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Why Write???
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Why Write??? |
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Seaangel Member
since 1999-07-27
Posts 167Auckland, New Zealand |
Is there anyone actually writing who questions why they do it? Why do we write about life instead of living it? Why do I, I mean. Tell me, please, that writing is a worthwhile and wonderful cause, that it's worth dedication and sacrifice (especially of sleep!) when the end result is so uncertain? I need a bit of faith restored to me, after a few rejections. Basically this is an opportunity to rave about how much you love prose, poetry, writing. Please respond! (And tell me also how to do that rolling smily face, since I can't find it on available smilies?) Thank you in advance. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I rather think that I write about what I live - what I learn - and what I care about... If it gets published, then I accept that - If it doesn't, I accept that as well. I don't write to see my work in a book. I write totally for self fulfillment..... Thanks for asking... The rolling smile is two "colons"...  |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Sea, my friend (and no I am NOT responding to my own post under a different name - as some people would think by checking IP's, as happened to a couple of friends of mine who tentatively entered and were slammed by someone for such behaviour - scaring them away permanently - but perhaps that's a new alley topic...no, my friend Sea and I happen to be staying in the same house for awhile!) Sea, I who have seen much of your writing and who thinks it is largely fantastic with a distinct style, have questioned this many a time. I have sent out my poetry to exactly one publisher and been rejected exactly once. Yuk. Lost all nerve. That was a couple of years ago and I believe that my poetry has gained in strength and style - (in part due to np's) There have been times at two o'clock in the morning when I have sat there thinking - 'what the hell am I doing? What is the POINT of this poem?! It's only words that someone will read and quickly forget. Why can't I just, I don't know, be a mathematical genius and build useful bridges, or create beautiful music that will stir the soul?' I don't think that anymore. I LOVE writing - more I LIVE for it. I have seen on Netpoets that poetry can reach and touch people. It is entirely worth it, and things that are truly worth it are contained within and publishers can be damned! There is no price for a passion. And who needs sleep anyway - as someone dear to me says 'Sleep is for the weak...' Let's see if this works Nope - on this computer this is what we get. How attractive! Any tips anyone on how to make our rolling smilies work? Oh - Ok. The preview just looks whacked? Does that happen to anyone else? [This message has been edited by Severn (edited 12-06-1999).] |
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Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
I write as another form of expression. I write for myself to exorcise demons, to share some beauty witnessed, to remind people of something etc. I doubt I'll ever see any of my stuff published. I'd LOVE to but I doubt it's good enough. I write for myself alone, if other's like it GREAT, if not that is still OK. I also sing and play some instruments as another form of expression. Even if only to make me feel better about something in myself. I need or like to achieve something in my life everyday, poetry and writing is helping me achieve that. I hate being stagnant, the same stuff day in and day out, with my expressing myself each day is beautiful in a meaningful way. That's my 2 cents for you The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there IS to celebrate. ~Isis~ (Daughter of Mystery) |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
"Most joyful let the Poet be; It is through him that all men see." Quote by William E. Channing I like this question. Why do I write...I write because I need to. There is a creative force inside me that must be unleashed! I get cranky if I can't write - and I get a physical high when my writing goes smoothly. I am not looking for fame or adulation but would like to have acceptance..acceptance of the fact that I may have a gift. I don't begrudge the lack of sleep, nor the hours spent in solitude when my writing flows. Once in awhile, I like to get out and 'live' as you say. But when I do, I am constantly watching, listening and storing information for future writing. So even when I'm away from pen & paper, I am creating. Not sure if this ramble makes any sense. But then, I'm a poet and the next poem is knocking on my brain, waiting to be written.  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Humm, where to start. A lot of folks above said all the key phrases. So I won't repeat theirs. Well, maybe I will. There is a force inside of me, stronger than I sometimes like it to be. Mostly a positive force, it creates and forms words into ideas and pictures, dreams, music. I cannot draw; I can only follow "some" of my dreams, and my musical ability is so-so. This is my only creative force that, for the longest time, belonged only to me. I have tried to publish, only to be rejected. Whew. Rejection in pink and black is forceful and can really put a damper on things. Worse than breaking off a relationship. But one grows through writing, which is what I've seen many folks here do. So, I'll be the Sunshine, you be the Seaangel, and we'll enjoy what we do best, and not worry about the rest. Thanks for sharing your question. Sunshine Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
