I’ve read so many stories of writers and their advice, their
reasons for writing, their thoughts and statements on what writing means to
them. I have a long standing subscription to The Writer magazine http://www.writermag.com/ and in every
issue there is an interview with a writer, plus articles by writers that are
meant to help other writers hone their craft or perhaps even to figure out if the
writing life is their true calling.
What makes a writer a “writer?” My reason for writing is that
all my life I’ve had the urge to put my thoughts/ actions or dream-stories on
paper. When in elementary school I was the dreamer, the
one looking out the window during class and dreaming stories. My father "urged" me on when we were learning to write by giving my sister and me allowance only after we'd written a short story. He'd go over it with us checking for content, spelling, etc. During my teen years I kept a journal. Every trip I’ve gone on in my
life I’ve kept a journal of some sort, even if it was just writing the day’s
events down and nothing more. Back then I had no dreams to actually publish anything. I only wanted to write.
So Urge is my word for today. Does my urge, my need to write make me a
writer? All I know is my life is better when I write. So that is what I do. I
don’t know if I’ll ever be a good enough writer to make my living at it, but I will
listen to my inner urge to express my thoughts or my dream-stories on paper
and keep my fingers crossed.
What gives you the urge to write? What makes it something you don't want to live without?
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It's wonderful how your dad encouraged you to write. How nice it must be to look back on journals from all of your trips.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Not sure I have an answer just another question: if I write and no one else reads it, am I still a writer? Is that the difference between a writer and an author?
ReplyDeleteHmmm.....
Isn't that the great debate? I don't know, but I do know that no matter which one we are, if they are different, we still write. Maybe we won't be read in our lifetime, but then again, maybe we'll be hits in some distant future... Gotta think positive, right?!
DeleteI think it's great how your father encouraged you and helped nurture your writing.
ReplyDeleteI also think that, yes, the urge to write is what, initially, spurs us on to become writers. Without it, we're just going through the motions.
Yes, and it's also a big help keeping us on track...
DeleteI've always enjoyed writing, telling stories. My first play was produced when I was in the second grade. Writing is a calling, a curse, a need, a blessing, and yes an urge. I've always found that putting it on paper eases the stress, quells the anger -- erases the demons from nightmares, and offers solace when the heart is broken! Plus, it's just damn entertaining!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you via the A to Z
Lucky you with your play! I hope one day to write a screenplay (yes, not the same, but...). I agree, writing is all of those things and especially entertaining!
DeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI had the urge at gone midnight, to come over and leave a comment on your thoughtful posting.
The urge, the passion, the incentive to write, fills your very heart and soul. You write from your observations and your feelings about life. This makes you a writer. To sense the magic of the written word and the wish to share with others, makes you a writer.
I'm heartened your father gave you incentive. In my case, I have the urge to write, even more so, because anything I attempted was dismissed. Determination and resolve is powerful.
I would add that I write for therapy. For cathartic reasons. I also hope that my sharing can create an interaction of thoughts. Be well, my friend and continued happy, fulfilling writing.
In kindness and goodwill,
Gary
Hi Lisa .. I never realised I could write til recently! Such is blogging - a turn-around in life ... and the urge is there to get on with things, now I don't have my mother to be with any more. The blog was my future in some form or other ..
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary