Why do you write?
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Joss Whedon: Why He Writes
Many people say to write what you know. And that's good advice. But part of the wonder and joy of writing is to ask questions, to come to know different types of people, to understand different ways of thinking, and to explore humanity and see what you find. So in that, I can't write simply what I know, because, really, I know nothing. I'm a caveman (woman). And there is much to discover as I battle that blank page.
Why do you write?
Why do you write?
I recently have redefined the 'write what you know' quote for myself. To me it doesn't meat that since I'm a homeschooled Christian, I have to write about homeschool Christians. It does mean that I need to write my characters with fears that I have, challenges and decisions I have faced, and feelings I have had.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the rambling. Thanks for the great post, Jill!
~Sarah Faulkner
Inklined
That sounds wonderful, Sarah. It's always exciting to redefine your goals.
DeleteI create to unleash my potential/power, blow away common sense and rules of the world and dive into adventures full of curiosity, joy and unlimited freedom.
ReplyDeleteWhen I write a story I feel more complete within as some characters represent parts of my soul and they can express themselves freely while learning and evolving from the adventures.
Sounds awesome!
DeleteI write for the delight of creating something of my own that will cause pleasure for others. --Savannah
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful feeling, to see other people read something and enjoy what you created.
DeleteI write because I love it! It makes me so happy to imagine a world and make it real through words. Because each of my characters are a small part of me. And I love to see them grow. It helps me to grow alittle as I write them.
ReplyDeleteThat's true for me too. Love this. :-)
DeleteI write to shine light into darkness.
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
DeleteI write "to win others for Christ and help others to closer fellowship with Him" (as author Isabella Alden wrote). That is my goal in writing now; to wield the pen for my Savior, praying that He would use the words I write for His glory, to win others for Christ and help others to closer fellowship with Him. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Patience!
DeleteThat's a great way to put it! Those are totally my goals too. When I write, not only do I want to help others to Him, but I am inadvertently drawing closer to God with each sentence I put down.
DeleteI read somewhere that rather than writing "what you know," you just need to make sure you "don't write what you don't know." :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite quotes about writing! :) I actually had it framed to put by my computer desk. Now whenever I feel stuck, I can look over at it to give me the extra boost I need.
ReplyDeleteThis is off topic, but I just got ridiculously excited to see Joss Whedon and Serenity :)
ReplyDeleteI write to forget, for the joy of it, and hope it can help others like me.
ReplyDeleteI write for a thousand different reasons! For one, lot of times I have feelings that I must express, but don't know who to tell them to. So I write them down instead.
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