A series of questions I’m considering is: Do I write to produce content, or do I write to have impact, or do I write to work through things I’m pondering, or do I write because it brings me joy, or do I write to leave a legacy, or to fulfill an obligation to readers, or . . .?
For a short time I ghost blogged for a company I believed in and supported. I thought I would enjoy writing blog posts for a values-based organization run by people with real integrity. And since I fancy myself a writer and love to write, why not take on a paid writing gig?
But I hated it. I was writing SEO optimized blog posts for the purpose of adding a body of content associated with a given domain. I was not searching for inspiration, developing a concept, stretching my thinking, asking deeper questions, crafting words for flow and readability. It was words for pay. And even though I believed in the company I found the experience heavy and difficult.
There are others who love ghost writing. I say good for them. Not everyone is meant for that type of writing. I’m clearly not one of them.
Then why do I write?
I just saw a post on Substack Notes from someone who wrote, “I’ve been on Substack for almost three years, and I’m still not famous. What’s up with that? Please reply with a ten-point bullet list. Thank you.”
To be fair, the writer of this post is a humorist, and it was intended to insight funny and interesting responses, which it has and got me to subscribe to his publication, Mark Starlin Writes!
It also prompted me to consider why I write.
Not that I haven’t considered the question over a period of 10 plus years, but to ask again, because in the asking I may discover a new reason, because the last time I asked I was my old self and today I’m my new self.
So, New Self, why do I write?
New Self: You tell me. Why do you write?
Me: Well, it’s like . . . it’s . . . I write because . . . can I get back to you on this?
New Self: You know the reason; you just don’t want to admit it.
Me: Why would it be so hard to admit? It’s a simple thing really.
New Self: If it’s so simple then just say it.
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