This morning I came downstairs to my computer to write. I looked at the list of all the stories I had written. I have published one hundred and forty stories. I have one hundred and thirty-nine rough drafts. Stories I had started and never finished.
One of the rough drafts was called, “Why do I write.”
On July 24th, exactly one hundred and fifteen days ago, I wrote.
I loved writing every day. Then I thought, “I don’t want to burden people with having to read my writing every day.” I stopped writing every day. Then I read a blog about blogging, and they said three posts a week are enough. Then a friend sent me an article about writing every day is like stretching muscle.
I didn’t publish my thoughts from July. I kept it as a rough draft. Today is November 16th. What do I think about writing now?
I am taking an eight week On-line Writing Course, Tribewriters by Jeff Goins. I am developing new writing habits, and challenging myself to act like a professional. To believe I am what I am asking you to believe about me. To turn professional in my head before I do it on paper. I am learning and building a community.
Today I ask myself the same question. Why do I write?
1. I write because I have something I want to say.
2. I write what I want to write. I don’t try to guess what you want to read.
3. I write what I know and share it.
4. I write to bring laughter and encourage.
5. I write something that is hard and real.
I know there are more reasons why I write. I will think of more reasons after I publish this story. But today, this rough draft that has sat for one hundred and fifteen days will get published. I don’t have to be perfect. I have to start something and finish it.
I will write every day because I want to, not because I am suppose to.
I will work on shortening the rough draft list.
Why do you write?
