7 Reasons Why Writers Write, and You Should Too

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1 Jonathan Isbill Follow Health & Nutrition Researcher, Ball State, Traveler, Motivator, Writer, Author, Entrepreneur, Harmonizer of Community, Soon RDN, Hopeful Fulbright Italy Oct 30, min read 7 Reasons Why Writers Write, and You Should Too Pen, Pencil, Tablet, or Typewriter.. As a writer in the company of fellow writers, there are countless reasons why we write, how we started, and why we continue. Each person has his or her own unique narrative behind the reasons to write. I think you ll soon see the value that writing brings to our lives, whether reader or writer. Hopefully, by the end of this piece, you may even decide to start writing yourself! We all have di erent reasons why we write, and I want you to realize a few things before we really dive into this. At the end of the day, there are some general themes among writers that are shared in this particular crowd, and why people decide to start writing in the rst place. 1/8

2 There is a search for something meaningful, a longing to create something of value. Within each writer there exists an artist s heart and the spirit to share that heart with the world. It is an intimate relationship that is formed between writer and reader. The words written upon the page provide a portal into the life of the writer. Whether the words are written with pen and pad or typed on a device, the owing stream of this experience and shared relationship would not be possible if it were not for the writer taking the rst step. Making the rst move, the writer takes a leap of blind faith, releasing their inner makings to the world for all to see. There is a great risk when it comes to writing, releasing content freely and openly. Content can be received graciously and given applause or simply dismembered and torn apart by readers and reviewers. As an artist, you put your time and attention to detail into your work. You work with heart, hustle, and dedication. Your exampled work is a display of yourself, and the love and desire behind what you create. You pour your heart and soul into what you create because it is a closely tied string back to yourself, it will forever be attached to you and it will forever be a piece of who you are. And even when the work becomes a gruesome toil, that artist is driven onward and upward, striving to provide something of value, something of excellence. When the reader begins scanning the words of the writer, this opens up the door for endless potential in that newly formed relationship. The ongoing reading of daily or weekly posts by a speci c author or writer or blogger presents a long-term commitment, and potentially a worthy investment of time. This investment can have many pay o s as a reader can begin reading not just as a typical consumer of content, but also as a genuine listener to the heart behind the words being written. In the shared experience between writer and reader, the writer invests into their readers by continuing to provide authentic and genuine content that he or she believes is worthy of being shared. 2/8

3 The reader invests into the writer by staying up to date with latest entries, posts, or publications while providing critically important insights of suggestion and constructive reviews for the writer to perfect his or her craft. There is such great risk within these steps back and forth however that causes many writers and many artists as well to become vulnerable to the thoughts and opinions of that audience. As a writer, I know what that risk looks like rsthand. I know what it feels like to forget why I even started writing in the rst place. I know what it feels like to lose myself in the words on the page. I also know what it feels like to produce solid content in a an emotional outburst with such transparency that its terrifying to consider releasing to the public and is often saved as a private draft for my eyes only. I know what it is like to be in the full ow of progressive thought and inspiration when opening the notebook or blank document to begin writing a new exciting piece I want to give to my readers. I know what it feels like to be running a race, hit that 3rd mile when it feels like I m ready to quit, then suddenly be hit with runner s high euphoria that helps me to keep going, to keep on running. In this case, to keep on writing. Writing is a journey. There are ups and there are downs. I m being honest. Writing is vulnerable, and it is risky. For some people, writing can feel impossible or even crippling (ever heard of writer s block?). Yet, I want to encourage you to think about writing or journaling for yourself if you don t already. There can be a great amount of personal and interpersonal growth achieved through the practice of writing, even if it is just for you, and not your audience which I would argue is always the safest place to rest in as a writer as to not lose yourself. 3/8

4 If you ve been thinking about writing for a while, but consider yourself too busy, too congested with life and overwhelmed, you re not alone. You don t have to worry. Writing can start with 2 5 minutes in the morning, or a just a few sentences before bed. Before you know it a few words string together to form a paragraph, a few paragraphs ll up a page. Now what? Where do you take your writing once you ll the page? You turn to the next page. A new blank slate. A fresh start, or the very next step along a voyage of value. With each new page is a brand new canvas for you to create, for you to write, for you to begin designing an adventure that is crafted completely by you. Each new page can be a new journal or even a continuation of writing you were jotting down on the page before. Pages upon pages can be written with practice and ritual, and you yes YOU can end up realizing that in fact you ARE a Writer and you ARE an Artist. Why Writers Write: To release their often complex and convoluted thoughts, providing an e ective source of grounding and stress release, taking a greater burden o of their shoulders To speak to an audience to get something o their chest To create and maintain relationships with people around the world To share their lives, their travel, their experiences To help readers by educating or inspiring an audience to develop any number of greater understanding, skills, or expertise in any 4/8

5 given topic from baking to mountain climbing to puppy training or parenting To nd rest and repose amidst an incredibly busy and bustling life an oasis found through the writing process and its fruition To nd themselves. out of a search through hundreds of thousands of letters, words, and phrases linked together by only one unique thread of commonality, that which is the writer who steps forward with pride and craftsmanship I challenge you. Step up to the plate and start writing today. Start with a few comments here and there, maybe even on this post you re reading. Start your own journal entry or grab that old dusty pocket journal that has been collecting dust in your closet all these years. Find the reasons why you want to write and run with it, and then stick with it. Go grab what educators of yesterday described as our greatest writing utensils and pick up a pencil even better if it needs sharpened and a thin, crisp, clean, sheet of paper and feel the power and freedom to create that you hold in your hands. Feel the push of that heart s plea to put something in your head or deep within your soul onto the tangible page sitting before you or that document on your device. Create something worthy of your signature. Create something worthy of readership. I guarantee that you won t regret it. My life changed when I started writing, and I m willing to bet that yours will too. In Good Works, Good Luck My Friends. Go. Write /8

6 One of The Writing Cooperative s top contributors just released a book. We d like to thank her for her contributions by promoting her book. Please check it out! 6/8

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