Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Chocolate Giveaway!


Yes, that's right. Free chocolate! Here's the deal. Leave a comment here answering the following two questions:

1. Why do you write?
2. Why don't you write?


Next Saturday, I'll hold a random drawing of all the comments for a bag of Hershey's Treasures. Mmmmm. What's more inspiring than chocolate? To get you started, I'll share my answers to those questions.

1. Why do I write?
Because I love to daydream, and writing is a great excuse for daydreaming all day. Thinking about my stories helps me get to sleep at night. I love the thought that the things I write have an effect on other people. I hope it's a positive effect. Writing is my creative outlet and gives me a sense of purpose. I want to use the talents God has given me to make the world a little better.
2. Why don't I write?
I think I've gotten past the I Don't Have Time excuse. I have made time for writing. Nowadays, it's more a lack of confidence that holds me back. The fear that I'm really no good after all. I've learned though that all writers feel that way sometimes. Besides, how can my writing improve unless I actually write?

So, there you have it. I'd love to hear your thoughts and, hey, maybe you'll get a bag of chocolates out of it. Good luck!

13 comments:

Unknown said...

I would write for chocolate! Just kidding. What a fun post though!

1. I write because i have a story to tell. I've been carrying it with me so long and now it's just putting so much pressure on me I'm sure I'll burst if I don't get it on paper. I too want to use the gifts God has given me to help other people. I'm not sure if writing is one of those gifts, but I enjoy it a lot!

2. I don't write when I'm moving. Haha! I really NEED my desktop. I don't know what I'd do without it. :)

Annette Lyon said...

You had me at "chocolate."

1. I write because I'm more ME when I do. I find a better balance in my life when I'm writing. I'm a better mom, spouse, ME. I start to lose my mind when I don't. Plus, it's fun.

2. I don't write when I get caught up in the business end (the promotions or the proofing or the whatever). Or when I'm working on freelance editing. Those things are important too (especially the freelance stuff, because it brings in needed money), but if I don't make sure to take a break and work on my own stuff, I start to lose my mind.

Anna C. Morrison said...

1. I write because I can't not write.

2. I don't write because when I do write, it is too emotional most of the time.

3. But then I write anyway, and I write because I am human, and must express myself and try to dissect everyone around me.

4. But then I can't write because people will recognize themselves.

:-)

Aubrie said...

These are excellent questions!

1. I write because it's a way of escapism for me. It gives me something to think about on long car rides, and when I go to sleep at night.

2. I don't write after I've had a rejection. It takes me a few days to get over it, but then I start writing again.

Danyelle L. said...

Why do I write? Because my characters would have my head on a flaming platter if I didn't. That, and the fact that they won't be quiet unless I am writing. Writing also helps me make sense of myself and people.

Why don't I write? Usually the only times I put off writing is when I'm exhausted. Other than that, my spare minutes are spent typing away at the computer.

Liana Brooks said...

1. I write to stay sane, out of habit, and because the story ideas need to go somewhere so I stop visualizing scenes to random books whenever I blink.

2. I avoid writing because I hate imperfection and I'm less than perfect. I don't think I'll ever be happy with a draft. Even published stories make me grind my teeth because I look back at them and wonder why I didn't do This or That instead of what I did write.

Rough drafts make me bang my head on the wall.

Jen said...

Why Write:
i write for several reasons. the main reason is that if i don't write then i feel like the stuff in my head will fall out and be lost forever. that my memories will be gone, and that the life i've lived will have had no purpose. secondly, i write, because on the occassion that i actually let others read my writing i'm very fond of any praise i receive...not to sound like i think i'm great or anything, i just like when people say nice things. and my other reason is because its a great escape. i can be anyone, and do anything i want to. sometimes life is hard, and i like to get away.
Why Not:
my kids are monkeys, they are ALways screaming, Always climbing on me. anytime i try to do ANYthing at all it just so happens to be the very moment they NEED me. so, i unconciously make a habit of not even attempting to do anything at all, ever.
the other reason i haven't written often is my mindset. i find it hard to get into the right state of mind for only a little while. once i get going i cant stop, and thats all i want to do...and with little monkeys its not possible.
i am getting better, though, and i'm slowly giving myself persmission to take time for myself.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

CHOCOLATE! I'm totally all over this, especially since the video I put up a few days ago, haha. Oh, mmmm.

1. I write because there are stories I want to read that just aren't there. So I have to write them.

2. I don't write when I need a break and my life feels like it's going to explode if I don't pay attention to other important things. This happens a lot since I have a child. I'm sure you understand. ;)

Anonymous said...

Interesting.

1) I write when I'm depressed or lonely or have nothing better to do or when the words just come. And I write them down!
2) I don't write when I'm stressed.

Wow. That was fun. Don't bother entering me into the drawing 'cuz I'm not very fond of the stuff.

Linz said...

1) I write mostly so I can remember the wonderful moments of my life. Obviously, I don't write stories or novels, but I enjoy expressing myself in written words so that I can look back and smile and laugh or cry over the experiences I have had.

2) I don't write (stories or novels) because I lack the creativity and gramatical skills to make it work. =D Maybe I'll give it a try sometime, though!

Suzette Saxton said...

I write because there's nothing quite like the feeling of a first draft pouring through me onto paper - it's like first love all over again.

I don't write because sometimes I need to focus all of my energy on real life.

Thank you for asking - this was fun!

Jessica Nelson said...

Congrats on the contest above!!!

1. I write because I really, really like it and telling the character's story has now become a little addictive. So is the thought of making money from my daydreams. LOL

2. I don't write when I'm scared. If it's a tough scene or I don't know what comes next...

Kaye P. Clark said...

I loved reading all the comments! I agree with most of what has already been said, but here are my answers:
1. I write because I can experience the story I'm creating. I'm the "actress" playing the leading lady in my novel. It's fun. My main character is much braver and adventurous than I am. :-)
2. I don't write when I'm too tired. Although lately I tried a new technique that works for me. I type on my AlphaSmart (portable word processor) while lying in bed at night with the light out. My body is too tired, but my mind is still envisioning the story.