I write because there are stories in my head that I need to see through to some sort of end. If I didn't write, I'd probably be in really good physical shape, because I know I'd just spend all that time I am in front of a computer now, at the gym... training for a marathon.... (RIIIGHT). I probably won't ever stop. I already know it's a big stretch to ever get published... but I guess I really don't write for other people (though I'd like to)... I write for me.
Good question! I think I'll always write in some form or another, but at times just not as frequently...I'd get more sleep and probably just watch more tv. :) My house might (or might not) be a little more clean too.
Oh well sometimes I get so disheartened by all my efforts failing that I constantly question why I persist in thinking I can write a story!
:-)
When I get to that point, I know I need to take a break and do other things - even if it's just to read a book or a mag or just do non-writing things.
I don't think I could stop in the long run though - I think it doesn't help that I get quite good feeback with my writing course (it's a safe un-natural environment!) only to be knocked back again and again in the big bad real writing world!
So I sort of answered this question somewhere else recently and rather than write another response copied and pasted my answer here. Trying to be efficient (smiles).
I write because my life would be incomplete if I didn’t. It’s who I am and all I hope to be. It’s where I’ve been and where I long to go. It’s hope and love and faith and sadness and anger and resentment. It’s a story that will torture me until it’s told. It’s passion and forgiveness and a longing to share a part of myself with others. It might be a moment that touched me in a special way or a person who made a difference in my life. I’m inspired to write because the writing itself is the gift I give myself. All of this doesn’t mean it’s not difficult. It’s tough, and there are days when I feel like giving up. But it’s a love affair. Sometimes it’s great. Sometimes it’s not. But there’s a commitment to be the best I can be and do the best I can do. It’s a promise I made and one I intend to keep. So even on the days when my inspiration is thin and my willpower weak, I sit down and write and maybe, just maybe, someday others will read what I’ve written and it will mean something to them. Make them laugh or cry or get angry or rejoice. But it will make them feel and they will know they’re alive. That’s why I write.
If I was literally forced to stop writing, I'd make book trailers! It's so much fun and I think once I got more experience, I could become fairly decent at it! I would be so sad though, no writing would really hurt! :(
Great questions, Sharon! I write because I have to. It is the most healthy form of getting high for me :). If I didn't write fiction, then I'd be writing technical documents and software (which is still wirting, but in a totally different language -- it can be as creative). I don't think I can ever stop writing. It's an addiction! :)
I've always loved writing ... even if it is in the form of technical writing in the business world (policies, grants, etc.) ... so, I'd probably continue with that form of writing.
Kristin--Well said! It sounds like you are totally committed. :)
Kelly--I think I'd find something else to do before I cleaned my house. :0
PJ--You must write fiction! The Bahamas were beautiful. We didn't stay at Atlantis, but we toured the aquarium and the building.
Niki--I have a feeling you are like Susan...up at 3 a.m. writing. :)
Kitty--I sure didn't mean to make you eat chocolate today. :( I'm sorry!
Buffy--You are so right! There are highs and lows, both in the writing process and in the submission process. BTW...You've already made it!
Bish--You are so right...it can be a variety of things. :)
Wendy--You made me reflect on what I've always done. I've always written when I've been in turmoil, ever since I was a teenager...Thanks!
Hilary--OMGoodness, you really did your trailer on your own! It was exceptional. Your post yesterday with a copy of YOUR book was awesome too! Congratulations. :)
Terri--WTG! Determination and perspiration equal success. :)
Kelly--I give you props...I've tried grant writing....Ugh, no success.
I can't stop. Even though sometimes writing sucks up my life and soul and takes time from my kids... it also feeds a part of me that might die otherwise. I need to create and believe in things that don't exist but should.
Wendy S.--Thanks for stopping by. :) I get that way at times too...nothing else matters when you get in the zone. I love that you need to create thing that don't exist but should...
Nora--OMGoodness, how many days until Chautauqua? We have some hobbies in common...
I write because there are stories in my head that I need to see through to some sort of end. If I didn't write, I'd probably be in really good physical shape, because I know I'd just spend all that time I am in front of a computer now, at the gym... training for a marathon.... (RIIIGHT). I probably won't ever stop. I already know it's a big stretch to ever get published... but I guess I really don't write for other people (though I'd like to)... I write for me.
ReplyDeleteGood questions!
Good question! I think I'll always write in some form or another, but at times just not as frequently...I'd get more sleep and probably just watch more tv. :) My house might (or might not) be a little more clean too.
ReplyDeleteI want to go back to the Bahamas!
