Cynthia Morris

Many writers are writing books or articles with a purpose. Perhaps the book will help your business. Perhaps the stories will help others. Perhaps the story is one that you just feel must be told, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction.

I understand this, and know that it’s good to have a clear motivation for writing. Often we need to stay connected with this motivation as a way to keep the inner critic at bay.

But when working with writers, I always invite them to pay attention to the experience of writing. What does writing do for you now? Despite any future payoff, how does writing  impact your life?

Many people feel a sense of satisfaction. Others feel revitalized by their writing. Many of us adore the feeling of going somewhere in our minds, of using our imagination to transcend the mundane.

There are a million reasons to write or create. You are entitled to have whatever reason motivates you.
And you’re also allowed to do it just because you like it. Because it feels good. Not because it will make you rich, famous or respected. Just because it’s fun.

This week, I invite the kind witness into your creative practice. Simply notice how you feel when you are creating. Notice how you feel afterward. Be aware of what it’s like when you don’t create or feel connected to your creative work.

In my class The Devoted Writer, at the end of each writing session, I invite writers to jot three words that describe how that session was for them. This simple reflective practice helps them see exactly what the writing does for them. Try this and see what you notice.

I’d love to know – even if it’s just a few words – why you create. Share a comment below.

You’re probably no stranger to the ‘challenges’  of the writing life. It’s a bit of a fool’s journey, isn’t it?

The work is difficult. Chances at fame and monetary success are slim. Friends and family wonder why you spend so much time working on something that doesn’t pay you back. Even you sometimes suspect you’re crazy.

Despite the difficulties, I take a stand for each and every one of us writing fools.

Because writing pays you back. I’ve seen it again and again with my students and clients. Writing is a gateway drug you’ll never regret.

Why I care that you write

I believe if you have the impulse to write, you must follow it. You wouldn’t choose this path. The urge to write isn’t something you control. You just feel it. So follow it.

In my writing classes, I give the prompt ‘I write because’. Writing for 15 minutes on this topic is often enough to reignite someone’s motivation to write. A satisfying writing practice follows from there.

If you’re someone who has been sitting on her hands, silencing her voice and not writing, I offer nine reasons why you must write.

Because it feels good. If you’ve ever caught the groove of the keyboard or pen across the page, you’ll know the breathless exhilaration writing can give. You can do that to yourself without spending any money?! Creative jollies for free! Who wouldn’t take that up?

Because you have something to say. Author Brenda Ueland believed that “Everyone is talented, original and has something important to say.” Believe it’s worth your time to get words on the page.

Because you’re curious to see what emerges from your pen and heart. And that curiosity must be satisfied for you to feel right in the world.

Because writing introduces you to your true self. Writing offers a transformative process similar to sharing with a friend or counselor. When you write, you may feel a sense of being heard – by yourself, at least. And aren’t you the one you most need to know and trust?

Because writing is a change agent leading you in positive directions in your life. You can’t help but notice the dusty corners of your psyche that need tidying up and the things you can no longer tolerate. Taking up the pen is taking up the sword in defense of a life you actually want to live.

Because it’s fun. Often in free writing, fictional stories will emerge from our pens. Free writing frees us to explore, play and enjoy a limitless freedom of our imagination. This is the giggly part of writing; not to be missed.

Because it frees you. You deserve to live without the weight of procrastination. Instead, you get to feel the exhilaration of your own creative flow. You get to move, and do things and share your world through your words.

Because it’s healthy to express ourselves. I was in the audience at a conference when Breneé Brown said “unexpressed creativity is not a benign force’. Tears flowed down my face. I’d known all along that our creativity is as vital to our health as is good food and exercise. To hear it validated by a researcher added wind to my wings.

Because you can. Freedom of speech is no small boon – take it and use it.

Add your own tenth reason for writing. Set a timer for 10 minutes, and using the prompt I write because…write your heart out.

Join us to write in February

I could go on and on about how much we gain from having a committed writing practice. I want everyone to have this fun and powerful practice.

Freewriting forms the basis of all I write. I’ve helped hundreds of people use freewriting to write books, blogs, articles, and the deeply poignant personal writing that leads to more, better writing.

Ready to have writing as your ally this year? Join us for The Devoted Writer. Throughout February we will write, write, write, at least 15 minutes a day. Together we’ll initiate a new relationship with our writing and with ourselves.

Join us here. And use one of the share buttons below to let your friends in on the fun.