Last night, I did a Google search on “why do we write,” and here is what the first search result that popped up maintained.
According to the University of Nottingham, “The primary reason for writing anything is to communicate with others, to stimulate interest or action from the reader.” The article also highlighted that writing is used to help us reflect on our experiences and learn from them.
So…why do we write?
There was a time when I thought I knew in uncertain terms why I decided to employ the art of writing as a means of expression. Presently, I am less self-assured as to why I write anything.
It is not like the topics I write about have become less relevant or meaningful.
For example, I enjoy writing about personal development because I desire to see others live to their highest potentialities. But this is where art and intent become somewhat unresolved.
That is, can one help others achieve a state that he himself has yet to reach?
On the one hand, there is a part of me that feels unqualified to write on certain subjects because I have not fully developed into the person I encourage others to be. On the other hand, there is another part of me that believes I am growing into that person, that essence, which I write about.
Perhaps, our focus should be less on uncovering our hidden motives for putting pen to paper, and simply enjoy the process of self-discovery and the journey of becoming.
Why do you write?
Featured image credit: Matryosha
As many authors have said in different ways, I write to discover what I’m thinking. The process of writing always reveals new insights that aren’t necessarily revealed through conversation or thought. There is a magic that happens during the writing process (on good days—other days it can be like sitting in the dentist chair).
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Donna, self-discovery and thought process recognition are indeed magical happenings in the writing sphere. I love the idea of “new insights…” which is definitely something I can refocus my attention on. Thanks for sharing.
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I write to get it out.
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Nan, if you don’t mind, could you expound on what exactly you are getting out through writing? Thanks.
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I write to release what I otherwise cannot release.
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Are you using “release” in a therapeutic sense? Or “release” as in the explosion of thought into reality based on our own experiences?
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Some things just have to be written down. We all think we have something relevant to offer or say, whether it is in a long, well thought out article or – as more is the case these days – an ill-thought-out, emotional response to something on social media. I write both from an artistic standpoint – stories, scripts – and a social commentary view. I suppose I am just opinionated.
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The art of creating does indeed involve others, and perhaps to a greater degree, one’s own self. There is so much beauty, passion, and aliveness in the communication of ideas.
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