Why do you Write?
Is it this?
“Fortune and Glory” – Short Round
I hope not, but I suppose for more than a few people it is one or both of those things. I’ve found myself driven to hope and dream for both before. There’s an oft-referenced statistic that claims 80% of Americans believe that one day they will write a novel. Chances are, they are thinking more about money (fortune) or their name in print (glory) than this:
There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein. – Walter Smith
I’ve felt that way. A lot. A complete draining of mind, body and spirit that takes nearly everything out of me.
And those times, fortune and glory don’t mean a pittance. But you carry on.
But why carry on?
For me, this about sums it up:
“Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!” – 1 Corinthians 9:16 (NLT)
Yep. I write because I am compelled to write. I cannot not write.
Or at least, that’s what I strive for. The fortune and glory part looks really good far too often…
How about you?
Popularity: 8% [?]
If you liked this post, subscribe to my RSS feed, or subscribe via Email.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 am
To be a part of something beautiful, something part of God.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I write to clear my head or work out my mind. I write because I have something that I have to let out of me. I write because I am compelled to write. The thought of fortune is highly doubtful and I’ve heard the greats say that glory is as much burden as pleasure. I take pleasure when others gain something from my words, but ultimately I just write because I need to.
February 23rd, 2008 at 7:51 am
Heather, well put.
L, too true. Not only are fortune and glory highly doubtful, but they are never what we imagine. And yet I’ve seen books on writing that use visualization techniques to inspire writers by suggesting that one should close their eyes and imagine their name in lights or that first royalty check.
That bothers me so much that I’m turning what was my comment here into another post.
Thanks for spurring some thought.
I noted in my post that fortune and glory can be a draw for me sometimes, but that’s probably not true. I have a good job that I hope to continue doing for a long time, so writing isn’t about getting paid. But I will admit that I sometimes lose sight of doing it because I am compelled. When I do, I find myself thinking about the glory part. People knowing my name and thinking that I’m a great writer.
But that touches on deeper issues I already bring to the table.
Most of the time, when I am focused and centered, the process is its own reward.
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:23 am
[...] Words of Redemption On writing and becoming a writer… « Home « Why do you Write? [...]