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Do we seek to express or to succeed?
I find that writing is necessary for me. Though I hold to thoughts of bursting onto the scene with a book suitable for the NYT best sellers list, or a script steeped deeply in a some universal theme that speaks to audiences at large, in the end I just need to write. For my sake, for my sanity, writing is an outlet that I must fit into my daily practice. It becomes more and more urgent, more medicinal than anything else. A requirement for my mind to rest peacefully at night because the last thought before I fall to sleep is, did you write today? More and more I am able to say yes. I am no longer holding to the excuses of exhaustion or a hectic schedule that has no routine. I am mentally clearing my mind of obstacles and taking time to put my emotions into immortal words in whatever mediums speaks to me. On whatever surface I can find in that moment and time. Is writing as vital as breathing? Yes. I seek the expression and if the success should follow, well then I have managed more than I anticipated, and my younger optimistic self is happy to hear of either outcome.
Brett2 Comments-
We write because we have something to say. Best sellers lists, in essence, are simply marketing tools to let folks know that other folks are buying this book, so give it a try.
As I tell my writing students, we do this because we observe something in the world, and we want to tell a story about it, and we also wanna be immortal. We still talk about great writers, long after their dead. We each wanna make that impact.
Clear you brain, and write with no restraints.
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For me having a creative outlet has been cheaper than therapy. From the time my kids were young they’ve had to navigate a two household dynamic. I’ve had art supplies sitting around and it has changed the mood in a positive direction many times at my place. They are both adults now and I’ve seen how it is still a healthy outlet. So in our case it has been about expression. I’m a big proponent of every kid having access to sports. What I probably don’t talk enough about is that belief carries over to the arts as well…. writing, music, drawing/painting, etc. I also believe a by-product of that access would be more people also falling into the “succeed” portion of your question.
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