ReplyDeleteBut oh, yeah, why do I write? Because it's just so much fun!
Do more gardening, housework, exercise and sleep!! haha
ReplyDeletehi
ReplyDeleteOh well sometimes I get so disheartened by all my efforts failing that I constantly question why I persist in thinking I can write a story!
:-)
When I get to that point, I know I need to take a break and do other things - even if it's just to read a book or a mag or just do non-writing things.
I don't think I could stop in the long run though - I think it doesn't help that I get quite good feeback with my writing course (it's a safe un-natural environment!) only to be knocked back again and again in the big bad real writing world!
Oh goodness I feel all gloomy now! LOL!
Time for chocolate!!
:-)
Take care
x
So I sort of answered this question somewhere else recently and rather than write another response copied and pasted my answer here. Trying to be efficient (smiles).
ReplyDeleteI write because my life would be incomplete if I didn’t. It’s who I am and all I hope to be. It’s where I’ve been and where I long to go. It’s hope and love and faith and sadness and anger and resentment. It’s a story that will torture me until it’s told. It’s passion and forgiveness and a longing to share a part of myself with others. It might be a moment that touched me in a special way or a person who made a difference in my life. I’m inspired to write because the writing itself is the gift I give myself. All of this doesn’t mean it’s not difficult. It’s tough, and there are days when I feel like giving up. But it’s a love affair. Sometimes it’s great. Sometimes it’s not. But there’s a commitment to be the best I can be and do the best I can do. It’s a promise I made and one I intend to keep. So even on the days when my inspiration is thin and my willpower weak, I sit down and write and maybe, just maybe, someday others will read what I’ve written and it will mean something to them. Make them laugh or cry or get angry or rejoice. But it will make them feel and they will know they’re alive. That’s why I write.
I write because I enjoy writing. And "making it" is relative.
ReplyDeleteI've always written, so I don't know what I'd do without it. Probably become a stage actor so I could vent all the drama inside me.
ReplyDeleteIf I was literally forced to stop writing, I'd make book trailers! It's so much fun and I think once I got more experience, I could become fairly decent at it! I would be so sad though, no writing would really hurt! :(
ReplyDeletexoxo -- Hilary
Great questions, Sharon! I write because I have to. It is the most healthy form of getting high for me :). If I didn't write fiction, then I'd be writing technical documents and software (which is still wirting, but in a totally different language -- it can be as creative). I don't think I can ever stop writing. It's an addiction! :)
ReplyDeleteNope--I will never stop now even if I don't make it so to speak.:)) It's how I communicate best!!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved writing ... even if it is in the form of technical writing in the business world (policies, grants, etc.) ... so, I'd probably continue with that form of writing.
ReplyDeleteKristin--Well said! It sounds like you are totally committed. :)
ReplyDeleteKelly--I think I'd find something else to do before I cleaned my house. :0
PJ--You must write fiction! The Bahamas were beautiful. We didn't stay at Atlantis, but we toured the aquarium and the building.
Niki--I have a feeling you are like Susan...up at 3 a.m. writing. :)
Kitty--I sure didn't mean to make you eat chocolate today. :( I'm sorry!
Buffy--You are so right! There are highs and lows, both in the writing process and in the submission process. BTW...You've already made it!
Bish--You are so right...it can be a variety of things. :)
Wendy--You made me reflect on what I've always done. I've always written when I've been in turmoil, ever since I was a teenager...Thanks!
Hilary--OMGoodness, you really did your trailer on your own! It was exceptional. Your post yesterday with a copy of YOUR book was awesome too! Congratulations. :)
Terri--WTG! Determination and perspiration equal success. :)
Kelly--I give you props...I've tried grant writing....Ugh, no success.
Thanks for stopping by everyone! Happy writing!
I can't stop. Even though sometimes writing sucks up my life and soul and takes time from my kids... it also feeds a part of me that might die otherwise. I need to create and believe in things that don't exist but should.
ReplyDeleteI write because I need a creative outlet. If I didn't write I'd probably quilt, paint, or design gardens. Sometimes I do anyway! : )
ReplyDeleteWendy S.--Thanks for stopping by. :) I get that way at times too...nothing else matters when you get in the zone. I love that you need to create thing that don't exist but should...
ReplyDeleteNora--OMGoodness, how many days until Chautauqua? We have some hobbies in common...
Writing is a way of exploring so much of life. I'd always find some way to incorporate the communication of the written word into my life!
ReplyDeleteJoanne--Thanks for stopping by. :) Now I'm off to visit your blog. :)
ReplyDelete