Why Did You Even Become A Writer?
As authors, the most important question we have to ask ourselves is this: why do we even write?
Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a slew of articles on Medium along the lines of “How to Get More Claps” or “How to Obtain More Followers.” And while it’s exhilarating to get noticed, is attention-seeking really the thing we want to be remembered by?
Writing is an art form, however, it’s a unique art form. It’s an art form that everyone participates in in some way or another on a daily basis: be it for work, entertainment, or simple communication. Everyone is a writer in some capacity.
However! The thing that separates writers from WRITERS is the intent behind the text.
You see, writing is an interesting thing. It can either be mechanical or it can be expressive. When it's mechanical, it serves a purpose outside of itself. But when it's expressive, the writing itself is the purpose — and that’s how the real gems are born!
A warning against mechanical writing
There’s nothing inherently wrong with mechanical writing. Writing is a tool after all, and there’s nothing wrong with using a tool to its full capacity, you just have to be aware of its limitations.
The thing with mechanical writing is that it’s subordinate to its purpose. It’s considered “good writing” so long as it achieves the point it sets out to do. And if it doesn’t, it’s considered “bad,” no matter the quality of the text itself.
Expressive writing, on the other hand, has no such constraints, as expressive writing does not rely on an objective. With expressive writing, the act of writing is the point itself. It’s why we have poetry and songs that grip our hearts, even though they make no sense.
But most important of all, expressive writing cannot be matched. Anyone can write a mechanical text to achieve a certain purpose: E.g. “How to Get More Claps.” But not everyone can imbue that text with something unique to them, as they never bothered nurturing the skill to know how.
Closing remarks
Mechanical texts are fine and dandy, but true expression never goes out of style. That is the message I want novice writers to take away from this text, as well as the reminder I have for veteran writers.
If your entire reason for writing is to achieve a certain purpose outside of the text: E.g. market a product, grow your fellowship, seek attention. You’ll never get it. The competition is way too tough and search engines are more saturated than they’ve ever been.
However, if you imbue your text with personal expression, it will shine like a lighthouse in the middle of a sea of strife, regardless of the topic of that text.
If you made it thus far, I appreciate the read. It’d make my day if you dropped me a follow on here or any of my Till next time, take care!
