Why Do You Write?
Why the question matters and how to answer it
A few years ago, the instructor of a writing workshop I was participating in asked us to write a page on why we write.
My immediate thought was: I write because the words in my head demand it. An excerpt of what I shared:
“I write because I don’t have a choice. Nowhere else do I feel as much at home as I do cradled by the words that dance in the crevices of my mind. Nothing else on earth feels as natural.”
“That’s very pretty,” she said, unimpressed. “But why do you really write?”
I didn’t know how to answer, because I didn’t know the answer.
Finding my why(s)
When I started experimenting with fiction, I thought I was writing because I enjoyed playing God with my characters, seeing what worlds I could shape, the magic I could create. But in the past couple of years, and perhaps with all the injustices we’ve been witnessing in our societies, my reasons for writing have changed.
I now have different answers for why I write depending on what I’m writing and what platform I’m publishing on.
If it’s an article, my focus might be to understand the topic I’m writing about or shed light on a social issue.
With an Instagram caption or story, I’d probably want to share information, an opinion, or vulnerability to broaden the digital echo chambers social media builds around us.
If I’m writing a profile for a magazine, it might be to expand my writing portfolio and develop my interviewing skills.
If it’s fiction, I’d have multiple reasons: to explore my observations of society; to experiment with creating complex characters while ruining their lives; or to write stories readers would find joy in, just like I always have when I read novels.
Why is finding your why important?
Whenever I’m stuck on a writing project, or frustrated at not making much progress with it, revisiting my why has reminded me of its worth. And that writing something worth reading takes time. This grounds me and helps me stay focused while I figure out how to move forward. It propels me towards ideas I enjoy. Most importantly, it reignites my interest and passion in a project when my motivation wavers.
How do you find your why?
Being honest with myself while I journal has helped me increase my self-awareness and determine my different whys. I also check in with myself from time to time to see how I’m feeling about what I’m writing. Here are a few questions I ask myself when I need clarity on my writing purpose, that you can ask yourself to find yours:
- How do I feel while writing this?
- Why is it important I write this?
- What kind of writing do I enjoy?
- What topics am I passionate about that can also help people?
- What do I hope people will do when they read this?
- What do I hope to achieve by writing this?
Maybe the overall reason that matters the most to me, at least right now, is that I write because I have something to say, which may resonate with someone somewhere.
And because the words in my head demand it.
Why do you write?
This was originally published as a newsletter on Revue, which is now defunct. Hopefully it’ll more serve writers here ❤
