This is a question I've asked myself a great deal in recent years, and no doubt others with an interest in writing have as well. I mean, it generally feels so much easier not to write, not to bother, and to excuse myself by saying, "Ah, everybody today is busy with their tweets, texts, reality TV, video games, or what have you. Are they really going to care what I have to say?
On a deeper level, I know those sorts of thoughts are not accurate. I know that things I have written have touched people: they have told me so. If you are a published (or unpublished) writer, your experience may be similar.
What is more, I know for a fact the difference other peoples' writings have made in my own life. Some of those books, articles, and web postings have been, almost literally, life saving.
So there, already, is the beginning of an answer to the question, "Why write?"
Much more could be said--particularly if, like me, you profess to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Check here again in a week or so as we explore this and similar questions further.
Hmmm... good question. I think for me one answer has always been "because I can't NOT write," but there is, as you say, deeper reasons to why I write.
ReplyDeleteI know well that feeling when it comes to writing in journals, private e-mails, etc. Maybe my question really is: "Why go to all that bother of writing for the PUBLIC?" That, for me is what can feel hard--even though I've known it to be rewarding in the past.
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