Why Write?
I write because it’s the way I synthesize what I’m learning at the time.
I write because I hate to lose things and writing them down is a way not to lose them.
I write because on a good day, my pen is like a dousing stick that finds a well of meaning I can drink from.
I write because I’m curious to see what I’m going to say next.
I write to know and be known.
I write because I think when we leave this world only our stories endure. I might as well set the record straight.
Because I love language the way a mathematician loves numbers and a witch loves spells.
Because getting the right words in the right order is like figuring out the combination that opens a locked safe where unknown valuables are stored.
Because I’m a kinesthetic hands-on learner and writing is a good building project.
Because I can do it lying down.
I write to give my hand something useful to do.
I’m better at it than I am at talking.
Why do you write?
Comments
I just really really like this post. You have captured it all and well-written. The only thing I would add is that I write because I have to. It is like breathing.
Posted by: Tabor | April 24, 2009 10:56 AM
If I don't I feel sick!
Posted by: colleen | April 24, 2009 11:15 AM
I love this! I'm going to give this post a shout-out on my blog right now!
(NetChick sent me!)
Thomas :)
Posted by: Thomas | April 24, 2009 11:28 AM
Hey Colleen... Love that word "kinesthetic" -- good one!
I write because I love connecting people. And, the bonus is that I get to meet some really amazing people, like you!
Like you, it's very cathartic for me to share (mostly for myself, actually) my life... The highs and the lows.
Thanks for joining us over at the Meet n' Greet -- Always great to have you there.
Posted by: Tanya (aka NetChick) | April 24, 2009 11:29 AM
Love this one:
"I write because I think when we leave this world only our stories endure. I might as well set the record straight."
Posted by: kenju | April 24, 2009 4:24 PM
I write to amuse myself. Because i love to play with words and try and make the words form an image in my head. I like to try and share that image.
I write because it's a great way for an introvert to interact with people on her own terms.
Nice post.
Posted by: meno | April 24, 2009 5:19 PM
I write for all of those reasons you wrote about. But sometimes I write because I have to. It is a conditioned response to both internal and external stimuli.
Tanya sent me, and it has been far too long.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Althouse | April 25, 2009 1:10 AM
yes! ditto. I'd add to it that by shunting off some of my thoughts to writing, it relieves the pressure and means I can be mellow enough to listen and not talk over people face to face.
Posted by: Pearl | April 25, 2009 8:46 AM
I think I write because it slows down my raging thought process speeds to where they make more sense. ( this comment is not meant to be an example of that) hehe
I write because I can't seem not to
Posted by: david - living in the tree house | April 25, 2009 9:18 PM
What a great question. I write because I hope it influences readers sometime, somehow, in a way that makes the world a better place. ps: @netchick sent me.
Posted by: nancy (aka moneycoach) | April 25, 2009 9:32 PM
Writing: Do it lying down.
My new motto.
I enjoyed this very much, Colleen.
Posted by: SandyCarlson | April 25, 2009 10:18 PM
I enjoyed it too!! xo
Posted by: Sherry | April 25, 2009 10:38 PM
Writing has become a therapeutic outlet for me. When I empty my heart from my own stories, I notice new ideas and stories come. I therefore write to be able to write again. :)
I love this list Colleen. :)
Posted by: kikit | April 26, 2009 9:28 AM
So many great additions to the list. I agree that the more you write the more you can write and with what Pearl said about writing shunting off the pressure that can cause us to talk over people. I also write/take notes because if I don't I forget everything I've just thought of.
Posted by: colleen | April 26, 2009 9:35 AM
This is a wonderful list, Colleen. I can really relate to the last one on your list. People who have read my writing are often surprised when they meet me because I am so quiet and sometimes almost tongue-tied. So I guess I could say that writing loosens my tongue---on paper, at least. Also, I write because I can't afford psychotherapy!
Posted by: Beth | April 26, 2009 10:35 AM
I really like your reasons for writing. Especially the 5th one. I also write to know and be known. That's probably my only reason!
Posted by: Poe | April 27, 2009 10:31 AM