Why I Write
Writing is not a choice. Writing is a challenge put forth by my inner
me. It’s the reason I write. It has always been there as far back as I
can remember. Addiction and obsession are too negative sounding but
could be factors. Liberation and communication…now those are the
results of the addiction/obsession, but they sound much better! Let’s
keep this positive!
Writing is a sport: a game of putting the right words
together at the right time in the right place. A challenge put forth by my inner me. “I triple dog dare
you,” says my brain. And then, I
have no choice, I have to write it down.
It’s time to pick teams. Let the games begin.
As the coach, I invite the words to come and try out. I decide which words I want for the
team, which words get to play and which ones don’t.
Some words get sent back. They just aren't playing nicely; they lack sportsmanship and
cooperation. Some words just don't make the cut; they’re just not good enough
- no muscle, no stretch, no
imagination, no accuracy, no stamina.
They’ll take too much work to fit in with the rest of the team.
Some words are relegated to the bench in case I need them
later. They have potential, but
they just aren’t needed yet. I’ll
look for places to use them well and strategically. They may not play this game, but I keep an eye out in the
next game for a place I can use them.
Sometimes, somehow, too many words go out on the field. I have to send some back because there
are too many for the game, too many on the field! Penalty!!!
But when the right words are put together, they flow. A brain “wave” goes through the
reader. From word to word, the image
grows as it is passed around, until, at the end - SCORE! And a little brain cheer goes up…
Anyone for up for a game? I double dog dare you.
No, I triple dog dare you!
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Such a simple question, with so many possible answers! Thursday, October
20, is the third annual National Day on Writing and the Stenhouse Blog
will join the celebration by asking you to answer the question: Why do
you write?
Here's my comment:
Here's my comment:
Why I Write
Writing is not a choice. Writing is a challenge put forth by my inner
me. It’s the reason I write. It has always been there as far back as I
can remember. Addiction and obsession are too negative sounding but
could be factors. Liberation and communication…now those are the
results of the addiction/obsession, but they sound much better! Let’s
keep this positive!

