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Why Do You Write?
By Jeanette Cooper
Last edited: Sunday, November 09, 2008
Posted: Monday, September 24, 2007
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This is a silly little story inspired by a conversation I had with a friend.
Why Do You Write?
“How can you just sit there all day at your computer writing? Why do you write? It’s such a passive activity and nothing gets any exercise but your fingers,” said a dear old friend who still uses her ancient old typewriter when she needs to write a letter.
“Well, it’s true my fingers get exercise, but so do my brain. I’ve heard the brain is like a muscle—if you don’t use it, you lose it.”
“That’s silly. Your brain works continuously, even when you don’t give it directions.”
“Well, isn’t it a good idea to give it directions? Otherwise, it just wanders like a lost little kid searching for something to do. Left untended, all kinds of worrisome thoughts start creeping in. I’m at my best when my mind is occupied with something, whether it’s work, play, hobby, or some special endeavor.”
“I’m at my best when I’m in my recliner watching television,” my friend laughed.
“But don’t you see, you’re still using your mind even though watching television is a passive activty.”
“How can it be more passive than sitting at a computer all day?”
“Watching television, you merely absorb. Writing requires active thinking. My fingers and brain work together like busy little bees to create scenes, actions, dialogue and interesting fiction.”
“Okay, but you still didn’t tell me why you write.”
“I suppose I write for many reasons, but the major ones are: I write because it gives me pleasure, and I write because I hope my writing will bring someone else pleasure.”
“Exactly how does writing give you pleasure?”
My friend is an inquisitive creature—kind of like a kid who finds another question in every answer. I wanted to tell her “I don’t know,” but she had tested me with the challenge of pulling wisdom from where I thought none existed.
“All my life I’ve wanted to learn about things that interested me. I turned my interest acquisitions into hobbies throughout my life. I learned to do embroidery, crocheting, knitting, dress-making, painting in oils, painting in watercolors, cutting mats and framing paintings, gardening, cooking, and the list is endless.
“Now, to answer your question, Why do you write?
“I write because I tried every hobby I could think of, and many became rote after a while, leaving my brain to search out other interesting hobbies. Writing was the exception. When I write a book, I travel, I see things, I experience things, I fall in and out of love, I cry with sadness, I become angry at inequities, and I find more suspense and challenges than I could ever encounter in real life. Call it dreaming if you like, but writing is the only activity I’ve ever attempted that was never boring.
“Therefore, if you use it, you won’t lose it, and you retain your memory longer. Does that answer your question?”
“Sounds too much like work to me. I think I’d rather explore my recliner.”
“Oh well…….”
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Site: Jeanette Cooper Novels
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Reader Reviews for
"Why Do You Write?"
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| Reviewed by Joyce Bell |
9/6/2009 |
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| A 'FRIEND' YOU SAID...? WELL...I GUESS YOU CALL HER THAT BUT THANK GOD FOR THE GIFT HE'S PLACED WITHIN YOU THAT NEEDS NO 'ENCOURAGEMENT' FROM A 'FRIEND'. GOD BLESS AND THANKS FOR SHARING. JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS |
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| Reviewed by Sharon Hartdegen |
7/17/2009 |
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| I love this story. It expresses better than I ever could why I write also - It's enjoyable, it takes you into another world and during that time - the real world ceases to exist. And I think that is why some people can't understand and consider the time spent 'on a computer' wasted. They can tell that you've 'left the building' and don't like it. In that respect, it's not much different than 'sitting in front of a TV' for hours. But the 'creating' aspect is what raises the writing experiece beyond mere escape. I too have tried crochet, knitting, watercolor, photography, sketching, and recently quilting. It's all fulfilling, but eventually tiresome. Writing never. |
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| Reviewed by Mary Lacey |
4/27/2009 |
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Jeanette,
I think this is great. And if your friend should ask you such a question again, a simple answer, "Because I can"
Mary |
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| Reviewed by Chantilly Lace |
9/30/2008 |
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| Excellent writing sweet lady,I have missed you..I certainly hope you are OK ...you're in my thoughts stay safe and well always...Hugsss,much love too you |
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| Reviewed by Dawn Wilson |
9/26/2008 |
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| There are those that just cannot understand what drives us...but you have expressed it so well here! |
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| Reviewed by Julie Donner Andersen |
8/21/2008 |
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Being that my computer is right next to my TV, I multi-task my brain and do both at the same time. Oh, what talent! lol
Thanks for the cute little reminder to write for your own reasons, but above all else - WRITE!
