Slice of Life 2013: Why I Write

write~write~write

Yesterday was the National Day on Writing.  People were Tweeting our why they write and using the hashtags #write2connect #dayonwriting.

I Tweeted this:

Writing seemed to be the theme this week.  On Saturday, Jarrett Krosoczka talked about writing during his presentation at the Rhode Island Book Festival.  When he talked about his need to write because it is something he enjoys, I could completely relate. I love writing. I enjoy the process - from being inspired with an idea to drafting - to countless edits.  I am happy every step of the way.

I didn't say that I was good at it or that it came easily   When Jarrett Krosoczka reminded his audience of young readers and writers that writing also takes work -- many adults in the audience, including myself, were nodding their heads in agreement. It was also a great reminder for this reader/writer! I want to become a better writer, so I will persevere!

Why do I write?

I really don't know.  I write because I must. I have always been a writer. (Haven't we all? Picture drawers of the universe unite!)

I have been journaling since I was ten.  The early entries were mainly a recounting of the events in my day, but even at the age of ten, I was starting to reflect on those events and identify my emotions as they related to those events.

I write because words and phrases banter about in my head as if asking for attention. I love playing with language.  A phrase or word or idea will persistently filter through my thoughts.   

I write because I need to reflect. Writing helps me process and understand events and experiences in my personal and professional life.  Writing about these things gives me a sense of completion.  I will put aside the myriad tasks awaiting me to write.  The reflection gives me peace.  The blog posts that were started and never finished because of time constraints make me feel forlorn, as if I have lost something.

I write to connect to others. Writing allows me to share these events and experiences with others. My blogs, letters, notes, emails, texts, etc. connect me with friends, family, colleagues and parents.

I write to leave a record. I am not sure anyone else needs to read this record though! Here's a diary entry from around age 12.

That's right, the field trip to Where's Boston cost eighty cents, 

 I was doing chores and Christmas could not come too soon.

Clearly I was prescient, I knew that being asked to turn the handle on the water faucet was a sign of things to come.

Why do I write?  I write to reflect.

Taking another cue from Jarrett Krosoczka, I will make the rest of this post a marriage of words and pictures, although my talent leans toward images captured with my camera as opposed to ones created with my pen.

I write to reflect on the learning happening in my library. 

I write to reflect on the books I read.

I write to reflect on the things I see.

I write to reflect on moments I witness.

I write to reflect on personal events and experiences.

Off to college!

Climbing Jefferson

Why do I write?  

I write because it makes me happy.  

I write because it makes me feel complete.  

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Every Tuesday, Ruth and Stacey, host Slice of Life at their blog, Two Writing Teachers. If you want to participate, you can link up at their Slice of Life Story Post on Tuesdays or you can just head on over there to check out other people's stories. 

For more information on what a Slice of Life post is about, go here.