Comments on: Why Writers Write

By: Mujahid Hussain SEF

Mujahid Hussain SEF — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:33:17 +0000

Though I don’t consider my self a good writer but I use to write on different topics, that come into my mind throgh my observation and circumentences. what I known with my self observation is that, writers are able to articulate ideas with incomparable eloquence while those around them struggle to utter a single word. However, people simply assume that these writers come by these words easily. Truly, this statement could hardly be further from the truth. If anything, communication is an even more complex task for writers than it is for anyone else.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:58:24 +0000

I don’t know why I write, and I’m afraid to analyse it. Too many times I’ve taken aspects of my life apart and each time it worked out badly. So I leave well alone this essential bit of myself. Best that way. A cure isn’t necessary.

I’m the born writer type, I guess. Time has proven that. Been writing forever. It fatigues and worries me to think about it.

I’ve always been too idle to be a pro. I realise that now. Though it took me a while. I’m too idle to revise, you see. And revision is what makes a pro writer. Revision is writing. In fact all pros should be renamed ‘revisers’. That would be closer to the truth of them.

For me, writing is a must, and no amateur clichÃ© present. My thoughts must be put to paper else they stay inside my head and I become neurotic and sleep sporadically. I’m sensitive that way.

I’ve left the wannabe stage years past and I couldn’t be arsed any more. If I want to write well, I can. Or possibly I know how to. The need to justify myself is gone.

I concern myself though about these young beginner writers, wannabes. Clearly most of them have no talent and they’re too dumb or blinded to see this and life is tough enough already without having to fight yourself too. They need guidance and to be told this.

Writing is writing is writing. That’s what it is to me. And that’s why I do it. Good or bad. And that suits me just fine.

By: mere

mere — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:16:41 +0000

Because it drives me loony not to write

By: prospero

prospero — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:33:06 +0000

I agree, very much with what you’ve written. I have not written a single novel. I have usually been paid to write though. As you say, being paid to write is relatively common to various professions and as there’s a limited market for theatre reviews, it is usually on the duller topics that people are rewarded with actual money.

At the same time, I also think that having a writing bug, that is, an urge to write for artistic reasons, isn’t precluded by also for example, writing on the financial markets.

I think it’s about finding a balance between the two so that one has still sufficient energy and perspective after the day-job, to focus on the creative side of writing. I agree that the tools and discipline are fundamentally the same but I think there is a different mental and emotional position that pressures of time constrains, retards, is more difficult to reach at 11pm as opposed to 11am. I don’t think this is a personal excuse but just a practical observation; there is no such thing as permanently switched on writing ability and personally I don’t want to labour for three hours at night writing poorly when I know that in three hours in the morning I’ll write better quality text and so get more pleasure from it. That after all, is why writers write, not just because they feel impelled but because it gives them a kick nothing else matches.