve seen there are very friendly and appreciative. When nasty people leave comments, just delete them and remind yourself it’s THEM spreading the nasty, not you.
Why do I write?
- It’s a creative outlet that allows me to express myself. More so than any other activity I know.
- I love the response I get when I make people laugh. It makes me happy.
-I’m not sure exactly what my calling is (i.e. what I’m MEANT to do with my life). But I think it involves writing some way.
- It’s an achievable (i.e. not totally impossible) means by which I can break free from my present boring job, and earn enough money as an author, and be able to pursue my dream of traveling and being a ski-bum.
Because I tried for 30 years not to and it didn’t work.
Why do I write? Let’s see…
Because I must. I can’t stop. Life demands that I write. There is always something to say because there is always a heart breaking, a life in turmoil. Life inspires me to go to my writing space every day and engage in my passion so that my words will find their way to the readers who need to hear them.
I write because it is my purpose and my joy.
I didn’t want to take up a disgustingly large amount of space, so I wrote on my own blog why I write, and I’m sure you’ll check it out sooner or later. A few points I left out is that I’m soon going to start learning Spanish, and with that, I’ll be able to communicate and create in another language and reach out to more people.
I also have a deep love for words, twisting and tweaking them to my liking like magic. But I just love to entertain and make people laugh. Often I’m called crazy, but doing it keeps me sane.
The main point is I write because I have to.
@ Jaden, I’d be so sad if your blog suddenly disappeared tomorrow. Don’t go or else you won’t get the cookies.
@ Friar, that pretty much sums up why I write too, which is probably why I enjoy reading your blog so much.
Writing makes me feel creative.
:):)
I write because I want to create, and writing has always been the most natural medium for me.
Hi Melissa – I write because I enjoy it I guess. The trouble is, I struggle to write everything I want to write. I got into a muddle with my novel and it’s so difficult to get back on track.
Melissa, I find myself not asking why but what moves me on a fairly regular basis. I love writing but when you do it for a living you are faced with writing becoming work . Yes, it can be work that you love but for me there is still a separation between my work and personal writing goals. I am fortunate to write for a living. I happen to love it and I have found a nice snuggly fit that has also expanded my horizons beyond what I ever anticipated. However, I am still faced with defining and achieving my personal writing goals and finding time to do both.
Excellent question. I write to sort out my own thoughts and lessons. On the page, when I give a concept words, everything becomes more clear and tangible.
And then, on the purely practical side of things (let’s be honest!) I blog for website traffic, which leads to more clients and book sales. But that’s not why I started writing – these things were just added bonuses.
Blessings,
Andrea
I write because it helps me to organize my thoughts, it helps me to edit my thinking, it helps me to see connections between ideas that were dancing around in different parts of my brain and would probably never have come together if I hadn’t set them down on paper, and because it helps me to create a record of where I’ve been, where I am, and where I hope to go.
@Friar, I so admire you gift of making people laugh. I think comedy is one of the most difficult things to accomplish in writing (which is why it’s so scarce) and your talent will definitely give you an edge if and when you pursue professional writing.
@Deb (gscottage), I love your answer! Just goes to show that writing, for many of us, is a compulsion and a calling.
@Cheryl, You are definitely someone with the calling, but more importantly, someone who heeds that calling
@t. sterling, Your post was wonderful! I think many, if not most, writers feel the same about writing.
@Coby, Indeed it does! Creativity is rarely given the importance it deserves on the world/academic stage.
@Zoe, That is one of my reasons too. I love being creative and writing is the most natural path to creativity for me.
@Cath, I have a confession. I’m super stuck on a political article I’ve been writing for over two weeks. I think the reason I’m stuck is because it’s extremely important to me to communicate clearly, effectively, and with fairness. I’m laboring over every word and simply not getting it done. I think we all have our own reasons for getting stuck in the middle of different projects but what matters is that we find a way to get unstuck. I’m still working on that…
@Karen, Me too! There is a clear line between the writing that I do for business and my personal goals for writing (poetry, novel, articles, etc.). I’m always looking for time, a way to get my work done and then still have time left over to work on my personal projects. If only there were more hours in the day!
@Andrea, I used writing as a tool to organize my thoughts or gain clarity on my feelings for many, many years. Sometimes, I still do. Journaling is fantastic for that!
@Marelisa, Augh! All those thoughts slamming around in my brain! I have to write to sort them out. Sometimes I really feel like when I get the words onto the page, my mind feels just a little lighter. Funny how that works!
Although I confess that I mostly write to make a living, there’s nothing like that feeling of accomplishment that comes from creating something out of nothing — something great, that is!
@Rebecca, It’s sort of a magical feeling, isn’t it
Melissa, it’s time, it’s time! NaNo has relaunched and things are heating up!
@Deb (gscottage), Yes, and aren’t you excited? I am!
I think I write to get emotions out of me that don’t come out in other ways. Wow, I’m kind of surprised by that answer. I used to write a lot in high school and shortly thereafter, but hadn’t done so in quite a few years until earlier this year. I probably should have kept writing all along as it may have deterred a depression I had to deal with but I’ll never know, but now I know I can write whenever I want to for whatever reason I want to and it’s ok!
@Jenny, I bet simple self-expression brings a lot of people to writing. I do know that many of us got our start with writing by keeping journals and diaries, so it would make sense. Just remember, you can always start writing again, whenever you want and whenever you’re ready! Even if you break away, it’ll always be there, waiting for you.