From: http://www.ehow.com/video_4990707_write-freelance-writers-invoice.html
It really is a most basic question. Since it is the foundation for what you do, when was the last time you thoughtfully considered the question? If you are unclear about why it is that you are traveling down this road then maybe it is time to stop and smell the roses.
You write because…
- You have this ember that glows deep within. It’s hard to put your finger on it. It may be difficult for you to even put it into words. It’s a sense that writing is what you are supposed to do.
- At some point in the past someone read something you wrote and told you that you should be a writer.
- You have a creative side that needs to express itself and you couldn’t draw your way out of a paper bag.
- It’s a great way to work from home. Be your own boss! Have more time with friends and family! Make $10,000 a month!
- You enjoy the freelance aspect of writing where you can get involved in a variety of projects.
- You own a blog and you have to, in order to keep traffic flowing to your monetized niche site.
- You have a lot to say and you want the world to know it.
- You journal and it feels good to get your thoughts and feelings down on paper.
- You want to be a best-selling Novelist.
- You like having tangible evidence that you exist.
- You get a little thrill whenever you see your name in print.
- You want recognition for the things you know.
- You like to tell stories.
- You want to have a memoir, something to pass on to future generations.
- You enjoy the challenge of grammar and word play.
- It’s a great excuse to buy a computer and set up a web site.
- You have expert knowledge in a certain area and you are the most qualified to write about it.
- It makes you feel intellectual.
- It relaxes you.
- It gives you a sense of completeness.
- It awakens your mind to a world of possibilities.
- It satiates you.
- It is all you have ever wanted to do.
Whew! There are a lot of reasons to write, don’t you think?
I write because it’s a part of who I am – I guess it’s the burning ember reason you listed. Also because I have trouble shutting my brain off at night if I haven’t used it enough during the day. And because my day job doesn’t challenge me the way I can challenge myself via writing. And because sometimes i have something to say and I’m just not verbally articulate, damn it.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Oompa Loompas are Racist? =-.
Heather,
I suffer from verbal spaz too! I can be much more eloquent when I write!
George
George,
As always, you’ve nailed it so expressively–and with plenty of humor to make those friendly slaps all the more fun.
(I love the gentle slugs I get from your blog, reminding me to focus on what’s important.)
One of my favorite funnies was: “It’s a great way to work from home. Be your own boss! Have more time with friends and family! Make $10,000 a month!”
I do work from home and I am my own boss (good feeling!). I also now provide some paid work for two other writers, so it’s very satisfying to being able to pay it forward. I’m still working on the ten grand a month part ;~D and the “more time with family and friends” could also use some extra spit and polish. I work longer hours now than I ever did for a normal job. And I know many other writers who say the same.
But, you’re right. We’re just crazy and lovable enough to embrace the lifestyle.
One point I’m surprised you missed–because I know it’s true of you also–is very big on my list: I love it when my writing helps other people (especially other writers).
What would I be doing if I couldn’t write? Something in the healing arts, for sure. But I know I’d also need my writing for that career, so there’s no getting away from it. Nothing else I could think of (that I would actually like doing) would be possible without some writing involved.
My only other possibility (if someone else wrote the handouts) is to give Time Management seminars to writers who work from home. I could use myself as a case study (some days excellent, some days good . . . some days beyond-hopeless-and-never-make-it-outta-my-jammies).
Thanks for another great post, time to reflect and some healing giggles. ~ Milli
Hi Milli,
Great comment. There are lifestyle considerations for sure. The working from home thing is an absolute attractant, and I’ve got a story about that (for another time).
Heck, I can’t believe I didn’t mention helping others. It’s what I love the most about my current writing – Umm, that is assuming folks find my writing helpful!
Cheers!
George
George, I can’t remember ever visiting your blog and not feeling helped.
I love, love, love your list, George! I would answer your question here in the comments, but instead of filling up this small white space, how about I just direct you to a similar post I wrote on my writing blog back in 2007? Ironically, it has the same title as this post! Great minds think alike, eh?
LOL
Why Do You Write?
But my favorite answer you chose, is: It satiates you.
Yes, it does! It fills me up, overflowing!!!
*smiles*
Michele
.-= Michele | Writer’s Round-About´s last blog ..Writers Are Superheroes =-.
Michele,
yeah we are definitely in “Tune”. Hehe.
George
LOL
.-= Michele | Writer’s Round-About´s last blog ..Writers Are Superheroes =-.
I love writing about beautiful lived experiences, especially during trips.
.-= Anto´s last blog ..One Fullerton – Singapore =-.
Anto,
I love your stumbles and the great pics you have. The article I’ve read of yours are written well with a great voice.
Good to see you here.
George
Long ago, I wrote cause I liked to make folks laugh but have a terrible memory for jokes. Today, I’m enthused cause it’s almost like cleaning up house – bunch of ideas have been floating around and really needed to find a home.
