I think that sometimes when we’re working hard to get through a draft, it can be easy to lose focus of why you want to be a writer in the first place. This is by no means a conclusive list of all the best reasons to be a writer, but here’s a quick reminder of some of the reasons we love writing:
1. You Can Write About Anything
Are you interested in physics? Baseball? Bowling balls? You can choose anything you want to write about. I’m not saying that you can expect anyone to read it, but if it interests you, why not? How many other professions let you research and spend time on whatever subject you want?
2. Your Schedule is Flexible
While I think there is a lot to be said for writing schedules, nobody checks to make sure you do it every day. If you don’t feel like it, nobody forces you to get out of bed and write. While this can also be a curse, I’m going to call it a perk for now.
3. You Get to Do What You Are Passionate About
So many people have jobs to pay the bills, but they aren’t passionate about what they do. You probably have a job like that, too, but at least you get to spend time doing something you choose and you love!
4. Anybody Can Write
You don’t have to go to school. You don’t have to get certifications. You can just sit and write. I know a lot of people talk about the benefits of classes and degrees, and I’m not arguing, but at the end of the day, all you need is a computer or some paper, or a stick and some mud if it comes down to it. The only thing you need is words.
5. It’s Fun
We wouldn’t write if we didn’t think some part of it was fun. We get to sit and think about life and then figure out how to put the words on the page in the right order. We get to dissect human nature. We get to think about the essence of emotion or the basis of all actions. We get to be philosophical and creative. We get to do it over and over again because we love it.
I know there are a lot of reasons not to write. I know a lot of people don’t make it in publishing, but try to take a moment every day and think of why you do it. It’s probably because you have a passion for stories and words. When you get bogged down in the process, or you have a bad writing day, try to remember why you make the effort.
What do you love about writing? Leave a comment.
Rather Than Writing 