Why I Write. The First Dozen Reasons That Popped Into My Head

For those unaware, there's a Wednesday evening online writers forum called #PubChat on Twitter. It's hosted by Publishous (a Medium publication) and usually moderated by @TheNicoleAkers, herself a bestselling author. An hour in length, it begins at 8:00 p.m. CST. 

During last night's discussion someone said something that prompted me to make a list of the reasons I write. I personally believe that learning to write well can help people in nearly any career. In about three minutes I had ten items. Afterwards I added a couple more "because they were there."

HERE'S MY LIST

1. To improve my communication skills.

2. To influence people.

3. To entertain people.

4. To make people think.

5. To document history of things I am part of. Currently I write about the local arts scene here in the Twin Ports. I also cover things related to Bob Dylan, especially with regards to local connections because he was born here in Duluth and grew up in the Northland.

6. To articulate an opinion. (I have lots of them.)

7. To learn how to express something abstract and unshaped (like emotions)  by putting it into concrete language.

8. To comfort people.

9. To give people hope. (One of the great needs of our time.)

10. To educate people.

11. To motivate people to action.

12. And sometimes, to make money.

This morning, after sleeping on it, a couple more reasons people write came to mind. For example, one that I feel really important is this: it improves our thinking skills. It takes brain power to work out the most effective way to communicate instructions or to explain why you want a job with this company. Effective communication means communication that gets results.

Finally, for me writing is a way of connecting with others. Social media builds communities, and a sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Also, as an avid reader I like sharing ideas that come from the books and articles I'm reading.

There are many other reasons people write, of course. Some people choose a writing career so they can have a more flexible lifestyle. I've known several people who love the open road and find ways to travel endlessly, supported by their writing. This isn't really the reason I began writing, though now in retirement I certainly enjoy it. Knowing I can get a nap in during the day has resulted in quite a few two a.m. writing binges.

As you can see from my list, learning to write well has value even if you don't choose writing as a career. This is why when we homeschooled our kids I worked hard to make their writing lessons both useful and enjoyable. I created a new approach to teaching writing and am proud to say they both became pretty good at it.

A few years ago I assembled the writing exercises I'd created, as well as my ideas on teaching writing, into a book titled Writing Exercises: How to Teach Writing and Prepare Your Favorite Students for College, Life and Everything Else. Though designed to help homeschooling parents, it has useful information for anyone wanting to improve their writing skills. I invite you to check it out.