Thursday, May 21, 2009

Why am I writing?

I write because I live. If someone put me in a place where there were no computers, no pens, no pencils, I wonder if I could live like that. It's a hunger. If I couldn't write, where would I put all of these characters in my head? I'm talking about all of this, because I read somewhere that a writer claimed he wrote to make money and that was that. Say what? I know plenty of writers and that's not why they write. Oh sure, that's a plus, but if I never get published, I'll still write. The hard work, the endless hours, the passion we writers feel, of course we want rewarded. To see our work in print. To touch a book that we wrote. Ahh, it must be bliss. I must remember to ask P.J. how it feels.

Getting published would give me validation. It's something I want, something I need. Not too many people can say they've written a novel. Or any kind of book. This means that we are doing something rare. The rejections can't even stop us. Because we know one day we'll be sitting high atop the mountain. With the published authors. But even if it doesn't happen to me (which I know it will) I will still write. I write because I live. What say you ? :)

21 comments:

  1. I've been behind on the blogs so I just read about your son. :( Sorry to hear about it. I hope he's doing better.

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  2. Robyn - great, great post.

    I write because I love to write. Like you, the publication part would be great, but I write because it is what I love to do.

    S

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  3. Lauren, we don't what is going on yet. More tests are scheduled. I love him sooo much!

    Scott, I do want to be published, but just being able to write is worth all of the rejection. Isn' it? :)

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  4. I write because it's what I do. Some people sing (and you really don't want me to spend all my time doing that, trust me). Some people run. I write. I have stories to tell and I must tell them. Getting someone else to read them is a bonus!

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  5. Christine, well put! Love the bonus, too. :)

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  6. I write for stress relief...for escape....for the invigorating feeling I get when I'm on a roll with an idea....and even for my children (and their children).

    Even if it never makes it way to print - someday they'll pull it out of a drawer, read it and say "my great grandma wrote that". That is a pretty cool thought. :)

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  7. I'm so envious. I write because someday I want to be able to say "I'm a published author". Don't get me wrong, I like writing. But I don't have the voices in my head like so many other writers. I fluctuate between being able to crank out tons of words to not being able to type a single one.

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  8. Tess, I love the way you think, girl. Sometimes it causes me more stress than it relieves. Like today. :)

    Eric, a lot of writers don't have the voices and that's fine. As long as you love it and I think you do. You'll write wonderful stories. I'm having the problem of not being able to put words on the page this morning. UGH Maybe this afternoon. :)

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  9. I tried to comment on your blog the other day, and it kept opening the page over and over - weird. Anyhow, I sure hope your son is all right. That's scary! I've been praying for him this week. As for the payment thing, hmmmm. He must be one of those Michael Phelps authors that I just blogged about - lol! I've not experienced that yet. I've made enough to eat at McDonalds a couple of nights but that's about it thus far. But I'm with you. I love writing. And my dream is to find a publisher, but if that doesn't ever happen, I'll still be writing. It's just plain fun.

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  10. Great thoughts! I write because I need to. Everyone needs an outlet, I think, and writing's mine. :D

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  11. Amy, Hmm, my blog would act up. We still don't have any answers. I'm petrified. Thanks so much for praying for him. Please don't stop!

    Yeah, I want to be published, to know other people are reading my book. I want to touch my book. But I'll write anyway. Tess got an agent, I'm so happy for her. Waaaaaaa:)

    Danyelle, I need to write, too. Don't know what I would do if I suddenly couldn't write anymore. Guess they'd be carrying me to my final resting place. :)

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  12. Hmm...I used to feel like this. I really did. I loved to write, I had story after story to tell. That has sort of erased over the past year and a half. I must find it again, or I fear I might not. Great post!

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  13. Ahh, well said! I write because I love it, but as time goes on, I find the more frustrating it is to write what I'm pleased with. But the passion is still there! You'll get there to the top if that's your goal and you are persistent!

    I've given you a blog award. You can view it here on my blog. Just scroll down to the end of the post to the "Proximity" award for directions and more information about the award.

    Thanks for a great blog!

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  14. Who IS that guy whosaid he wrote to make money? What was he writing? Didn't he know there isn't any money in writing?

    We write because it's who we are. It's what we do. Even if I got some other job or retired or got crazy rich, I'd still write. It's who I am.

    Obviously, it's who you are too.

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  15. Elana, You will find it again. I know you will. :)

    Glam, I find the more I learn about writing the better my writing improves, because I want it to. Thanks for the award. I love it! :)

    Suzanne, thanks for visiting. Yeah it's who I am, too! :)

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  16. Christopher (and you and your family!) are in my prayers. I write because that's what I do. I'm not quite sure I think, therefore I write, but it's not much more complicated. So enjoying this blog and the inspiration to keep plugging away towards publication. Thanks!

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  17. Hear, Hear, Robyn! I couldn't agree more. Here's a quote that I love:

    "I have never thought of writing for reputation and honour. What I have in my heart must come out; that is the reason I compose" - Ludwig van Beethoven 1770 -1827

    Now...if only I could write novels like Beethoven composed music!!

    PS Hope your son is better. Josephina and Theodora send him some loving purrs.

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  18. Buttercup, thanks so much for the prayers. We--he needs them. Thanks for stopping by, we're all in this together! :)

    Ann, Yes, that quote from Beethoven sums it all up, doesn't it? And yes, if I could write my books like he composed his music,,,ahhh! :)

    My son isn't better yet. They're not even sure what is causing this. Going for more tests soon. Tell Josephina and Theodora he sends them hugs right back! :)

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  19. I only started writing a couple of years ago, but I love it. As long as the stories keep coming, I will continue to write. I long to see my name on a book, have that book in a library where people can check it out to read and to hold that book in my arms and say "I wrote this." If I don't quit, I believe it will happen some day.

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  20. Just saw this post, Robyn. Yes, I love to write, but also want (need?) that validation of having a book published with my name on it. Sort of like my contribution to the world (other than my wonderful kids, of course!).

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