Why Write Poetry?

Today, I woke up with a horrible sore throat and a post-nasal drip. It would have been quite enough for me to pull up the covers and call in sick. But I knew that there were chores to be done, and what’s more, projects to write. This got me thinking about the reasons of why we decide to do what we do.

Working from home, I can’t really call in sick. If you’re like me, you know that this is a major temptation as the bedroom is just upstairs, eagerly waiting for you to take a catnap. But I fought this today. I chose to finish my chores as quickly as possible and then to write.

Why write? This is one of the first questions asked of aspiring writers. This question is actually where the journey begins.

I took up a film production class in college and one of the points that the teacher hammered into us was that we have to have a reason. Every camera angle, bit of dialogue and cut had to have a reason to help communicate the message of the whole film.

Likewise, having a reason for writing helps the writer find the time, place and discipline to write. The reason is the source of motivation and commitment. It will fuel you through the really long projects, the rejection slips, the low pay and the daily temptation to linger in bed longer in the mornings. The reason, if strong enough, speaks louder than your critics and your own doubts.

Why do I write? Simply because today, I have something worthwhile to tell others. And it can’t wait. And for me, I’d rather share it by writing than by photography or painting. And I believe that what I have to say will help you, by either making you think or making you smile or making you feel a little less lonely and more human.

I know I’m starting to sound annoyingly Pollyanna but this reason was enough for me to ignore my headache and sore throat today. Far too many people who want to become writers start strong but lose steam in the end. The secret to endurance is having a reason.

Today, find a time and place to be quiet. Sit still and search for a reason for writing. Why do you want to write? How ready are you to face the challenges of the writing life? What are your expectations and what will you do if they don’t happen?

Think about the reason for writing. Get a pen and paper, then complete this sentence:

I write because …

Keep this reason in a place where you can see it. Let it remind you of why you do what you do, and what needs to be done.

German poet Rainer Maria Rilke, once acted as tutor to an aspiring poet. In “Letters to a Young Poet,” Rilke required to young writer to find a reason. Read more about Rilke’s letters HERE.

Now that you have a reason (or some fair semblance to having an excuse) to write, the next step is to have the time and place to write. THIS ARTICLE will help you decide on when and where to write.