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Why Do You Write?

Have you ever asked yourself that question?

Why are you writing?

If you are just starting out as a writer, or if you have written for a long time, we most likely have something in common. At one point, we have probably asked ourselves why we are writing.

It’s a simple question, but one that we need to ask. Here are some other questions to consider:

  • Does writing make you feel alive?
  • Does writing help you process your thoughts?
  • Do you feel energized when you write?
  • Do you feel like you have to write?

I believe that God has wired each of us to be creative. We have gifts that He wants us to share with the world. For many of us reading this, our gift is to write.

If you believe that, and feel called to write, I would ask you another question.

Have you considered that God has something to say through you?

I’ll be honest. When I first thought about that it scared me. What could God possibly use me for? I’m not a Pastor or a theologian. I’m certainly not an expert.

Fear will tell us those things. Fear will tell us all kinds of things to try to stop us from making a difference. Don’t listen to it. Press through the “resistance” and write. Even if it’s something you will not show to another soul. Write it.

Anne Lamott talks frequently about writing horrible first drafts. The physical act of writing often stirs thoughts we didn’t have before, but we have to get that bad first draft done first.

I believe that we each have unique experiences that God wants to use. He wants us to write about it. I recently heard a quote from Jeff Goins that really resonated with me.

“I write to give other people life.”  -Jeff Goins

What an awesome way to look at writing. It’s not about us! It’s about helping other people. Have you experienced this? The reader who was having a hard time and your words encouraged them? The friend who tells you that your words inspired them to be a better wife or Mom? That is incredibly powerful.

When I truly understood this, everything changed for me. I have a unique story. God wants to use me to tell it. He wants to use me to tell other people’s stories. He wants me to help give people life.

Wow.

What an honor.

QUESTION: Why do you write? Has a writer helped give you life? CLICK HERE to tell us about it in the comments.

 * Image credit: dhammza (Creative Commons)

Comments

  2. says

    I write mainly to process through things in my life. Through that process, I’ve found that I touch other’s lives, which I love. 

    I’ve fallen out of writing in the last few weeks, mainly due to a crazy, hectic schedule and not having much free time. I’m finding that I really miss it. Thanks for a reminder to not give up on something I love so deeply. 

  3. says

    I’m new at this writing (openly for the world to see) thing but I have already received an incredible amount of positive feedback from people who I hardly know or haven’t seen in years (in addition to friends and family) that I know I’m doing the right thing by sharing my story.   

    I’m not the type of person who can easily walk up to someone and start talking about God but I was compelled to start writing about my recent experiences and it’s been amazing to see how it’s already helping several people who I least expected!  I’ve also seen some subtle changes in several people close to me that have been mind-blowing.

    And I can definitely answer YES to the four questions above!  I’d love to connect with other writers and bloggers so feel free to get in touch!

    • says

      Thanks, Paula. Isn’t it awesome when your words impact someone? Sometimes we can put words to thoughts that others have a difficult time expressing. I look forward to getting to know you!

  4. says

    Tammy, I love this post. Soooo good!  I write because I have something to say. It’s as if I’m compelled to communicate, until I get it out, I don’t quite feel myself. 🙂

  5. says

    I write because I know that God will … in His sovereignty … work out the details so that the people who need to read it at the appropriate time will do so and be blessed. My writings aren’t inspired by God, but I pray that God will use them to inspire others.

  6. says

    Your article is so great! It made me asked myself too. I write mostly for myself in my diary since I was 15 years old. At first they were just about shallow things then it got pretty heavy and serious. Until I realized that my real voice is in writing. I am able to speak freely and gather my thoughts well when I write than when I talk. From time to time I open one of my diaries and I laugh at the silliness I wrote. But most importantly, I see how much I’ve changed and grown over the years and what my good and bad experiences have taught me in life. 

  7. says

    Great post, Tammy! I write because I want to help people break free from their strongholds and grow closer to God. It’s kind of hard to write though because I answer all the other questions in your post with a “no.” Although I’m beginning to see how writing for others can help you process your thoughts. It always helps me in my quiet times – just not always with writing because I have too many writing hangups! Those hangups also make me forget I’m writing for others which is why I started writing in the first place! I look forward to the day I am completely free from those hangups and consistently writing with joy. I feel like this will be the year it happens as God has already been making huge inroads.

  8. Davejarnold16 says

    Tammy- great post! I write because there is such a need for hope in our world. Words can offer hope like nothing else. We are called to use our words to edify and build up, according to the needs of others (Ephesians 4:29). This is why I write.

  10. says

    Great post Tammy. I’ve been blogging for about two years now and been writing for around twenty one yrs. (sounds ancient I know, but I’ve been writing since I was a little girl, mostly for myself ). 🙂

    I love helping people grow and develop and writing offers a way to reach more people. I keep saying if one person is helped by what I have to say, it’s worth it. God gets the credit for the good, i take credit for  the not-so-good 🙂