I write because when I don’t the flow stops. I write to find out what I need to hear. I write because there is a voice inside that gets otherwise drowned out by the noise in my head. I write to connect my mind and body. I write to give myself hope and carry me through the challenges. I’m sure there’s more reasons and fewer, that I write because it seems to be what’s in me to do now.
That resonates very strongly with me, especially on having a voice that is drowned out by the mix of thoughts that swirl in our minds. Writing is almost therapeutic. Maybe it is also has to do with the tactility of the writing process whether you're writing on a keyboard or with a pen, there is physical movement in getting your ideas on a page.
"It has become clear to me that life isn’t easy or difficult. It goes on like the endless tide and it is for us to seek the precious." I love this sentence, there is some much philosophical depth I see in the words and weaving between the words.
I am just now commenting because I didn't quite know how to articulate why I write, and I still don't think I am able to very well, but I'll give it a try.
I write to siphon out clarity from the mud.
I write to express my love for life, and to explore all of its splendid mysteries.
And I write to connect to others, as I tend to be anxious socially, and I feel I never adequately give to others my compassion in a clear enough voice. Maybe my unfiltered written thoughts can help express my caring without 'me' getting in its way. :)
Oh! And I write because it is like magic to see thoughts become sentences that at times carry in them stories and ideas that I swear came through me and not from me.
Thank you for your support in the shout out! Your attention to my work has meant so very much.
Thanks for sharing Renee. I can certainly relate to how writing fosters connection with people. I find writing liberating; it frees me from the manacles of my own mind. Due to the nature of my work, I do quite a bit of public speaking but none of it feels 'authentically me' until I make the effort to write something down without the pressures of a live audience and deadlines etc. I'm still teaching myself to be at ease in more structured settings.
There is also something immensely fulfilling about being genuine through words as you alluded to and letting ones compassion shine through. I'm reminded of a quote by the great Emerson: "He that writes to himself writes to an eternal public". I think it sums up your point well about how stories and ideas "come through us" rather than "from us".
Public masks we all wear are tricky. How to be respectful within the differing cultures, both national cultures and subcultures of various professions, and be authentic? It reminds me of the famous book called the 4 Agreements. I think it all goes back to that idea of feet planted on the ground, eyes to the vast sky. I'll be contemplating this one for awhile...
I write to see, I guess. The motivations are muddy in truth, and words do provide a certain clarity. But they are wily little things, those words. Yes, "words provide us with a torch to navigate through this darkness, because 'finding the words is another step in learning to see', as bryologist Robin Wall Kimmerer once wrote." Josh, when I read that sentence, another sentence came to my mind: "Speak that I may see thee." From playwright, schemer, sometimes malcontent, drinker of life and much else Ben Jonson. Writing does connect, doesn't it -- across time and continents.
Words are indeed wily little things! I think that learning to see is always in process but never complete. I guess there's something with words that allows one to ravel in that journey that promises no destination. That line by Ben Johnson is one of my favourites! Drinker of life, he was indeed! Writing is the bridge we need. I hope future generations will continue to see that inherent connection across time. Your comment has inspired me to revisit some of the classics.
Love what you said about Faulkner there at the end, Josh. Bravo—and may the Force be with you. I write because I cannot “not write.” Not writing would be the same as not breathing. I might continue to walk the planet, but I’d be a zombie. Writing keeps me connected to my soul and to the eternal present, the infinite now. As to purpose: I write to make a good art. To put beauty in the world. To feed the lake we call literature as best I can.
Best of luck to you in your writing journey. And thanks for the opportunity to engage with your story.
Welcome Andrew and thanks for reading. I definitely agree there is an immeasurable amount of mindfulness in the craft of writing; it allows you to savour the glory of the present. Great art is indeed food for the soul. All the best with your writing too and looking forward to reading some of your work. Cheers
Yes, Josh. The most important one is to set a specific time each day to write. This enable you to keep everything as is when you end your writing for the day. When you return the next day your creative side of your brain is ready and doesn't have to do the setup, which is much wasted time.
Words have impact. They are like toothpaste. Once they are out in voice or print, they cannot be put back in. For decades I wrote business presentations for training and development programs I teach. Last year I wrote my first romance fiction novel, The Lighthouse Beams under a pen name and self-published. www.kathiebaset.com This year I began writing bonniea.substack.com and have discovered other writers like you that give me a wealth of personal and business information. I totally liked this newsletter, which is why I subscribed. Your way of describing and your choice of words is enlightening and encouraging. You have a great writing style.
Welcome Bonnie and thanks for the kind words. I'm looking forward to checking out your book and Substack. Out of curiosity, given your writing experience in both business training programs and fiction, are there any similarities in both types of writing? I often wonder if writing as a skill has a few enduring features that carry over to any project, field or task.
