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

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Why Write?

It's a question I've been asked many times.

Photo found here
Why do you write?

I think there are many answers to that. I write because I enjoy it. I love to create characters and plots. I love to connect with readers. I like to daydream. I want to develop my talents. I feel like it is an important part of my life.

I don't really have to answer that question for myself anymore. I've got lots of reasons. I think a better question is

Why do we need writers?

Does the world need writers? I sure hope so! There are enough of us out there.  But why does the world need writers, really? Particularly writers of fiction?

Storytelling is as old as humanity. I've heard it said that fiction is the truest form of writing, because in story, we are really telling the truth about ourselves and our lives.

I think we need writers to help us see ourselves as we really are. But I want to hear your thoughts.

Why do you think the world needs writers?

9 comments:

Krista said...

I agree thay hearing a story helps to show who we really are. But I also think it helps us to change who we are by exposing us to new ideas that we would not have encountered otherwise.

Angie said...

Yes! That's a great point, Krista. Thanks.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Good question and one I occasionally ask myself when I see hundreds of thousands of books published every year. How is one more book going to get noticed or mean anything in this crowded marketplace? But if a writer has passion for the work, and focus and determination, then why not?

tiffany said...

i think the world needs writers so the rest of us can be entertained by your wonderful imagination

Angie said...

I ask myself a lot, too, Karen. I think you're right.

Thanks, Tiff. =)

Melanie Goldmund said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Terry W. Ervin II said...

We just discussed this a bit in my crit grou's chat. There are many reasons for me to write. I have interesting stories I'd like to share, it is a challenge, I'm a better English teacher because of it, I meet new people, I earn CEUs to renew my teaching licence, I can make pay a few bills with royalty checks, it's better than spending time watching TV or doing something non-productive, etc.

Angie said...

Those are all excellent reasons, Terry. I for one am glad that you choose to write!

Anonymous said...

I may not know why all of humanity needs writers but I know why I need them. I need to escape my own head. I need to understand other people. I need to believe in bigger and better things. I need to know that people are capable of growing and changing and making the world a better place. And sometimes, I just need to be entertained. :D