Why Do We Write - A Love Letter to the Craft
8 Reasons why writing makes you a better human being
Photo by janeb13 on Pixabay
When I write fiction it’s like I get to go into a time machine and experience being a kid again. Writing allows me to escape the ‘real’ world and explore imaginary other worlds.
To me, writing is the ultimate grown-up form of playing. The best thing about being a writer is that you get to make up your own rules. You decide — well, at least at first before your editor has a go.
But in all seriousness, isn’t writing a wonderful thing? I mean, I get hired by companies to eat, but I write stories so I can live.
A while ago I wrote a love letter to reading. Now it’s time to write a love letter to my favorite activity.
#1: You never stop learning and growing
The more you write, the better you become at the craft. It’s a simple fact. Ask any writer.
“Writing is hard, but the more you write, and enjoy what you write, the better it gets.”— Alice Munro
When I compare my first few short stories with the most recent ones, I immediately see the difference. Characters have more depth, scenes feel more immersive. I need fewer words to invoke a feeling or emotion or give background information. I got rid of all those needless adverbs (thanks to Stephen King).
Another thing that helps you grow as a writer is not only to write more but to try new things as well. I write short fiction, long fiction, and non-fiction. I write about different topics and have participated in writing prompts. I write copy for companies. Invent brand identities and stories.
Writing more is like training a muscle and getting buff. Writing in different disciplines and topics is like yoga, you become more flexible.
#2: You become better at reasoning
Writing is thinking out loud, except you can hone your reasoning and polish your thoughts. The more you do this, the better you become at organizing your thoughts.
“Writing organizes and clarifies our thoughts. Writing is how we think our way into a subject and make it our own. Writing enables us to find out what we know — and what we don’t know-about whatever we’re trying to learn.” — William Zinsser
I find this is particularly true when I’m writing non-fiction. Just like in my fictional work, I want to bring a message across. The difference with fiction is that the message in fiction can be subtle. I can throw a ball up in the air and the reader has the option to catch it — if they see the ball coming.
In non-fiction, you have to make sure that your reasoning is sound and that it leads to a conclusion the reader can build upon or apply to his or her own life.
By editing my non-fiction work, I teach myself to think better. I become more organized in my reasoning. I’m learning to apply structured reasoning, which also seeps through in daily life and with conversations.
When you become better at reasoning on paper, you can teach your readers what you know.
#3: You start to learn what you care most about in life
“Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, is written largely in his works.” — Virginia Woolf
This is so true, it’s almost scary. They say Google knows all about us. But read between the lines of a writer’s work and you will find what makes them tick.
In all of my short stories, there’s this element of human connection. Most of my stories are about staying true to our humanity, humility and the acceptance of others.
When I write fiction, I try to imagine a possible future, take out elements I’d rather not see happening, zoom in on them and make people realize that we need to act now if we want to prevent the bad stuff from happening.
My blog posts vary a bit more. But there are common threads there as well. The will and urge to create and help others to create themselves. Sharing my writing journey by teaching what I’ve learned and tested.
Helping others find ways to deal with anxiety and worry. How I got out of it and learned to live with it.
Because of my background in business, I share a lot of marketing and freelancing tips too. Things that worked for me and might apply to others.
It comes down to some sort of teaching through my writing, although I’m a bit hesitant using that term. Perhaps I will accept that I’m a teacher once I (finally) launch my online course.
#4: Writing allows you to immortalize your dreams
Whether it’s a real dream, a daydream or a goal-related dream, by writing them down or by exploring them in your fiction they become immortal. To be read forever.
When a real dream of mine fascinates me, I usually write down what happened on my phone when I wake up. This has often inspired my stories.
During the day, when I’m awake and staring at nothing in particular, have a shower or read a book, inspiration sometimes takes me away. A sudden epiphany or idea can make me drop everything and jot it down feverishly only to expand on it later. This article was conceived this way too.
I want to be a full-time writer in both fiction and non-fiction. All I want is to live (comfortably) off of my writing in a world of constant creativity and creation. Actually doing it further fuels this dream and takes me places I could never have dreamed of.
This goal-directed dream spans dozens of articles. Articles that have reached many readers. Articles I turned into a book. A book I’ll turn into a course.
#5: You can escape in the worlds of your imagination
In life, we face many struggles and obstacles. Watching a TV series, reading a book, or working, we have many ways of escaping our troubles.
To me, the best escape is still to be found in my mind. Especially when I visit my fictional worlds. Anything is possible. There’s a sense of control I have there, which often lacks in real life.
The mind is such a wonderful place. Getting lost in your imagination. I recommend this to anyone, even if you’re not a writer: spend more time in your imagination. It’s a place of miracles and wonder. It’s like a drug, but without the negative side effects.
“You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” — Ray Bradbury
Another thing I noticed that the more time I spent in my imagination and writing stories from that place, I forget about time. I forget about responsibilities and enter a flow state.
Entering a flow state feels like there is no time or space, it’s almost like I’m floating. The striking thing is that I’m crazy productive as well. My muse speaks to me and I have the peace of mind to write down everything she dictates. It feels like I have magical powers. There’s this moment without noise and distraction.
#6: Writing and creating is like play
In the last few years, I experienced an increasing longing to play. To have the freedom to follow my curiosity, just like when I was a child. Adult life full of work and responsibilities made me feel rigid and I started resenting the daily grind.
Writing and creating is a form of play for me. Especially because I’m doing it because of my intrinsic motivations and that mysterious invisible guiding light.
Playing gives people joy. I find that in writing and the freedom to conjure up anything and explore.
The opposite of play is work and, according to the dictionary, even struggle. It’s not like I’m building sandcastles on the beach or climb trees anymore, but with writing, I’ve found a way to play and you can too.
#7: Writing and publishing your work enables you to connect with people around the world
Writing is a lonely endeavor. (Side note: another thing I’ve noticed, “endeavor” is one of my favorite words). I sit here typing away on my couch. There’s no one to disturb me except for my neighbor upstairs who screams occasionally.
When you publish a story, and when you have readers, something extraordinary happens. People can respond. It’s not like us writers stand on a stage and we get immediate feedback, like stand-up comics for instance. We have to wait and feedback is never a given — good or bad.
Once you publish, it may come. People who take the time to connect with you based on your work. I still can’t believe this happens every day!
Another thing that happened to me since I started writing and publishing (especially on Medium), is the number of like-minded people I met. Fellow writers. We find each other through articles, Facebook support groups, social media, comments, email, etc.
I’ve spoken to fellow Medium writers on the phone. Some I consider friends even though I’ve never met them in person. All because we write!
#8: You become better at making connections
When I write a short story I feel like I’m solving a puzzle. There are so many things to take into account. The challenging part is that you are the one making up all the pieces before you can solve it. What’s more, sometimes you haven’t even formed a picture of the end result!
As a writer, you have to make decisions. You have a plot and a sequence of events. To create a logical and compelling story, everything must align.
When this works, you have made a lot of connections.
The same holds for non-fiction work and especially if you base an article on research or external insights.
It’s hard making those connections, but the more you do it, the better you’ll become.
Do you feel the same? Which ones apply to you too? Do you have more reasons to add? Let me know in the comments.
