RTW: The Number One Reason
Today’s Road Trip Wednesday question from the nice people at YA Highway is a soul-searching, question. Perhaps the most important question a writer must ask him or herself. After all, the answer to this question can help a writer get through writer’s block, or even decide whether it’s worth going on after the 59th rejection email. What question has so much power? Here it is: What’s your numero-uno reason for writing?
There isn’t supposed to be a correct answer to this, and there shouldn’t be if we’re all honest with ourselves. But we know what we ought to say. I’m not going to go there. Let me be quite honest with you and say that the primary reason I write is because I have stories to tell and viewpoints to share, and this medium is the best way I know to do that. I’ve tried songwriting, but I’m a lousy lyricist. I can draw a little, but my brothers–heck, my own children–put my scribblings to shame! The written word has always been my forte, so this is the means I use. I’ve found this blog to be an excellent outlet, but there’s something about a good story that communicates to the hearts and minds of people better than a book of facts, arguments, and propositions (though I’ve read–and continue to read–a lot of very good books of that nature). Would I like to earn at least a modest side income from this? Sure. Would I like to have a gazillion people following me on Twitter, a bajillion hits on my blog, and a line of people wanting me to sign their copies of my book? Yeah, that’d be nice. I’d even enjoy being asked to do readings, and to talk to people who love what I write. But above all, this is, I believe, the way I communicate best. So that’s why I do it.
What about you? Assuming you write, why do it? And if you don’t write, why not? Have you ever wanted to but felt you can’t? Don’t forget to stop by YA Highway and check out what everyone else is saying. Have a great Wednesday!
Couldn’t agree more! Great answer 🙂
Love your take on this, Colin, and I’m so glad you’ve found the perfect medium for you to express your creativity!
Yes on the stories to share. That’s a big part of why I write too.
Great answer today. Telling stories and an outlet for the stories is important.
I definitely agree with you here. I’ve seen so many good RTW posts so far, and everyone seems to say sort of the same thing but in a way that makes you nod your head and say, “Yep, that’s part of it, too.”
I guess I never really noticed how much writing helps me communicate. Or how much of a stress reliever it is. Great post!
“There isn’t supposed to be a correct answer to this, and there shouldn’t be if we’re all honest with ourselves.” << Right there! That's the right answer 😉
Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my blog!
I really appreciate your answer. We all love and need to write, but we all hope there are readers out there to whom we are communicating…something. Something relevant or important. Even when the readers aren’t always there, it’s good to practice what we’re best at, so that when the readers DO arrive en masse (let’s hope they will) we are prepared and dazzling.
Communication. Yep. Writing works best for me too.
Yep. I agree with you completely. (And I’m pretty terrible at any other creative medium besides writing too).
A director I worked with once used a phrase I’ve never forgotten (she was describing a character who compulsively dictated his experiences to his secretary, who wrote them down for his memoir). The phrase was “narrative imperative”. We can’t help it–as a species, we turn our experiences into stories. I love that idea–and it definitely sounds like a “right” answer to me!
Yes. My artistic skills are severely lacking. So, if I have an image in my head, I can’t draw it, paint it, lyricize it, or sculpt it–but I can write it.
Stories to share. YES!
And I write because I love it. I need it in my life. And I can’t imagine my life without it.
I love your reasoning. I wish I would paint or dance–but I’m happy that I have writing and words to help me express myself.
Well said! I agree that there shouldn’t be one right answer. I have loved seeing everyone’s different takes on this today!
You realise you’ll have to share your scribbles now 😉
Communication. Good answer!
(Tell your daughter I’m sure the Zelda wait will be well worth it!)
I tried songwriting too! That didn’t really work out for me 🙂
It’s wonderful that you found your perfect way to communicate.
Yay, for knowing what you’re good what and what motivates you to reach your dreams. My sister, like your brother, is skilled with the visual arts, and everything she creates puts my art to shame….so words it is . May all your writing dreams come true.
“But above all, this is, I believe, the way I communicate best” <- Me, too! 🙂
Agreed – we all need a creative outlet, and I could tell early on that mine would not be through music or art!
THANK YOU!!! Sorry, I had to shout to make sure the top of the comment list could hear me. 🙂 Seriously, though, thank you to everyone that commented today. You know I love it when people comment on any of my articles (even if it’s just to say “hello, I just read your article!”) Of course, it’s wonderful when you say encouraging things, but even if you just say “hi,” it’s nice to know people are stopping by and reading.
Again, thank you all so much. And for anyone that comes along after this to comment, thank you in advance! Writers are the best. 🙂
Good point! The earliest stories were used to teach lessons (as my teachers and other seemingly-knowledgeable people have told me) . I think as children that’s how we digest morals best. Not from people blatantly telling us, “This is right, and this is wrong,” but seeing the consequences of actions. Christ himself taught in stories (parables).
I love this answer. Simple, but very honest. Great post!