Writing

[lady_karelia]

To all who write, I'm curious. Why do you write? I'm genuinely curious, and I don't want anyone to draw ideas from others' comments, so I'm screening comments for a day or two. I just want a really honest opinion. And if you don't want your comment to be seen, say so, and I won't unscreen it. I'm just really curious.

Comments

[elise-wanderer.livejournal.com]

Why do I write? Sometimes (as with research papers) it's to make money, though that's never the only reason. Sometimes it's to communicate essential information (when I'm outlining a program I want to put in place with my theatre company, for instance) or silly stuff (why my inability to peel hard boiled eggs is an ongoing source of frustration). Sometimes it's to provide a monologue that displays my acting abilities. Sometimes it's to express a sensation or an emotion or a truth I think I've understood (a lot of my poetry comes from that impulse). Sometimes it's because I have a story I just have to tell, and I want to hear how people reading it will react.

Sometimes it's simply because the act of typing out words, of finding a structure and syntax and rhythm and balance that satisfy me is such a wonderful art. Through writing, I can create something tangible and connected from nothing--from dust and symbols and organization and design. I love writing, I am amazed by it, I share myself through the act of writing, and I revel in its possibilities.

Mostly, I write because I can. I write because it's easy--and because it's completely impossible. I write because I have to.

[lady-karelia.livejournal.com]

I'm fascinated by your take because you offer a different angle to producing words for effect, not just writing, but acting/speaking.

I write because I have to.

That rings very true for me as well.