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231 – Writing v2

Click the video above for several minutes of background waves while reading.

I like to walk on the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

Thoughts about writing are still in my head from the first Writing essay. Writing is a difficult art and easier for some than others. Even those finding it easy will tell about their difficulties. Although writing is a skill combining intellect, logic, creativity, organization, and a good mind to bring it all together, my focus in this essay is the reasons people write – not just me – but anyone. 

While others read, watch television, listen to music, do crafts or woodworking – others write to relax, pass the time, or clear their head. We write stories, poems, novels, essays, opinions, lists, procedures, notes, memos, position papers, satire, journals, and more.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

But why do people write? When I think about it, there are many reasons – especially considering different answers by different people.

We write to display emotions, knowledge, empathy, and pride – to hide, share, give, teach, love, heal, test, question, fantasize, rewrite, or even edit.

We write to clarify, inform, debate, dispel, promote, distract, entertain, promote, convince, test, philosophize, pontificate, stimulate, motivate, persuade, report, and share. 

We write to think, analyze, discover ideas, and then shape them into something meaningful.

We write to release emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, helplessness, thrill, concern, and a myriad of other human emotions.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

We write to pause, find hope, reduce stress, clear the mind, turn off the noise, retreat to a happy place, and return to our equilibrium.

We write to be vulnerable and find clarity by listening to the heart and freeing the soul. We write to test personal values and to maintain our dignity.

We write to strive for the future by examining the present and reflecting on the past – to guide and inspire others toward a better tomorrow.

After identifying the boundaries, we write to clarify our thoughts and then push the boundaries.

We write to ponder the chaos within and around us, to examine darkness, and to seek the light – to mend the heart, find peace, calm the mind, and feel whole again.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

We write to find beauty and complexity by contemplating deep thoughts as meaning, immensity, origins, and other ideas that may be unanswerable.  

We write to converse with ourselves by reaching into the depths of our hearts and minds. We might even find ourselves or even get lost in the moment. 

We write to find a place that may be the beginning, the end, or the light at the end of the tunnel.

We write to travel to a distant land or a fantasy world – or return to a place by rekindling memories.

Maybe we write to leave something behind that is a piece of us so our thoughts can live on.

Photo by Mark Neal on Pexels.com

Each of us not only writes differently, but each of us has preferences in what we write. Some are poets, but others are storytellers. I know I am neither because my writing is in the nonfiction world – but that’s ok. After all, I like to write.

I like what blogger Cindy (a frequent visitor here) wrote about writing. “When you have nothing to say, just write. When you think it’s all been said, just write. When you’ve heard the same thing 100 times, just write. When you know others have too, just write.”

After thinking about why we write, this essay was difficult to write because I had to find a way to organize my thoughts. Then again, like any form of communication, writing is subject to the writer’s and reader’s interpretation – especially over time. In the end, we write to write. Whatever the reasons we write, I like to walk on the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

I’m linking to Jo’s Monday Walk to Los Molinos del Tajo. Tell her I sent you.

See what other bloggers have posted about Writing

Next Post: Ripples – Saturday 1st June @ 1 AM (Eastern US)  

59 thoughts on “231 – Writing v2”

  2. I think the one mistake a lot of people make when they write, is to believe there is an audience for what they write. I know, I know . . we’ve been conditioned to believe you have to find your reader and all that. I don’t think so. You have to find what you are as a writer, that’s what you have to do. I have no misgivings about my writing. I have no doubts about it. I write according to that, because that’s what has to matter, otherwise what I AM writing? Ain’t me.

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    1. Marc,

      Your fresh take about the audience is definitely worth pondering. I agree that the writer must know who they are, what they do, and the way they do it … and you definitely know yours. Then again, I also think you are one of the premier writers I encounter … and your comfort within yourself is obvious.

      I’m going with your position along with the importance of the audience. Some types of writing must center on the audience, but definitely not all. Then again, if the audience doesn’t like a style, they won’t return … and bloggers definitely know that. But much of blogging is about the writer.

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      1. Well thank you for that Cincy, thank you very much.

        I just feel myself in the writing, and I let it be the truest me. Sometimes that honesty flows and sometimes it takes a little bit of finagling.