I used to write sporadically, waiting for the right moment. Then I got a book contract and had to deliver 85,000 words in three months. I procrastinated until I only had one month, then wrote the whole thing. I don’t recommend this! But I found out that I was a writer and have not stopped in the forty years since I got that book contract. And it no longer feels like work. I’ve recently written about productivity in my newsletter at martinedic.substack.com (shameless plug).
Awesome to hear! 85,000 words in a month is a monumental achievement. I wonder if being in a pressure cooker scenario does mean that one has to focus solely on the writing and in your case it seemed to have uncovered your professional calling. I've found that having a creative licence to take the story where you want it to go does make writing all the more rewarding.
Thanks for sharing the link, I look forward to reading your work on productivity.
I read this on Sunday, and came back to it today. I have been thinking a lot about changing course and writing a newsletter that speaks to hope, and this piece inspires me to take some action in that direction. I always appreciate your writing and your perspective.
Thanks so much Bex. I enjoy your writing too. You have a way of narrating your experiences in life that really draws readers in - that connection to the reader (in my opinion) is often harder to achieve than it looks. I think your writing style will similarly shine if you launched a publication on hope. If you do, please let me know and I'll also share the link on here.
I didn't see the shout-out until the end--thank you! That means a lot. I feel similarly about yours, always look forward to it, and I think you've articulated a lot of the "why" here. Especially, perhaps, when it comes to the hope of the human heart, rather than the fear. I'm often prompted by fear but it's the hope that's found through the spill of writing. That tidal movement of life that you describe so well.
I love this line: "This publication has blessed me with the opportunity to interlock fingers with reality and walk by its side." What more, truly, can we ask of life? What more, truly, can we bring to it?
Beautifully articulated ` "it's the hope that's found through the spill of writing". I guess that is why I'm drawn to it. Serves as a reprieve from the fear mongering across our mediatised world. Writing for the sake of it (without the demands of publishers or research grants etc) has certainly brought me closer to life. Such a simple concept that, as you rightly said, is all we really need.
I write mostly because I'm compelled to write. The only way I can determine why I was created with that desire is to keep on writing. The purpose will eventually materialize and evolve, but just like Faulkner, if I'm able to lift a man's spirit in the process then the two work together. I hope you're writing for a long time Josh! I'm always encouraged by it :)
Thanks for the kind words Brian. I definitely agree. I started this publication without any idea what it would turn into. I guess life has a way of moulding our natural interests. I spent a lot of time pondering on what shape my writing would take but it the end it took a form I didn't actually plan or anticipate. Such is the beauty of writing I guess!
I write because when I don’t the flow stops. I write to find out what I need to hear. I write because there is a voice inside that gets otherwise drowned out by the noise in my head. I write to connect my mind and body. I write to give myself hope and carry me through the challenges. I’m sure there’s more reasons and fewer, that I write because it seems to be what’s in me to do now.
That resonates very strongly with me, especially on having a voice that is drowned out by the mix of thoughts that swirl in our minds. Writing is almost therapeutic. Maybe it is also has to do with the tactility of the writing process whether you're writing on a keyboard or with a pen, there is physical movement in getting your ideas on a page.
"It has become clear to me that life isn’t easy or difficult. It goes on like the endless tide and it is for us to seek the precious." I love this sentence, there is some much philosophical depth I see in the words and weaving between the words.
I am just now commenting because I didn't quite know how to articulate why I write, and I still don't think I am able to very well, but I'll give it a try.
I write to siphon out clarity from the mud.
I write to express my love for life, and to explore all of its splendid mysteries.
And I write to connect to others, as I tend to be anxious socially, and I feel I never adequately give to others my compassion in a clear enough voice. Maybe my unfiltered written thoughts can help express my caring without 'me' getting in its way. :)
Oh! And I write because it is like magic to see thoughts become sentences that at times carry in them stories and ideas that I swear came through me and not from me.
Thank you for your support in the shout out! Your attention to my work has meant so very much.
Thanks for sharing Renee. I can certainly relate to how writing fosters connection with people. I find writing liberating; it frees me from the manacles of my own mind. Due to the nature of my work, I do quite a bit of public speaking but none of it feels 'authentically me' until I make the effort to write something down without the pressures of a live audience and deadlines etc. I'm still teaching myself to be at ease in more structured settings.
There is also something immensely fulfilling about being genuine through words as you alluded to and letting ones compassion shine through. I'm reminded of a quote by the great Emerson: "He that writes to himself writes to an eternal public". I think it sums up your point well about how stories and ideas "come through us" rather than "from us".
Public masks we all wear are tricky. How to be respectful within the differing cultures, both national cultures and subcultures of various professions, and be authentic? It reminds me of the famous book called the 4 Agreements. I think it all goes back to that idea of feet planted on the ground, eyes to the vast sky. I'll be contemplating this one for awhile...
I write to see, I guess. The motivations are muddy in truth, and words do provide a certain clarity. But they are wily little things, those words. Yes, "words provide us with a torch to navigate through this darkness, because 'finding the words is another step in learning to see', as bryologist Robin Wall Kimmerer once wrote." Josh, when I read that sentence, another sentence came to my mind: "Speak that I may see thee." From playwright, schemer, sometimes malcontent, drinker of life and much else Ben Jonson. Writing does connect, doesn't it -- across time and continents.
