Why do I write?
I write because it’s one of the few things that allows me to be myself – my real self. Life requires you to be fake sometimes. I don’t have to fake it when I write.
I write because it’s amazing how many different concepts, ideas, and messages can be shared with only 26 letters.
I write because I get lost in the words. I can take break from being a person with problems and immerse myself in my keyboard.
I write because I have something to say. It’s my duty to share my struggles, knowledge, and advice.
I write because I’m obsessed with words and the power they have. Words are the current that runs through life itself.
I write because I can say things on the page that I can’t say out loud to another person. I fear showing vulnerability in person. I need to bleed. Writing helps me exercise my demons.
I write because I look up to great writers. I want to become one of them. The craft is sacred. I want to honor it by becoming the best writer I can be.
I write because I have to. I’m called to do it. Nothing else in my life feels this right.
I write because it’s hard. I love the challenge of trying to stand out in a sea of noise. I love trying to top my greatest work.
I write because I want to leave a legacy. I want to leave my own little dent in the universe. I want my great grandchildren to be able to pick up one my books and get to know me even after I’m gone.
I write because it’s fun! There’s joy in it. I’ve done it for free, and I’d keep doing it for free, even though I plan on doing it for a living.
I write because it helps me learn. I can take the things I’ve read, the experiences I’ve had, the perspectives of other people, and use them to create something special. This is the entire point of learning.
I write because I’m insecure, and (I believe) writing is something I happen to be good at, so it makes me feel good about myself.
I write because it’s the only thing I do in my life that feels genuine. My job doesn’t feel genuine. I’m not even sure I’m one hundred percent genuine with the people closest to me. But I’m genuine here, right now.
Why should you write?
If you have the itch to write, you should write. Else the itch will fester, turn into a disease, and ruin you. That’s what unfulfilled dreams do – they eat at you slowly. When you realize what’s happened it might be too late. Half of you has already withered away.
You should write because life is short. Writing helps your life feel longer than it is. The moments of flow extend your life.
You should write because we need to hear your side of the story. We need authentic voices. We need more members of the army fighting against the resistance of doubt, fear, and conformity.
You should write because it helps you grow. You’re a different person 100 blog posts later, 3 books later, and years of experience later.
You should write because you have demons that need exercising too.
You should write if you feel called to write. If you want to be a writer, then be a writer. Don’t listen to snobs who say you’re not a writer until _______. Fuck them. If you constantly face the resistance and write, you’re a writer.
Why Do You Write?
Tell me in the comments below.
Why Don’t You Write?
Tell me what’s holding you back
Bio
Ayodeji is the author of The Destiny Formula, which received more than 50 five star reviews on Amazon. His mission is to help other writers hone their voices and build an audience around their writing. Visit his website here and get some free goodies here. Link up with him on social media via Facebook or Twitter.