After offering a series debunking popular myths about writers and writing (insert links), it’s time to look at why you want to write because what motivates you to sit down and write will determine your success and career.
There are so many people who talk about becoming a writer. They share ideas and talk about writing, but only a few actually do it. Even fewer finish. The ones who do succeed are those who write for the right reason.
Not all reasons are equal. Here is my breakdown of some of the right reasons to write. In my next blog, I will cover some of the “wrong” reasons.
Reasons to Write:
You can’t imagine not being a writer.
It’s the only thing you want to do, even if you never succeed. It’s the story that matters, not the result. You find joy in the process, which will see you through those rough days at the keys.
You can’t let go of a character or her story.
Your writing is a form of exorcism, but not in a crazy way. The act of putting a character on the page is a way to purge him from your mind. This is a valid reason.
You are filled with stories you want to share.
It’s that simple. You want to write as a way to entertain and engage readers.
It’s who you are, not what you do.
Being a writer affects everything you do—how you relate to the world, recognize story ideas, see patterns. It is why you notice details wherever you go and find yourself narrating internally as you go through the world.
You are passionate about writing even when you don’t pick the topics (i.e. client work).
Passion isn’t limited to fictional works. Writing should be fun no matter what the project. Okay, maybe not every project (never ask me to write a software manual), but you get the idea. A writer should love words and the process of putting them together.
You’re willing to market your writing in order to be able to write for a living.
The days of sending off a manuscript and going back to writing is over. You have to be willing to market your work too, which means social media, press, interviews, etc. It’s not such a solitary career anymore, except when you are writing.
You get how hard this is and are willing to put in the work to succeed.
Writing is not easy. It takes perseverance and dedication. It’s a blast coming up with ideas and writing first drafts. Those are heady days. Editing though? Not as much fun. It can quickly become tedious with multiple rounds of edits. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to write the best story you can every time, even if it means pushing yourself.