        There’s the thing. You have to have the middle ground nailed so that you can have both.

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  3. Good morning, Frank. You’re right so many reasons to write. I know some people do not like to write at all, and many people are turning toward AI technology to help them. (Many professional and literary sites now warn that they will not accept AI-generated work.) Not a problem for me because I love to write. 🙂

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    1. Merril,
      Absolutely! I’m sure the reasons people don’t like to write is long. After all, some don’t enjoy it or it’s a struggle for a variety of reasons. What would be interesting to know is who turns to AI for their writing. I can see how certain groups reject AI-generated writing. I wonder, how is it known? Cheers to the joy you find in writing.

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  5. I think our writing voice is as individual as those footsteps in the sand, some will step in with you and others won’t…. As long as you enjoy the walk don’t let it worry you … we all enjoy a different pace and different terrain 😊. Another great essay

    Suzanne

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  8. Another beautiful post on writing, Frank. You clearly have a knack for it and an audience that love your passion, thoughts and skill. I appreciate the mention and sharing my post. I forgot about that one. Very kind of you. I think leaving a legacy for my children when they are finally, (possibly) interested in what I have to say might be cherished and fill in some gaps, is one of my hopes.. Hugs and love!🌹

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    1. Cindy,
      Thanks for the kind words about this essay and my writing. Bigger thanks for your words and post. You published it at the time I must have been working on this essay. I recall thinking, “I have to work this in.” Thanks for creating a serendipitous moment and for sharing a bit on why you write.

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      1. You’re so very welcome, Frank! How kind of you, actually and it’s so nice you reference things from our friends that resonate with you. I do like to do that as well but sometimes I have a hard time finding each other so a good idea to put in notes as we see them. Thinking about you at the waters edge at the lake💓🐡🐡⛴️

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  10. A thoughtful… well organized essay, Frank.

    Not sure why but … “Write to wrong” echoed in my mind, throughout. I couldn’t help it. It was just there. I don’t even know what that means.

    I searched it.

    I found: Write and Wrong (movie), Writing the wrong (a press essay), Write from Wrong (book), Wrong side of write (a writing resource) and much more… but no “write to wrong”.

    Another fine day on the beach, thank you, Frank!

    Clink!

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  11. Some of us write to clarify or firm up what we think. We write because we can’t NOT write. Whether it’s a grocery list or a letter to a friend, we write to capture our thoughts before they float clear away. How many times a snippet of prose or poetry has manifested in my brain as I’m drifting off to sleep! Not wanting to wake up completely, I tell myself I’ll remember it in the morning; then I find I can’t sleep unless I write it down — because experience has taught me it will be long gone by morning!

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    1. Debbie,

      Thanks for the beautifully stated thoughts about writing. The last one made me laugh because it is so true because great thoughts come at inopportune times – such as while driving, in the shower, and others. Great thought too about those who must write – or as you say, not write. Thank you for sharing!

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  13. I think you covered the topic comprehensively as well as concisely, Frank. People who want to write but think they can’t, can certainly write for themselves. Others are always optional, an added bonus.

    Have a wonder-filled long Memorial Day weekend.

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  14. Frank, your thoughts on why people write are fascinating to me. I’m not a writer, but I am a reader and I realize that I have never given any real thought to how any authors came to write the books I read. You have an innate ability to organize your thoughts which makes whatever you write so easy to read and follow.

    My “writing” consists of lists (mainly grocery), memos to myself, notes in cards and letters, still mostly done by hand, not email or text.

    Terrific accompanying photos and video. As always, enjoyed walking with you Frank.

    Ginger🦋

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Ginger,

      Well … if it wasn’t for readers like yourself, writers wouldn’t have an audience! 🙂 Organizing thoughts goes back to my teaching days – so that aspect of writing comes easier than finding the right words. Nonetheless, I appreciate your kind words about my style. Glad you also enjoyed the peaceful video. 🙂

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  15. In a nutshell, I’d say it’s just a great outlet, but in blogland, it has the added bonus of allowing us to make connections with others we’d likely never meet in real life. That’s a win-win for sure. 🙂

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    1. Betsy,

      Writing is definitely an outlet. Maybe more for some than others – but still an outlet. Blogland connections are still one of my biggest surprises that I didn’t expect when I started. Although I’ve only met several bloggers, I still appreciate the encounter.

