There are many forms of writing in the world. From essays to blog posts, journals to stories, or even a resume for a job, we’ve all written something at some point in our lives. Have you ever wondered why? If you’re someone who writes outside of obligation, have you ever wondered why you write? Have you ever wondered what drives you to create something out of written words?
For many people they only write because they’re required to. A professor demands they write an essay for the class, a job asks for a report, or they need to write a short answer response for an internship. These are all examples of writing done out of necessity - for the demands of others - and are not always satisfying to write.
But there are many types of writing done for the sake of the writer. Many people enjoy journaling their lives, immortalizing it on the pages of a book. Maybe they do so in order to preserve memories or to process a difficult memory. Others enjoy writing blogs or articles, sharing stories and their thoughts with the world. Their writing reflects their beliefs, inviting the world to look into their minds and consider their view. Some do this to find support or vindication, or express their opinions anonymously. Others do this to convince the world to believe something they hold to be true or see something it does not.
Take George Orwell for example. He once said, “When I sit down to write a book, I do not say to myself, ‘I am going to produce a work of art.’ I write it because there is some lie that I want to expose, some fact to which I want to draw attention, and my initial concern is to get a hearing.” Orwell is an example of someone who wrote to expose some harsh truth to the world. His drive to do so resulted in him creating famous works such as Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, books still read in schools today.
Then there are the writings done for both other people and yourself. When you write a story, who are you writing it for? Are you writing for your future readers, to provide entertainment or a character they can relate to? Are you writing for yourself, to develop a passing daydream into something more or to create a world you can be proud of? Or are you writing for both yourself and others, to bridge the gap between you and them?
These are questions that you should ask yourself. You might find it easier to put words on paper if you know why you’re doing it. It can help you find the motivation to finish that essay you’ve been procrastinating till last minute or complete that story you just can’t find the words for. Take the time to slow down and think about why you’re writing, and organize your thoughts before you begin your next writing.
While writing this post I considered my own reasons for writing. I write a lot out of obligation for classes and for work. Yet, a majority of my motivation to write comes from the desire to write for myself. I write because I love to create unique stories and characters. I write because I need to in order to organize my thoughts better. I write because I want to explain my own take on a topic and have the ability to clearly state my opinion. Thinking about these reasons has helped improve my focus when writing and encouraged me to write when I would otherwise not.
Need help figuring out why you write? Here’s a free online quiz to help you get started: Discover Your True Motivations for Writing
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