Why Do You Write?

Lately, an interesting question about "writing" was brought to my attention from the AC (Associated Content) Forum boards. I decided to respond to this question. The question being, "Why do you write?".

I write because it's part of me. I'm also a musician and an artist. As the being that I be, I strive to respect all forms of communication. However, the concept of Writing is on the stage at present and there's a spotlight upon the above question.

Writing has always fascinated me, even as a child. Even before I started going to school, I would be there with a pencil - obviously writing incoherently as I didn't yet know the alphabet - but in my small consciousness I already knew that writing would one day become a valuable form of communicative expression for me.

Most people comment that, "It's difficult to understand what's really in a person's mind and intent without the inflection of the voice to the writing". To a certain extent, I may agree, yet I also disagree.

My belief?

A true writer, could literally express their soul in words if they so wanted. Writing is an art form. Mastering the alphabet into words, and eventually finding words to surface the personality of one's existence - even creating words, if need be - all contribute to self-expression. When one looks upon our dictionary today and compares it to when it first began, the dictionary is testimony of people having struggled to articulate their pulsing existences and their unfolding natural internal evolution.

As with all forms of communication, writing needs focus and discipline. Much the same principle as a musician who first learns the rudimentary notes of a musical instrument. The first step is always the hardest, but once the technics have been mastered, then the musician can gracefully manipulate that musical instrument in any manner she/he wants or desires. There is no limit to what can be contrived or created from an inspiring and healthy imagination, or straight out of one's life's experiences.