Creative Expression: On Writing and Why You Should

Are you a writer? Do you want to be? What form does writing take for you? Do you journal, write stories or essays, work on articles to pitch, or are you working on a novel? Whatever you write, I encourage you to keep writing.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, how much experience you have, or even how much success you have had. If you desire to write, then write. It’s hard not to worry about the outcome. I think we all worry to some degree. In the book Big Magic Elizabeth Gilbert asserts, “I’ve had to keep defining and defending myself as a writer every single day of my adult life — constantly reminding and re-reminding my soul and the cosmos that I’m very serious about the business of creative living, and that I will never stop creating, no matter what the outcome, and no matter how deep my anxieties and insecurities may be.”

Incidentally, Big Magic (affiliate link) is a terrific book! If you haven’t read it, pick up a copy. You will be glad you did.

If you want to write and you aren’t sure what kind of writing to do or where to submit, simply do a google search on becoming a writer. You will find podcasts you can listen to, articles about writing and becoming a published writer, blogs, websites, you name it. There is so much information out there. The most important thing is to take action. Don’t fret about the outcome.

When my kids were younger and in track, one of their coaches told them to try different events and not to be discouraged when they didn’t do well. By trying things that weren’t for them, they could then open themselves up to events that might fit them well. It was such good advice for track, but really just good advice for life.

So, if you want to write, please write. Let it take whatever form it will. You will never know what you can do until you try.