Words are indeed wily little things! I think that learning to see is always in process but never complete. I guess there's something with words that allows one to ravel in that journey that promises no destination. That line by Ben Johnson is one of my favourites! Drinker of life, he was indeed! Writing is the bridge we need. I hope future generations will continue to see that inherent connection across time. Your comment has inspired me to revisit some of the classics.
Love what you said about Faulkner there at the end, Josh. Bravo—and may the Force be with you. I write because I cannot “not write.” Not writing would be the same as not breathing. I might continue to walk the planet, but I’d be a zombie. Writing keeps me connected to my soul and to the eternal present, the infinite now. As to purpose: I write to make a good art. To put beauty in the world. To feed the lake we call literature as best I can.
Best of luck to you in your writing journey. And thanks for the opportunity to engage with your story.
Welcome Andrew and thanks for reading. I definitely agree there is an immeasurable amount of mindfulness in the craft of writing; it allows you to savour the glory of the present. Great art is indeed food for the soul. All the best with your writing too and looking forward to reading some of your work. Cheers
Yes, Josh. The most important one is to set a specific time each day to write. This enable you to keep everything as is when you end your writing for the day. When you return the next day your creative side of your brain is ready and doesn't have to do the setup, which is much wasted time.
Words have impact. They are like toothpaste. Once they are out in voice or print, they cannot be put back in. For decades I wrote business presentations for training and development programs I teach. Last year I wrote my first romance fiction novel, The Lighthouse Beams under a pen name and self-published. www.kathiebaset.com This year I began writing bonniea.substack.com and have discovered other writers like you that give me a wealth of personal and business information. I totally liked this newsletter, which is why I subscribed. Your way of describing and your choice of words is enlightening and encouraging. You have a great writing style.
Welcome Bonnie and thanks for the kind words. I'm looking forward to checking out your book and Substack. Out of curiosity, given your writing experience in both business training programs and fiction, are there any similarities in both types of writing? I often wonder if writing as a skill has a few enduring features that carry over to any project, field or task.
I used to write sporadically, waiting for the right moment. Then I got a book contract and had to deliver 85,000 words in three months. I procrastinated until I only had one month, then wrote the whole thing. I don’t recommend this! But I found out that I was a writer and have not stopped in the forty years since I got that book contract. And it no longer feels like work. I’ve recently written about productivity in my newsletter at martinedic.substack.com (shameless plug).
Awesome to hear! 85,000 words in a month is a monumental achievement. I wonder if being in a pressure cooker scenario does mean that one has to focus solely on the writing and in your case it seemed to have uncovered your professional calling. I've found that having a creative licence to take the story where you want it to go does make writing all the more rewarding.
Thanks for sharing the link, I look forward to reading your work on productivity.
I read this on Sunday, and came back to it today. I have been thinking a lot about changing course and writing a newsletter that speaks to hope, and this piece inspires me to take some action in that direction. I always appreciate your writing and your perspective.
Thanks so much Bex. I enjoy your writing too. You have a way of narrating your experiences in life that really draws readers in - that connection to the reader (in my opinion) is often harder to achieve than it looks. I think your writing style will similarly shine if you launched a publication on hope. If you do, please let me know and I'll also share the link on here.
I didn't see the shout-out until the end--thank you! That means a lot. I feel similarly about yours, always look forward to it, and I think you've articulated a lot of the "why" here. Especially, perhaps, when it comes to the hope of the human heart, rather than the fear. I'm often prompted by fear but it's the hope that's found through the spill of writing. That tidal movement of life that you describe so well.
I love this line: "This publication has blessed me with the opportunity to interlock fingers with reality and walk by its side." What more, truly, can we ask of life? What more, truly, can we bring to it?
Beautifully articulated ` "it's the hope that's found through the spill of writing". I guess that is why I'm drawn to it. Serves as a reprieve from the fear mongering across our mediatised world. Writing for the sake of it (without the demands of publishers or research grants etc) has certainly brought me closer to life. Such a simple concept that, as you rightly said, is all we really need.
I write mostly because I'm compelled to write. The only way I can determine why I was created with that desire is to keep on writing. The purpose will eventually materialize and evolve, but just like Faulkner, if I'm able to lift a man's spirit in the process then the two work together. I hope you're writing for a long time Josh! I'm always encouraged by it :)
Thanks for the kind words Brian. I definitely agree. I started this publication without any idea what it would turn into. I guess life has a way of moulding our natural interests. I spent a lot of time pondering on what shape my writing would take but it the end it took a form I didn't actually plan or anticipate. Such is the beauty of writing I guess!
This is a great explanation! Please keep up your brilliant work! Cheers
Thanks so much Ivan. I've been printing out your stories on your newsletter to read in the evenings. Big fan of your work.
♥️