Friday, October 29, 2010
Reasons for Writing
Writing for the right reasons is as important as writing well. Do you write because you have something to prove to yourself or others or because you have been told you have talent or skill? Do you write with the hope of fame or fortune or for the status of calling yourself a writer? There are many reasons people choose to write, but none is as important as writing for the love of language. You may be able to write a technically perfect piece of writing, but if there isn't any heart in it, it will fall as flat on readers' ears as a dischordant note. What makes writing truly great writing is when it reflects the love a writer has for syntax, for rhyme, for alliteration, for nuance. In the same way that a dancer loves the movement of muscle and sinew and lives to be able to produce certain motions, a writer must love the movement of language and live to be able to produce certain sounds. Language must be music to a writer's ear. It must flow and sing and move the writer above the fray. To write because there is nothing else that means as much is the reason that will make all the difference between mediocrity and excellence. Think about why you write. Is it for the right reasons?
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The desire to write is the longing to communicate,whether expressing an opinion in a letter to the editor,a word of encouragement to a friend in need,or an essay that develops a particular insight. A letter, written 'with heart', just might be our most important writing we ever do. I believe the heart of writing is in its intent to develop a relationship between reader and writer just as a performer relates to his or her audience. Without an audience the performance falls flat and is much more difficult. I keep a notebook on quotes regarding reasons for writing. "Writing is about the desire to connect with people." And, on a lighter note, "Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted." I believe the love of language develops alongside the need to communicate.
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteYour words contain a lot of wisdom. Without that desire to connect, most of us wouldn't have the motivation to create in the first place. I have also often thought that perhaps my love for writing stems from my need to not be interrupted! Thanks for your insight!
Brenda