.-= Fred H Schlegel´s last blog ..When Trails Of Science and Art Cross =-.
Hi Fred,
I’m glad you found a home for your writing. Always a pleasure to read!
George
I write becuase I want to release my deeper thoughts and share it to someone. My feeling is really good when I do this always.
Hi Walter,
I think those feelings tell you you are on the right track. Thanks for coming by and contributing!
George
“You like having tangible evidence that you exist.”
Our days are numbered. The inexorable process of decay and death starts the moment we’re born. I want to hold onto something tangible – that I matter a little in the little time I’m allowed to pass through here. Somber thoughts, eh? Must be the weather.
Writing requires solitude and solid thinking or what passes for it. Makes me handle life’s curved balls. After the fact, yes but helpful nevertheless. Maybe I’m fumbling anti-hero in real life, but putting it down on paper or on a blog gives you a sense of mastery or a certain magnificence.
.-= jan geronimo´s last blog ..10 Blog Lessons I Did Not Learn From Darren Rowse =-.
Jan,
You are truly a wordsmith. I could not have said it better myself – and neither could a whole cart-load of others.
George
If I didn’t write, I would go insane. I’m not being melodramatic here… I really do think that. A pressure builds if I don’t write – and it has to be creative writing to relieve that pressure. I run a writing business, and write all the time, but it’s only the stories and the novels that keep me sane.
Ask my husband – I’m a horrible grumpy little troll if a fortnight has gone by without a story
Well Emma,
I am so happy you have your release!
Good for you for achieving the balance.
And sorry, but I cannot conjure up in my minds little eye you as a horrible grumpy little troll…
George
Pingback: Flashback Monday - Income Report And Review
When my grandmother presented me with a high school graduation gift she said, “It’s time to tell you about our little family curse,” and went on to tell the story of how she became a Saturday Evening Post author of love stories “when ladies didn’t do such things.” For a year she never cashed one their checks until they called from New York begging her to deposit them for their bookkeeping. “Ladies did not have bank accounts in those days,” and she had to tell her husband who was aghast!
Most of my work was in the school market in filmstrip and film, but I also wrote for 12 national magazines ranging from SEVENTEEN to The Smithsonian, with most of my work in the photographic press where I was West Coast Editor of POPULAR PHOTOGRAPHY for four years writing a monthly column for the magazine and had been in every other such publication in addition to SKIN DIVER, SAGA and UFO Quarterly, a couple of English photo mags and so on. I have done ten books, two published in New York and am now working on novels as I am in that stage of life.
Adrian,
Thanks for coming by and commenting. I do like having you here. You have had some remarkable success as a writer and I wish you continued success as your novels progress.
George
Pingback: My Top #FollowFriday People and Their Best Posts | WritingToExhale
Hey everyone – go read this post by Jan Geronimo. There’s some great stuff there!
George
Hey, George,
Does paying my mortgage count as a reason to write? Not very romantic but it does pay the bills (Thanks to the Fates).
Paul
Paul,
Heck it’s in the top three!
George
hi george. i read your post on 500 words limit over at jan’s site. i raved over jan’s writings that i read from another site and later realized that i posted on the entry you wrote as a guest writer. after going through both of your blogs i must say i’m really impressed at both you. i thought of dropping you a line to let you know that i enjoyed reading your blogs. more power!
.-= Doc Grace´s last blog ..Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer =-.
Doc,
Very cool. I appreciate the feedback. You’re always welcome here. Heading over to check out your blog right now…
George
Hi George – Great post! I’m with Emma: if I didn’t write I’d go insane. That’s probably the case because I’m not very articulate when speaking. Writing is the only way I can communicate effectively. How about you – what makes you write?
Hi Brad,
It is a weird combination of a lot of the things listed. Mostly though, I get a thrill out of hitting the publish or print button. I feel so good when I’ve completed a writing project, be it a post or something larger.
Like you, I can be a silver tongued devil in my written prose, and somewhat inarticulate with my verbals.
Cheers!
George
There is a lot of reasons why I write. Mostly it’s because I must, or else I feel that I would go mad. When I go even a day without writing I would feel pent up and frustrated; then when I able to get even a few words down on paper (or on the computer) I feel this sense of calm and relief. Writing is the essence of who I am. I must write.
Carrie
Carrie,
I love those reasons and I completely relate. I spent three hours writing this morning and when I was finished, I didn’t feel drained – I felt energized!
George
Hello – I followed a link from somewhere and ended up reading for the last 30 minutes or so – love what I have read and so will continue to check in regularly.
Why do I write? – because I have all these thoughts in my head that if I don’t write them down they would drive me quietly insane (which explains a lot!) – it doesn’t matter that no one read them, it just helped clarify my thinking.
And I know this is an old post but I decided to comment anyway – just because it struck a chord
Shirley
Hey Shirley,
Rockin’! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Nice to see you here. Actually this is one of my favorite posts so I’m glad it struck a chord with you.
Hope to see you around.
George