(Isn't Calvin a riot? Leave it to him to use big words to make his report longer. Jeez.)
Today I am feeling quite introspective lately. I have read some people's blogs and they are amazing. These bloggers are writing about WHY they write. I have had this post in me for a while but its been caged inside me. It's time to let it out. Here it goes.
AHEM.
I write because I can. I crave challenges. Writing is hard. There is almost always discipline involved. (Like turning off my Tweetdeck.) *smile* This past year for the first time I entered Naniwrimo. Naniwrimo is an organization that helps writers kick their butt into gear. For the month of November you pledge to write 50,000 words. It is a little undaunting when you think about it. But I did it! I wrote another novel! The crazy thing to me is I want to write more.
I am in no way a perfect writer. I am learning like the rest of you. But I enjoy writing. It allows me to put my true feelings on paper. I can post feelings I am having through characters on paper and no one has to know its me. There is a quintessential joy in writing for me. I feel so good when I finish a story. And when I read back at what I wrote I remember the feelings of my characters and it feels so good. I am so glad I was given this gift of wanting to write. It has helped me a great deal in my own life.
I used to write in a journal when I was younger. Since I have grown older, I feel like I haven't got the time for it anymore. I could blame it on the social media sites I have recently joined. But that is not truly fair. It's me. If I want to write so bad, I need to do it. I have a laptop and lots of fresh ideas, I just need to do it.
I'm probably not really into it that much sometimes because I'm in the editing phase. UGH! Why edit? For one reason, you do NOT want to submit dirt to a publishing company. You want to come off as polished as you can. I will follow my advice and edit this week. It might feel like pulling of a bandaid that has been on for a while, but eventually I will feel better.
I must remember why I write. Maybe this post will help me remember.
I write because it helps me alleviate the burdens I have.
I write because I have characters inside my head that want to come out.
I write first and foremost for me.
Someday I might become a published author. Maybe I won't. But if I don't try and get my words out there I will regret it.
I am so glad for writers conferences as well. Without LDStorymakers, I am afraid I would be lost. They provide such support to me in my writings. It's not always easy but when you sit down and actually pour your feelings and stories on people you are breathing life into your characters.
I am grateful for writing. I plan on doing more with my writing this next week. If that means Tweetdeck must be shut off, then so be it.
My goal for this week is to get the short story out of my mind and onto the computer. No more procrastinating. Check back in next Saturday to see if I accomplished my goal. Hope I have good news to report. ;)
Anyone else feel the same away about writing? Care to share?
And as always, Thanks for reading!
9 comments:
right now, I'm mainly focusing on writing short stories. I read a while ago that if you write a short story that doesn't seem "finished" or someone tells oyu they'd like to read more about the characters then perhaps you should try to turn it into a novel. I'm hoping that one of my short stories will turn into a novel but for now I"m happy doing what I"m doing.
I write becuase I love having another world of my own that I can disappear into and let my imagination take over. I think that might make me crazy...so I write my personal blog so I don't lose touch with reality, lol.
Congrats on the completeion of your novel, and good luck with the editing....which is my nightmare, lol.
I'm gonna follow you on this blog as well so I can keep up to date with your progress :)
Great post... I need to look up some writer's conferences but I'm scared to go, I think. Maybe they'll tell me that my writing is BAD and I'll never be published. That would suck!
Love your thoughts here. I, too, write to alleviate the burden within me, a weight that feels lighter often with each word I write.
Also, to let loose the voices inside my head.
See you @ LDStorymakers in a few months (I'm hoping to go, fingers crossed)!
I write because if I don't I feel horrible. Not sure how else to describe it.
I don't feel like I have all these great ideas in my head waiting to be released. I don't even feel like I'm that creative.
I just know that when I go without writing for a while my world gets a little darker.
I loved reading your post! I love writing and I can't imagine not doing it!
Ahh see I do poetry or little things with pictures in them, like ya know based off the picture showing me something...Check out my archives from last year I migh shock ya lol
Nothing feels better than loving what calls to you. I'm glad you've found it, that you're willing to sacrifice for it, that you know it's something you'll fight for. Keep at it. It'll pay off in big ways.
I would love to be a published author, and I know I have some work to do to get there.
My main squeeze thinks it's all a waste of time. It's not really his fault I don't try to get published, but I doubt he would want to invest money to send me to a conference, at this point. :)
But I get motivated to write. I think I might start writing short stories, or self-help... lol. Great post!
I have the opposite problem--I don't like to write it--but I love to edit. My favorite part is the rewrite.
But congratulations on finishing your novel. That's an amazing accomplishment. And good luck with the editing!
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