Why Write?

Why write? This is a question my Creative Writing teacher asked us in class. My first reaction is because I enjoy writing. Why do I enjoy it? This question makes me think. I enjoy writing because it is an easy and natural way for me to express my thoughts. My mind is filled with characters and story lines that I would like to put into words. Writing them down ensures that I won't forget them and that allows me to make space in my mind for more things.

Writing also allows me to go places and imagine situations that I may never experience. My characters can be whoever I want them to be. But each one of them has a piece of me. My characters and my words are mine, something that no one can take away. Maybe that is the basis for writing, and creating in general. Whatever we create, whether words or a physical thing, it is from our minds and we will always be able to say that we made something unique.

Keeping my writings in files on my computer, or even sharing them with class is one thing. But putting them down in a public setting for the world to see is an entirely new aspect. For the author it can feel exciting, vulnerable, scary, relieving and many other emotions. For me it is an opportunity for others to read my work, to know that someone is taking an interest in something that comes from me. Acknowledgement as a writer.

I'm starting this blog for class. In the past year I have come so far in my understanding as a writer. I now know that I have a gift for putting my thoughts into words and beyond this semester I will continue to write, for myself and, hopefully, to one day be published and be able to share my imagination to a larger audience.