Once You Choose To Become A Writer, You Are One For Life.
Art For Art's Sake: Part 17
When I decided to become a writer, I was young and innocent.
I thought a career in fiction writing was about writing one story after another and publishing it for the world to read. I thought having a published book in my hand was the finish line.
It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I realised that wasn't the case.
Having books with my name printed on the cover is not the point. It is not the point because there is no end to a creative life and creative pursuit. The deal on my life was sealed when I chose writing as my profession. All there is to my life is to write. That's my only job.
This means that becoming a writer is not a goal but a journey we travel.
Art is not a thing; it is a way. - Elbert Hubbard
It is a way of life. It is a way of living. A way of experiencing, learning, falling, and getting up. It is a way of loving and forgiving. It is a way of sharing and spreading joy and love.
It doesn't matter which genre you write in.
You can be a scientist sharing your findings or a homeless man sharing your life experience. You can be a chef sharing your favourite cupcake recipe or a crime fiction novelist sharing the subtle nuances behind an imaginative murder.
When we write, we share a piece of ourselves with the world. We are sharing what we think the world needs to hear and experience.
The problem comes when we share our words clouded by ego. Thinking about the reaction our words will get, how much money will we make, or if we can go viral or not - we will never be able to make an impact deep enough to change lives.
The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.
- Pablo Picasso
Sometimes, writing is not even about changing the lives of others. Writing is more about making sense of our own lives.
What most writers, I believe, try to do is calm down the chaotic world and straighten it up on paper. And then, we share it with others, knowing that if we feel a certain way, then others feel the same as well, and our words could help them make sense of their lives.
We may not know all the answers, but we share what we know and are always looking for more.
You, as a writer, are on a journey. And you invite others to join you with your words. Think of your favourite author, and you'll know this to be true.
What is Art? It is the response of man's creative soul to the call of the Real. - Rabindranath Tagore
More in the Art For Art’s Sake Series -
Your Job As A Writer Is To Write
To Build Your Writing Career, Start Small.
What Does It Mean To “Trust The Process?”
Consistency Will Help You Make A Breakthrough
You Must Stay Persistent With Your Creative Journey
Deliberate Practice Is The Key To Master The Craft Of Writing
Go Low, Slow And Steady. And You’ll Reach Your Writing Milestones Quicker.
Treat Your Art As An Experiment
If You Are Not Having Fun While Creating, You’re Doing It Wrong
Contrary To Popular Belief, Write For Yourself First
Comparison And Competition Will Hurt Your Writing
Rest Is Your Answer To A Productive Writing Session
Let Curiosity Lead Your Writing - And 2 Ways Of Doing It
You Need To Have Faith And Let Your Words Flow
Always Move On To Your Next Writing Project
Once You Choose To Become A Writer, You Are One For Life.
You Already Are A Writer. You Just Have To Identify As One To Yourself.