Why do you write?

“I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful – for all of it.” – Kristin Armstrong

 

I began to ponder before I found this quote, why do I write? At first the answer was simple, it is a place where I can freely write anything, without being judged. But then I let the question sit with me, deep in my thoughts, and paused again, and did not find the same answer. I write not only because I can write anything freely, but because I am called to do so. I write in good times and in bad, I write on sunny summer days, and on cloudy winter days. I write because it helps me understand things which don’t make sense, and require rereading to understand. I write to remember all the moments so vividly, and precisely as if I were re-experiencing them again. I write so I can recall my growth and remember my struggles, for it is those moments who made me who I am today. But most importantly, I write in hopes that my story will somehow, someway, help someone feel at ease. Why do you write?

Your writing voice is the deepest possible reflection of who you are. The job of your voice is not to seduce or flatter or make well-shaped sentences. In your voice, your readers should be able to hear the contents of your mind, your heart,your soul.”
-Meg Rosoff