Seaangel....I am not a writer so I can only guess at the reasons for why you write.....but, as a reader, I can tell you that I'm glad that you do.... It has become a part of my days to come here; and as I've stated before; feed my soul.I always find pieces that I can relate to, no matter how I'm feeling that day...and there is such beauty to be found and humor,etc.....a vertual smorgasboard of emotions...You take me to places I have never been and also to places that are familiar.You make me laugh, you make me cry, and you share wisdom. I could go on and on, but I think you can see my point...the gift that you give is more than worthwhile... A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! |
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Seaangel Member
since 1999-07-27
Posts 167Auckland, New Zealand |
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, everybody! I admit I was getting too upset over the opinions of other people when the most important person to please when I write is myself. I also admit I harbour dreams of getting published, even to the extent of, one day, an anthology. In any case, I must conclude that like you, Nan, Isis, PoetDeVine and Sunshine, there is a creative force, a self-expression, a self-fulfillment that must be acknowledged and accepted whatever the outside world thinks. And Pepper, your comments were much appreciated too. It's nice to think that there are people who will read and be touched by your work...I'm glad that you think it is worthwhile! Thanks for helping to restore my passion for poetry!! |
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Seaangel Member
since 1999-07-27
Posts 167Auckland, New Zealand |
and thanks to Severn.... not an afterthought. I have thanked you so often that I thought I could bypass this one...also I said it IRL.!!!!! |
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Trevor Senior Member
since 1999-08-12
Posts 700Canada |
For me just having the passion is the reward....though I would like to be published....extensively.....in many different languages  I see many people who seem to lack passion in their life and I silently question, "what do they live for?", "why do they wake in the morining?". One has to have something they love even if they love to hate, without it one's life seems to have no meaning or purpose. It is also our uncertainty that keeps us going (we may make a difference, we may not make a difference, either way while we're on this planet it can't hurt to try). Keep plugging away unless you have something better to do with your time : , it may not help the world but it definitely won't hurt it either....unless of course you start writing for the ENQUIRER Take care. |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Humph. Sniff. Well then. Perhaps I just won't talk to you anymore in real life then if you think you can ignore me here... Luv Ya. |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
SeaAngel: I write to give my words and feelings a home. I think writing is the best medium for this. By reading the poetry of others I have been reminded that I am not the only one that has ever felt a certain way. Read Shakespeare's Sonnets, for example, if you want to read something by someone who has loved. I am not suggesting that I, or any of us for that matter, are little Shakespeares, but, rather, I am saying that if we do not write a meaningful thought or feeling down, taking care to make sure it communicates the thought or feeling in the best way possible, then the experience is lost ... eventually from the memory of the originator and immediately from all those who might benefit from your expression of that thought or feeling. Sorry for the rant. NAN: Two colons!!! I have a hard enough time with one! Eeeeewwwwww! Now THAT belongs in the freakshow of Balladeer's circus! Get it? Two colons? Geeze.Jim "If I rest, I rust." -Martin Luther |
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Alwye
Moderator
Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850In the space between moments |
Why do I write? Well, for one, I write because I need to, because it's a passion, a hunger. I cannot go for very long without writing something, it sometimes is as simple as that. Other times I write to release emotion, to deal with my demons, to share my happiness, to be rid of my sadness, my fear, my anger. Letting the emotions bleed out of me, onto the paper helps me get rid of them if that's what I need to do. When I finish writing, I feel as if I can put the feeling behind me. Yet other times I write because it's my escape from the world. I tend to get way too caught up in everyone's problems, trying to be the best friend, daughter, student, that I can be. Writing is something I do for myself. I can be alone, and observe life for a while and not have to really participate. Once a loner, a part of you is always a loner, I think.... Lastly, I write because I love it. *Krista Knutson* "I can feel you breathe, it's washing over me, and suddenly I'm melting into you..." ~Faith Hill: Breathe~ |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Jim - You're Justin Corrigible.... There are colon's and there are Colon's... One should be sufficient for anyone, eh? |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
And none would be preferable for some, Nan. |
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Seaangel Member
since 1999-07-27
Posts 167Auckland, New Zealand |
