Why do YOU write?
I read an excellent post this week here that quoted literary giant Madeleine L’Engle on this very question:
I read an excellent post this week here that quoted literary giant Madeleine L’Engle on this very question:
“Whether a story is to be marketed for grownups or for children, the writer writes for himself, out of his own need, otherwise the story will lack reality.... if it springs from the writer’s need to understand life and all its vagaries and vicissitudes, if it is totally honest and unselfpitying, then it will have the valid ring of truth.”
What more can a writer ask than to have his work resonate with the valid ring of truth? And how does a writer get that?
By writing for herself, out of herself.
I can vouch for this sentiment. The story of my heart right now has grown out of my nonfiction writing, which is an outgrowth of me and my “momness.” This tale happens to be the saga I’m pursuing on the NaNo Trail right now. It’s an idea that came to me in May 2008 and lay dormant for a while.
But it wouldn’t leave me alone. The story idea persisted until it wormed its way right into my heart. The more I write, the more clearly I see why I’m so committed to this narrative. It really is a story of the heart, a story that conveys needs and truths common to this mom and all moms.
Why am I writing it? I have to. There’s an innate need for me to express the truths and needs in this story. Will it be published? Of course, I hope so! But even if not, it was written for me, out of my need, so it is a journey worth taking. Just walking this path has taught me so much.
So, write for yourself, out of yourself.
I recommend it highly!
Laura
What more can a writer ask than to have his work resonate with the valid ring of truth? And how does a writer get that?
By writing for herself, out of herself.
I can vouch for this sentiment. The story of my heart right now has grown out of my nonfiction writing, which is an outgrowth of me and my “momness.” This tale happens to be the saga I’m pursuing on the NaNo Trail right now. It’s an idea that came to me in May 2008 and lay dormant for a while.
But it wouldn’t leave me alone. The story idea persisted until it wormed its way right into my heart. The more I write, the more clearly I see why I’m so committed to this narrative. It really is a story of the heart, a story that conveys needs and truths common to this mom and all moms.
Why am I writing it? I have to. There’s an innate need for me to express the truths and needs in this story. Will it be published? Of course, I hope so! But even if not, it was written for me, out of my need, so it is a journey worth taking. Just walking this path has taught me so much.
So, write for yourself, out of yourself.
I recommend it highly!
Laura
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5 comments:
Laura, Thanks. Of course that is why I write, but sometimes I try to write for what I think others might want to read and then I get bogged down. Good post. Clella
I saw that quote of Madeline L'E's this week as well.
I also write for myself. It is very satisfying to tell myself a story!!! LOL! Truly, it is. I hope to share it will other through publication. Be if not, it is a special time spent with me and the Lord.
BTW, found you on the blog carnival!
Thanks for checking out the Blog Carnival and finding us!
Laura
Wonderful! Stories worth telling keep eating at you until you share them.
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