Writing gets talked about these days as one of the most important skills a person can have, and I generally agree. Writing teaches you to think deeply. To care about the work you produce. To consider how others will read your words.
Being a good writer isn’t a trait you’re born with. Writing is a skill, and like all skills it’s learnt over time. You become a better writer by writing.
Writing isn’t easy. For a lot of people writing is a chore. Something that gets avoided at all costs. I know that was the case for me.
Schools will tell you that they teach students to write. But they only focus on the what and the how. So many neglect to cover the why.
Now I’m not romantic about writing. I’m not offended if you use an apostrophe in the wrong place, or get “their” and “there” mixed up. What I care about is why you write.
The why creates an emotional connection, it ignites passion, inspires the work. The why gives a purpose to what you do.
For me writing is about sharing ideas and spreading knowledge. It’s about giving back to the community that’s supported me, and saying the things I need to say. I don’t write because I enjoy the act of writing. I write because it’s a means to a result.
Why do you write? What’s your purpose?