Why Write? Is Anyone Out There Listening To Me Or Am I On An Ego Trip?
Posted: Saturday, April 03, 2010
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
Why write?
( Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. ~Rainer Maria Rilke)
Lately I have been asking myself this question: Why write? I am not trying to be negative but my chances of ever having a best seller or even a published book are few. Every time I think I have targeted a small publisher for my teen novella, I am overwhelmed by what the publisher wants and doesn't want.
So I have to ask myself, do I write to appease my ego or do I just have something to say?
When I think of not writing, my life feels empty. I need to tell others how I fell about certain subjects. I need to write poetry. I enjoy putting words together for an idea that perhaps no one has thought of before.
It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment? For the moment passes, it is forgotten; the mood is gone; life itself is gone. That is where the writer scores over his fellows: he catches the changes of his mind on the hop. ~Vita Sackville-West.
I have discovered that I do know more who I am by the act of writing. Alfred Kazin, Think, February 1963 said it like this: The writer writes in order to teach himself, to understand himself, to satisfy himself; the publishing of his ideas, though it brings gratification, is a curious anticlimax. ~
I am reading more now because: If you read good books, when you write, good books will come out of you. Natalie Goldberg.
I will never be defeated because: Life can't ever really defeat a writer who is in love with writing, for life itself is a writer's lover until death - fascinating, cruel, lavish, warm, cold, treacherous, constant. ~Edna Ferber, A Kind of Magic, 1963
I ask myself lately, who am I? Gracycie Harmon explains that in this way: Writers are just people who have a whole lot on the inside that they need to get to the outside, with pen and paper as their preferred method of transport. Same with dancers, artists, and singers - all the same urges with differing transportation.
Do I write for my own ego? I have to honestly say my ego is involved. I look at my statistics and am happy when others have read my work. If that is an ego thing, then I am guilty.
Now that I have fulfilled my "writing fix" for today, I am happy. I am happy until next time when I'll be asking myself: Why write?
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More commentsHi Fran again you come up trumps with an interesting piece. Thanks for sharingKeep wellKacy
Maybe her writing is just a byproduct of insights she is integrating. Insight is the creative aspect. How to produce insight? A question well worth pursuing.Best.....e
Fabulous article! I really enjoyed while reading!
I love these quotes, Fran. And there are definitely people listening to you!Thanks so much!
Great quotes Fran and thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I think we have to write just for ourselves but it's always good to know that other people are taking note of what we have to say!I love quotes and use them in almost all of my articles. You are right - we have to write for ourselves. Thanks for your comments.
I don't care why you write Fran. But I'm glad you write. You write from your heart, and it shows in your articles. It makes them enjoyable to read. I hope you continue to write for a long time.Thanks, you made my day!Fran, something strange is happening when I comment. The last comment was from me. :)Thanks, Brianna. I will report that something is not right.
Hi Fran.I think I write for a couple of reasons. One is that it is just plain fun. And that anyone reads what I write is a hoot! The other one is more important to me. Just yesterday I wrote something that helped me to figure out what was bothering me. It let me get a better perspective on it by trying to explain my position to a posited reader.But basically, I think we writers write because we have something to say and we just gotta say it.I always enjoy your articles,DianneDianne, I know what you mean. Writing sometimes helps me to figure out what is troubling me, also. Yes, it is fun and most days I need my writing "fix'" . I never dreamed that one day I would be writing articles and short stories, but as I grow older, I seem to zero in on who I really am. Thanks so much for your comments and encouragement.
I like the conclusion you've reached: that you will continue to write regardless. You're such a gifted writer, Fran... You have touched many of us here with your word craft. Almost 100% of the time when I see a new article from you, I am pulled in to read, though I don't leave comment every time.Like you I write for the love of writing more than any gain. But there have been times of gain, even if not monetary. Like earlier today when I received an email from a men's ministry group leader in Wisconsin asking permission to use excerpts from my writing for his men. That's the kind of fulfillment that motivates me like you know what. ~mogama~Mogama, You are the best! You are so encouraging to me. Thanks for the great compliments. Thanks also for reminding me it isn't about money. Your writing is also phenomenal! I wish the best always for you!
We are all unique. When we write we present ourselves to others who read our writings; who would otherwise not know us at all. We, in turn, know other human beings by what and how they write. It's how we socialize; and in doing so we also learn about ourselves. My favorite of the quotes you inserted was the one by Alfred Kazin. Insightful article- Thank you- Always-Ella
Fran, I was scanning some old articles and this came up-Boy, this really hit the spot.
Bing
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