Why Do You Write?
Writing has always been a massive part of my life. For as long as I can remember, I would fill notebooks with stories, poems, and random thoughts. As I grew older, my passion for writing only deepened, and it has become part of my daily life. But why do I write? What motivates me to sit down and put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard? So, I decided to reflect on the reasons why I write.
1. To Express Myself
"One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple."
— Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
Being an introvert, I find it challenging to share my thoughts and feelings in person. I’m often shy in social settings and trip over my words or say the wrong thing. Face-to-face conversations have never been easy for me. Through my writing, I can fully express myself without feeling self-conscious or anxious. I can really get out what I’m trying to say without stumbling over my words. Whether it's poetry, journaling, or writing fiction, I can take my time and pour my heart and soul out onto the page and truly be myself without fear of judgment. Writing has become my voice, outlet, and a way of connecting with the world.
2: For Empowerment
"A word after a word after a word is power."
— Margaret Atwood
As a writer, I have the power to create worlds, characters, and stories. I can bring my imagination to life and share it with others. Writing has given me a sense of control and a feeling of belonging in a world where I often feel I have very little of both. Through my writing, I can shape my own narratives and create my own fantastical worlds. There are big, beautiful realms living in my head that are just waiting to be set free. This feeling of empowerment is incredibly freeing and gives me the courage and motivation to want to pursue all of my ideas.
3: It Brings Me Joy
"Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences."
— Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath
Simply put, writing brings me joy. I love it. There is something magical about the creative process of writing. The feeling of getting lost in a story, the rush of excitement when an idea strikes, and the sense of accomplishment when a character is brought to life. These are all moments of pure joy for me. Writing has become my escape from reality and a source of happiness in my life. It allows me to tap into my inner child and embrace my imagination without any limitations.
4: Self Care
"I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn."
— Anne Frank
Taking care of our mental and emotional well-being is critical. Writing allows me to slow down, reflect, and take my time voicing my thoughts and feelings. It's a form of therapy that helps me process my emotions, release pent-up tension, and find inner peace. Whether it's writing in my journal, choosing a name for my newest heroine, or simply taking down my thoughts, writing has become an important part of my self-care routine.
5: To Build Relationships
"A good writer possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his friends."
― Friedrich Nietzsche
As a writer, I am always curious about the perspectives and experiences of others. Through my writing, I can learn and connect with people from all walks of life and build more profound, meaningful relationships. This is what attracted me to StoryForge. In StoryForge, you can find a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for writing, who will help you develop as a writer and find your path to becoming Legendary!
If you are like me writing is more than just a hobby, it is a part of your identity. It has given me a voice, empowered me, and brought me joy. Whether it's for personal growth, self-care, or simply for the love of storytelling, I recommend you take some time to reflect on why you write.
"Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write."
― Rainer Maria Rilke
This article was written by Kate White, a member of the StoryForge community. Chat with us about guest writing at info@storyforge.com.