Another first Wednesday is here (thanks to ALEX CAVANAUGH for the idea) and another opportunity to explore what it means to be a writer with insecurities and literary warts and many times a sore bum.
For me there’s not a lot of glamour. There’s not a lot of cheering crowd moments. There’s not a lot of money pouring in from mega sales of my books. So what is there that keeps me showing up to the page?
I guess I do it because I love words and the challenge of working them into a pattern to express my ideas. Then there’s the pleasure of seeing my thoughts down in a form that is less ephemeral than my conversations. I guess those are two of the reasons. And sometimes it’s just exciting to read something I’ve written and think it’s worthy of the time, the paper and the ink.
What keeps you going, insecurities and all? Or maybe you don’t have insecurities. How do you manage to keep from that?
Put JULY 8 on your calendars because the first round of this year’s WRITE CLUB starts. What a great way to get feedback from your fellow writers. We have DL HAMMONS to thank for this super idea. Has anyone entered? Will you go to the submissions and vote this year?
Oh, and do you have any nominations for MISHA GERICKE’S Paying It Forward? Check out her BLOG for the details. I’ve nominated two of my favorite bloggers.
DMS says
Another great post!
I write because I like to see a story come together and I have always enjoyed writing and playing with words. I also like the feeling of connecting to others through words. When I talk to a child who has read my book and connected to it- I feel on top of the world. 🙂
~Stephanie
Michael Di Gesu says
I believe your reasons are what most of us feel. We LOVE to write. Simple. Yes, we have insecurities because we want validation and recognition for the many painstaking hours, weeks, months, years, we take to create our books.
BUT, the bottom line is we have the need to create with words. Enough said.
Have a wonderful weekend… Lee.
Tara Tyler says
i love word challenges too an writing is the ultimate! coming up with strings of perfect combinations to make a person feel it! love it!
Nancy LaRonda Johnson says
I totally agree with your reasons for keeping up the work of creating lives and stories. Words are a joy, the stories need to be told, and it's our calling. Therefore, it's something we must do, no matter if or when our benefits will come through as we hope.
P.S. – I'm announcing your giveaways for Celebrate the Small Things tomorrow. Good look with it all. Writer’s Mark
Julia says
Many of us write because not to write is unthinkable. But today I'm trying to write a magazine column and am stumped for ideas. I've started several times, but don't seem to be getting anyway. This makes me insecure! But tomorrow it'll probably be fine.
tfwalsh says
Great reason for writing… I'm exactly the same. I couldn't imagine doing anything else, plus what would I do with all the crazy ideas roaming in my head if I didn't write?
writerlysam says
A great storyteller spins tales just to see where they'll lead:)
Pk Hrezo says
Hi Lee! I think the hope of creating something wonderful is what keeps me going. So far, I dont see much reward in any of it, but the hope that it's possible, allows me to press on.
Have an awesome 4th!! 😀
Heather M. Gardner says
Like we have a choice!
We must write…or go crazy.
Heather
Carrie Butler says
Right now? Readers. If I didn't know there were people out there waiting for the next book, I'd probably take some time off to mope. 😉
Lexa Cain says
I like to see my ideas down on the page in concrete form, and I'd like to think some people found my work entertaining. If I can fill a little niche and make people forget about their problems when reading my characters' adventures, I'll be satisfied. 🙂
Angela Brown says
It's a good thing that I don't write primarily for the money. True, I'd like to make it my career, but I would write on still because I love it. Though I think I may be moving into a slower pace soon to spend even more time with my Chipmunk.
klahanie says
Yay, another instalment of the amazing "IWSG" aka "I Was Seeking Gary".
You love words. I love words. And yes, although I could be rich and famous beyond my wildest, weirdest dreams, I write for therapy in a shared experience. I write to just the one person and never to an audience. I like it to be intimate.
Write Club. I'd rather be beaten to death with a wet noodle. However, much fulfilment to those who participate. And yes, Misha's nomination thingy, I've heard a certain dog who shall be not named, is going to take the whole kit and kaboodle and a doggy treat!
Your starstruck fan,
Gary
Elise Fallson says
I'm certainly not in it for the money and fame. I think I just like to torture myself, lol! But as an aside, I just have to say, I LOVE your opening page to your website! It looks great and very well done. 😀
M Pax says
I made my nominations at Misha's. 😀
I write because I have to. It makes me happy.
Al Diaz says
I write a bit because I want to prove that I can and because I truly enjoy it when I'm not thinking on what will happen with it in the future. 😀
Dragon hugs!
Samantha May says
If I wanted to do something that would make me a lot of money, I probably wouldn't write 😀
I'm excited for WRiTE CLUB! Can't wait to read and vote!
Natalie Aguirre says
I definitely am not sure why I continue to write sometimes. Like you, I guess it's for the love of writing.
Christine Rains says
I love the stories. I can't not tell them. Even if no one ever saw what I wrote again, I'd keep writing.
MollyMom103 says
Bottom line — I would write anyway.
michelle says
It's many things: an obsession… passion… can't live with it and can't live without it… therapy… there are countless ways to define it…
Writer In Transit
Linda King says
Yes, I agree with Catherine above – it's an obsession. I've tried to give up for the sake of my stress levels, but I can't! Seems that just when I'm feeling at my lowest I have something accepted or find a new outlet for my writing, so that keeps me going.
Catherine Stine says
It's a labor of love, and sometimes the $ follows. You have to be obsessed with it to keep on writing. I know I am.
Julie Flanders says
I agree and do it for the same reason. Although the cheering crowds and mega sales would be nice LOL.
SA Larsenッ says
Thanks for all the info! I really like the idea of Misha's Pay It Forward.
~Sia McKye~ says
When it all comes down to the wire, all things considered, it is the joy of see the blank page filled with life an adventure that keeps me going. 🙂
Do I have insecurities, you bet. Do I get discouraged, undoubtedly. Will I quit. No. The pull of the adventure is too strong.
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE
Suzanne Furness says
I don't think most of us write to get rich! Writing because we love it is the most important reason to do it.
Lorelei says
Hey, try hammering away at the typewriter for decades, using all the tips from Writer's Digest, and other magazines to get an agent (well, gosh darn, that didn't go well). I began writing in 1972. I'm now self-published. I can't stop writing, so, I might as well do something with all this stuff. I might have about 10 people who buy my books, here and there. Insecure? No. Just not making a living at writing.
L. Diane Wolfe says
Elizabeth is right – it's cheaper than therapy.
Elizabeth Seckman says
Writing is cheaper than therapy. I would do it for free. Why I like it so well, I don't know.
Mark Means says
Writing for the sake of writing is the best sort of writing there is, so….keep writing 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Mark. I'm trying.
DEZMOND says
What the what? You mean you haven't earned enough money from your books to buy yourself an alligator? 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Alas, no. They're expensive for being so ugly.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Secure? Are you kidding? With the third and final book looming on the horizon?
I did it to prove that I could.
And since I'm a judge, I will be reading and voting for Write Club!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yay! A judge. Good luck. I'm sure you're going to have a tough job.
Well, you did it just fine. Three books out is a great accomplishment.