Why do you write? Do you ever wonder why your favorite authors write? Let’s explore why writers write, and how some become authors and others don’t.
Why do writers write? The psychology behind both creative and technical writing.
One of my favorite writing educators online is K. M. Weiland and if you aren’t following her newsletter you should. She wrote an article 4 (Possible) Reasons Why We Write
She found that what the compulsion to write is ineffable (too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words) isn’t that a great word. We just do it and we all have our own reasons. I found a book on Amazon Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do by Meredith Maran. Contributing authors include:
Isabel Allende
David Baldacci
Jennifer Egan
James Frey
Sue Grafton
Sara Gruen
Kathryn Harrison
Gish Jen
Sebastian Junger
Mary Karr
Michael Lewis
Armistead Maupin
Terry McMillan
Rick Moody
Walter Mosley
Susan Orlean
Ann Patchett
Jodi Picoult
Jane Smiley
Meg Wolitzer
Writing joins us to a community of the link and unlike
Writing lets us unmask ourselves... to ourselves.
Writing Tells us Who we are and what life we’re living
Writing lets us speak the truth.
The University of Nottingham of the UK attempts to give a more concrete reason why we write.
“The primary reason for writing anything is to communicate with others, to stimulate interest or action from the reader. You may also use writing to help you to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. While at University a key way of assessing the progress and learning of students is via the written work you produce.When we write, therefore, we are either writing for ourselves or we are writing for others.
Writing for ourselves
When we write for ourselves it helps us to think, learn and understand. Writing for ourselves is a private affair though it may be shared with others.
Writing for others
When we write for others it is usually for assessment or publication for a wider readership”
They give a few key benefits to writing
It is fixed and is therefore more permanent and you can keep going back to the piece to gain benefit from a reread.
Looking at what you’ve written can help you learn more about your writing style.
You are able to re-draft and refocus your message unlike spoken communication.
Writing is something that you can constantly learn from, and cumulatively feedback and reflection can help you develop as a writer.
Writing sometimes has more impact than other forms of communication.
Colleen of Inspired Forward wrote an article 30 reasons why writing is important in 2019
Writing is an essential communication skill
Writing every day builds discipline
Creative writing engages both sides of the brain
It helps you think through problems
Written word influences society
We wouldn’t have our history without writing
Everyone has a book inside of them
Journaling benefits mental health
You’re more likely to achieve written goals
Improvements come from practice
Well-written works are respected more
All excellent communication stems from excellent writing
Your thought will be more organized
It gets your to-dos out of your head
Writing clarifies your ideas for yourself and others
The audience matters
Writing forms bonds with others
Writing is a legitimate career
Writing is an important work skill
Written reflection helps us define better paths forward
Writing your fears and worries shrinks their impact
Concise writing quickly transmits ideas
Writing cements ideas
Regular writing improves vocabulary and other communication skills
For some, writing is a fun pastime
Writing lets you explore other options
Understanding how to write can help you read between the lines
Every single company needs good writers
Writing improves social skills
No one else can write like you
Want to write your novel in just two months? Join the 60-Day Novel Writing Challenge!
Author and editor Halie Fewkes (also my book editor!) hosts the 60-Day Novel Writing Challenge four times a year.
Participants can upgrade to Professional Premium for group accountability coaching with me, and a chance for 1:1 attention on your mindset about writing.
Why do some writers become authors but others don’t?
Sharon Zink wrote an article about this very subject 97% of Writers Never Finish Their Novels: Here’s Why
Starting a novel when you’ve never even finished a short story before. Personally I disagree with this one because most of us have been in some form of education and I’m sure we’ve asked to write poems, short stories, and essays as an assignment. Also this doesn’t take into fact that a short story format is handled differently than a novel or novella format.
Just kinda sorta wanting to write a book. I agree I’ve heard that the difference between a writer and a author is that the author sits in the chair even when the writing gets hard. Like any other form of skill it requires regular discipline.
Thinking planning is for towns not books. I agree this kind of thinking does make writing a novel difficult. Yes some authors are successful pantsers (fly by the seat of their pants writers) often these authors have several books under their belt. It is suggested to plan out your novel there is a lot of prep work that goes into preparing for a successful novel.
Believing that because you write, you need and deserve to be published. I disagree anyone has the right to be published hince the indie publishment movement yes some authors need to work on their developmental editing, line editing, and general editing but that doesn’t mean their dream isn’t achievable.
Are you getting ready to write with us this November? Check out all our NaNo Prep resources.
On the Wings for Writers Event Calendar join us on Discord, Facebook, IG, and Twitter. Sign up for the Newsletter here
If you are an author and would like to join the giveaway sign up here
What are your August plans?
Mine are
-Developmental Edits for If the Seas Catch Fire
Comments