Monday, March 28, 2011

Because I have to...


Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see in the making all around us. In the end, writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some underculture but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals. ~ Don Delillo

several years ago, the editor for the Abilene Writers Guild asked the question, "Why do you write?"

that question prompted me to write a piece, which she printed in the newsletter, and later, that same piece became the introduction to my book Three Thousand Doors

an excerpt from that piece:

...I write because if I do not
I feel I am no more than a leaf
trapped in the brush at the waters’ edge.
Aimless, worthless;
stagnant and decaying waste... ~ me

Prompt #48: Why do YOU write?

2 comments:

S. Eric Ketzer said...

Like you, I write because I have to. I would say this is true for most writers. We are not compelled to write, rather impelled. For me it is part of who I am, always has been, my father a writer and his before him and his before him. My mind thinks in poetic phrases. It is my natural state of conversation where as what comes out of my mouth is a dumbed down version of what my mind really wants to say, made more palatable for social consumption yet lacks the word play that my true self hears in my head.

Susan said...

Hello Karen...
Why do I write? I write because I breathe. If one stops, so does the other.

If I can write something that makes a person smile, or feel a bit happier in this difficult world, or touches one other soul in a special way, then my writing is worthwhile.

Usually, I write when I'm happy or sad, rejoicing or lamenting. Truly, it is unparalleled joy to write from one's heart. That's the name of my blog, as well: Writing Straight from the Heart.

Thanks for your blog, too! Susan