Wow, you guys....I am pleased to see so many people have given me so many reasons why they write. Trevor: The Enquirer? don't knock my place of business!!(lol) no it definitely can't hurt to try! Severn darling: if only it were possible, but you know I am such a fascinating creature you can't ignore me! Jbouder: you are absolutely right. I never took into account the fact that posting my work here might let other people get something out of it. Alwye: yes it is for yourself, as much as for other people.. Nan: you're justin corrigible!! Thanks all! |
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Rod Member
since 1999-12-08
Posts 149Auckland New Zealand |
I think the answers to your question "Why do I write?" will be many and varied! For some it is a cathartic thing, whilst for others it is simply a method of expression. Sometimes, of course, it can be both. On such a great website as this,which affords the privilege of reaching a large audience of like-minded people, it is a sharing thing which is very gratifying. Here is where you can feel wanted and appreciated. I often feel sorry for some so-called "professional writers" who turn out endless columns of what they perceive the public wants to read. It is clear they make hard work of it- their motives are solely mercenary, and it shows! As for me - I write because I like it. And as for all the hard work and sacrifice - I always keep a copy of my favourite poem on the wall near the computer, and I stare at the lines which read "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run...........etc" And you will all know which poem that is I'm sure!! Kindest Regards Rod |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
I began writting for therapudic reasons. It was an out let for all the grief and anger I have felt. For years no one saw my writtings, they were just for my eyes. Not long ago I showed some people my work and they all encouraged me to see where this might lead me. It led me to Passions. Here I have learned much about the craft of writing. I have learned techiniques that I would never have looked for on my own. I have thousands of stories running through my head. I always have had this ablility to enact situations in my head. Writing then and showing them to people have made me realize that I have a gift that I should persue. Now I write when the story begs to be written. Trying to sit and write with no inspiration dosn't work for me. I have to have a pen in my hand when the story needs to be told. I hope that answers your question. |
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patchoulipumpkin Member
since 2000-01-01
Posts 196Bermuda |
I write so that i can see myself, and spend time with myself, and learn and appreciate who i am, and where i'm coming from. Writing is just making sense of the chaos and providing form to it, making sense of all the random things that happen. Without it, we would all be lost. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Why I Write ( A Self Reflection) I have been asked many times why I write, what inspires me. So, with a bit of self reflection, I have come up with this answer. I spent 17 years with an abusive husband. Always thinking if I could just do better, be a better wife, that things would change. He refused to give me any of himself and cared not to know me. I spent 17 years with a stranger in all realities. I would have left years ago had I had a way to support myself and two young kids. I went back to school after they started school. College 9 years our of high school, worked my butt off, graduated with honors and secured a good job. I thought the time had come when I could actually get things together, leave and have a life for myself and my boys. As always, life threw a money wrench into the system and my husband became very ill and was fired from his job. Mind you, he puts on a very good show in public and people think he is a wonderful man. I never told anyone, not even my family the way he treated me or the kids. As they say, "Pride goeth before the fall," and I learned that lesson well. I couldn't leave him. I would have looked like a wife running away from a "nice" sick husband. It came to the point where he needed a kidney and pancreas transplant. Pancreases are easy to come by, a dime a dozen if you will, but kidneys on the other hand take 4 years, sometimes more. I knew I could not stay in that relationship for another four years. I was dying inside. Simply existing, going through the motions, but never living. I had given up writing for over 13 years; it was easier to not feel than to feel the hurt. For me to write, I have to bring so many emotions, I couldn't deal with right then, to the surface. That, coupled with the fact that he ridiculed me early in my marriage every time I wrote anything, calling my writing stupid, kept me from writing at all. When he went to be evaluated for the kidney and pancreas transplant, they asked me if I would be tested for a possible donor and I agreed. I was enough of a match to donate. I donated one of my kidneys to him, nursed him back to health and then packed a bag and left...never looking back. I wish I could say I did what I did from the goodness of my heart, but I didn't. I did it out of desperation. Gave a part of myself to get my life and myself back. I didn't see any other choice at the time. The physical scars have healed, the emotional ones well on their way, but they take a bit more time. You ask why I write...to me writing is a symbol of my freedom, a right I have earned, and a reflection of my life serving as a reminder of where I have been and never wish to return. |
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