Why I Write
I have been writing a lot during the last few weeks. Even when I was working full time at a magazine, writing wasn’t my favorite part of the job. I loved researching products, planning stories, photography. To be honest (and if you’re a writer you’ll know what I mean) writing was sometimes the hardest part of my job.
It’s not that writing has gotten easier since I’ve been working at home, but the more I do it, the more I love it. I could wax poetic about the feeling of satisfaction I get when I finish a really good paragraph, find just the right word to say what I want, or sit back and read several pages of typing. It’s how I express myself (even if I happen to be writing about how to save money on baby clothes).
Another thing I love about writing is that it gives me permission to ask questions. I love to ask questions, but when it’s part of my job, that’s even better. As a writer I feel empowered to ask questions, to know and understand why someone does what they do, what makes them tick, and how they got to where they are. When I have a story I’m writing and a reason to ask questions I’m confident. I pick up the phone or e-mail complete strangers and expect them to make time for me in their busy days.
I’m working on a story for Veritas Magazine that I’m really excited about. It’s about how we communicate and build community as a church, focusing on the pros and cons of social media. I talked to Justin Wise yesterday and have a phone interview with Brad Abare tomorrow. I know I’ll have tons of great quotes and information from both of them. Then the challenge is whittling it down into a story.
What do you love about writing? Why do you do it?
I wish I could remember which writer said: “I don’t love writing. I love when I’m finished writing.”
I enjoy your posts, and look forward to your Veritas piece. Let us know when it runs!
I’m not sure about writing. I would like to start writing more, perhaps even freelancing. I live in a very unique place, why not capitalize on it?! As for design though, I do feel like it’s sometimes the worst part of my day. In the sense that I’d rather sort through photographs or specify paper or analyze how to rearrange content to cut 16 pages from a 120 page publication. But when it comes down to then designing those pages… sometimes that’s the absolute hardest part of my day.