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  16. Writing has so many good purposes. For me, it’s part of teaching others. I am passionate about teaching young children, and I always feel pulled to share ‘what happened’ with parents and fellow teachers. I want them to understand children like I do, and I want to give them the tools and understanding to help children. That’s why I started my blog; my newsletters to families had become 500 words (way too long), so I went back to regular newsletters and told families they could read more on my blog. I always have so much to say. I love writing.

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  17. Writing definitely clarifies thought for me. Sometimes I don’t even realize what I’ve said until someone else points it out. That’s one benefit of blogging–perceptive readers. (K)

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  18. well organized and written, Frank… and enjoyed as always…so much to writing, we tend to forget as we move along with our words.

    “We write to pause…” I like how you say this and what it could mean to many others.

    thanks for having us along 🤍🙏

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Destiny,

      My organizational skills were very helpful with this essay. For me, it has to make sense and have the right flow. Writing to pause … wow … brilliant wording. I know I captured the idea, but I like your phrase better because it is so simple. 🙂

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  19. I love the simple act of writing and every now and again, I choose to put my thoughts out there. It’s always nice when whatever I write resonates with others, makes them laugh, or cry. I can tell you I don’t plan on the reaction when I put it out there. It’s a bonus.

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  20. Well said – and written – as always Frank. I love to write and hope the next generation doesn’t become too dependent on things like AI such that their own imaginations are stymied. I find blogging to be an excellent writing exercise along with keeping a diary. I also thing reading and writing are wonderful compliments to each other an love both.

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  21. Beautiful thoughts Frank…
    These lines stood out for me Frank.
    We write to ponder the chaos within and around us, to examine darkness, and to seek the light – to mend the heart, find peace, calm the mind, and feel whole again.

    I always feel more whole and complete when I am surrounded by such BE-ings who write from their hearts.. Thank you for this Write dear Frank…. I needed this walk today xx ❤ 💖

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  22. “We write to converse with ourselves by reaching into the depths of our hearts and minds.”

    That’s a very important consideration, Frank. We tell stories, and sometimes they are our stories.

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  23. I have written over the years for many reasons…..because I had always wanted to, because I could, because I HAD to, because things needed saying – well I could go on and on really. When I wrote poetry it was to put a voice to things in my heart….when I wrote my novel it was just to prove to myself I could but all of the things I have written have been parts of me I wanted to “exercise” while I had a chance to. We don’t know how many tomorrows we will have so don’t put things off EVER because tomorrows sometimes don’t come.

    Pam

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    1. Pam,
      Oh, I love this thought of yours (I paraphrase) … I’ve written because I wanted to, had to, could, and the need to say. … that’s real good and says a lot. Plus as we age, yep … how many more words do we have left in our fingers because we don’t know when it will end. Thanks for sharing.

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  24. You got it all in, Frank, ALL the reasons we choose to write. I wish everyone on this planet realized the benefits of writing and had paper and pen to do so. Yes, there are huge benefits to walking along the beach, but millions of people aren’t able to do that, but EVERYONE can write with access to two simple things – pen/pencil, paper – and their life would be so much better (for all the reasons you state above). I find in my creative writing classes that students who never wrote much (but thought they might like it, so joined my class) “found” themselves through my prompts. It’s a wonderful thing – almost miraculous. All through writing.

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    1. Pam,
      Thank you for the kind words and for sharing a bit about your creative writing class. (FYI: I don’t think you saw it, but the previous essay was also about writing.) In the previous essay I mentioned (I think) that I don’t consider myself as very creative but others think these essays are creative writing … but I do not. Cheers to you for inspiring people to write!

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  25. Marguerite Duras wrote ” Écrire c’est aussi ne pas parler. Cest se taire. C’est hurler sans bruit. “

    (from Google Translate) “Writing is also not speaking. It’s to be silent. It’s screaming without noise.”

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