Julie
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| Reviewed by Marcia Miller-Twiford |
8/12/2008 |
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| Superb story Jeanette. Several years ago Columbia University did a study with a group of over sixty retired Catholic nuns living in a convent. They ranged in age from 65 - 102. After thourough testing no signs of Alzheimers or any other form of dementia or senelity was found in any of the subjects. The reason? They all kept their minds active with one mental hobby or another. You're absolutely right when you say the brain must be exercised. |
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| Reviewed by Mary Coe |
7/30/2008 |
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| I liked that. It really has a very good message. |
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| Reviewed by gail bob |
7/25/2008 |
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Something made me look at ur article, i browsed and looked at Your biogarphy and the article really did interest me, you have really good writing skills and i wish that i had that. Thank you for the wonderful article, i gather that you have just joined...
well done,
gailbob |
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| Reviewed by John Domino |
7/25/2008 |
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| Great article - Great advice! |
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| Reviewed by Jean Pike |
6/19/2008 |
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| You have expressed a writer's thoughts with humor and style. Wonderful! |
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| Reviewed by MaryGrace Patterson |
6/8/2008 |
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| A excellent write. You have expressed feelings that many of of have about writing. I wrote some poems and short stories when I was younger and am writing much more now. It has opened up a whole new world for me. there is so much to share with the world , and if its not expressed it will belost forver.. Writing does keep the mind more stimulated and active and takes one to far away places , and you never have to leave home . Where would we all be with out it?....M |
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| Reviewed by Richard Orey |
5/30/2008 |
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"Why Do You Write?" I found my own answer several times in the midst of this fascinating conversation.
Since early childhood, I have enjoyed what most of us term "performing arts," i.e. singing, dancing, figure skating, etc. But it wasn't until I read Jeanette's fictional conversation that I realized that writing is a performing art. We begin with absolutely nothing but a blank page, and soon we have created a written montage of life, itself, filling us and others with laughter and fear and delight and horror and excitement and tears that won't stop flowing. At times we're much like a magician pulling a nonexistent rabbit from an empty hat while viewers stare in rapt amazement.
When I write, I create a unique world that touches and stirs my reader's emotions; and when I write well, my reader may forget the words I chose but never forgets the journey, itself.
And how do I know when I have written well? For me, it's when I can't stop rereading my own creation. My words are a sumptuous meal that I can't stop eating.
I guess in the final analysis, writing is an ego-centric activity. And if I please you along the way, then what a wonderful day it is. How much more pleasure is there in life than to please another while you please yourself? It's like being the perfect lover!
Thank you, Jeanette, for such a stimulating article. I feel so much better now in having learned something new about myself. After rattling around this life for 75 plus years, it's exciting once more to savor a virginal experience.
With honest love and utmost respect,
Richard |
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| Reviewed by Sandie Angel |
5/30/2008 |
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Much of what you said is true! When you use it your retain your memories longer; and it does give me pleasure to write something the people like to read. Call it work satisfaction!
A very intriguing write!!!
Sandie Angel :o) |
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| Reviewed by Sandra Mushi |
12/28/2007 |
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Like you, Jeanette, I write because it gives me pleasure.
Merry Christmas and God bless,
Sandie. |
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| Reviewed by Rebecca Lerwill |
9/26/2007 |
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Jeanette,
good question! This is why I write:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewshortstory.asp?id=29687
Never stop!
R~ |
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| Reviewed by Angela Contreras |
9/24/2007 |
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I write because it brings me peace of mind. Thank you for this great write.
Hugs Angela |
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| Reviewed by Cleve Sylcox |
9/24/2007 |
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| You hit the nail on the head! Writing, no matter how well written or spulled, no matter how long or short is worth the effort in keeping that great muscle exercised. |
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| Reviewed by Amber Moonstone |
9/24/2007 |
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Jeanette,
I think only those that write can really understand why we write. I believe it is a god/goddess given talent. Eventually you find your way toward it, and when you do, there is no stopping the flow.
You keep on writing and never feel that you have to justify your poetic genius...
Much, Peace, Love, and Light,
Amber "V" |
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| Reviewed by Joyce Bowling |
9/24/2007 |
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I think that is something that we as writers have in common, we are misunderstood by many. Wrote off as being different, and often thought of as being anti-social! I like you have tried many different hobbies, and still crochet, in the fall and winter, I love to garden in the summer and read year around, but I always find time and more pleasure writing...I have found that while I am crocheting and gardening I am often thinking, plotting, and planning new stories or poems...a great write my friend!
Blessings,
Joyce B. |
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| Reviewed by Kathy Armijo |
9/24/2007 |
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Some people just don't get it. I, for one, have discovered that I have wit. Witness some of my silly poems.
Writing has always been good for me - it clarifies my thought process. I've only recently begun to write poetry, a talent (???) that I never knew existed in me. [still not sure if I have talent, but ... I love the challenge.]
Plus, I love how my fingers look - slim and trim. LOL But, let's not talk about the rest of my body.
Kathy |
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| Reviewed by chris stienstra |
9/24/2007 |
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I think writing in the recliner is a good compromise....
Your words are ever so accurate and well stated.
Enjoyed reading this.
Have a wonderful day
Regards
Chris |
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| Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado |
9/24/2007 |
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Why do we write? Because we want to, we feel we have to, we need to! Writing helps sustain us. Very well done, Jeanette; brava! Love the way you presented this; how do you do that? I'd love to know! LOL
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D |
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