Why Do Writers ... Write?

A Writer ... Writing

No one is asking, let alone demanding, that you write. The world is not waiting with bated breath for your article. 

Whether or not you get a single word on paper, the sun will rise, the earth will spin, the universe will expand. Writing is forever and always a choice - your choice. ~Beth Mende Conny


That is an interesting quote by Ms. Conny, and it's so true.  Nothing in the world will change if I write, or don't write. Writing is a choice, but it's a most interesting choice.

I decided to ask a group of writers why they write.  What I found was that their reasons for writing were as varied as the number of writers I asked:

Some write because it's their job. That's what they're paid to do. 

Some write because it's a hobby and something they enjoy doing. 

Some write because it's a challenge, maybe through a writing community, or a teacher in school. 

Some write because they're in love and they want to express their innermost feelings. 

Some write because it's a driving compulsion, a mental lava flow, if you will.  [I'm assuming this is the category the prolific Steven King falls into]. 

And some write because they're uncomfortable with the words banging and clanging aimlessly inside. They have to write and get the words out. 

The one response that was universal was, the serious 'writers' write for the sheer love of writing.

It's a given that all writers want to be good.  But the dedicated writers, the real writers, want to be so unique, as to be able to write one thought, one idea, one poem, one story -- at least one thing -- in such a new and wonderful way that they'll be remembered for it, long after they're gone.

Like Anais Nin once said, (and I love it):

"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say."

As for me, I write because I love writing. It doesn't matter whether I'm writing poetry for adults, children, short stories, essays, one of my blogs, or a love letter to Robert. I write because it's an addiction and a hobby.  I write to leave something of me behind; something that I hope is good; something so new, so unique and so different that my children's children's children will read it some day, smile, and then say,

"That was my grandmother -- she wrote that.  She sure was a character.  How I wish I could have known her ..."

Please tell me, why do YOU write?

Hugs from me to you,
CJ


“A writer soon learns that easy to read is hard to write.” ~CJ Heck

Miss Amy's Story Time at the Library

A Library is Full of Books and Adventures

I get all warm and fuzzy when I'm in a book store, or a library these days.

For me, it began a long time ago, when mama took us to the children's room of the Coshocton Public Library for the Saturday morning book readings by Miss Amy.

I remember feeling the anticipation start to build, the moment Mama opened the heavy oak door and herded all of us into the enormous entrance lobby.

In my imagination, this was a revered ceremony.  The opening of the huge door was our grand entrance to a castle of suspense and mystery, and we held the keys to its treasure, the books themselves.

The last and most sacred part of the ceremony was when Mama finally cautioned, "Shhh, remember, only our quiet voices, please." 

With each step up to the main room, past the formidable librarian at her desk, there was even more expectation, as I tried to envision what adventure Miss Amy would take us on that morning.

Walking through the library, the towering shelves rose to the ceiling on either side of me. Rows and rows of books were visible in every direction I turned and the vision always filled me with awe and wonder. Stories and adventures were everywhere, and I wanted to hear them all!

In the children's book room, Miss Amy sat, waiting, in her usual rocking chair. The chosen book was in her lap and her hands rested upon it, as she waited for the oval rug in front of her to fill with children. I sat quietly, struggling hard to contain my excitement.

Miss Amy's Story Time

What book had she chosen to read? Where would this new adventure take me? Would it be sad, or funny, or maybe even filled with ... DANGER?

I knew it didn't really matter.  I would ride on Miss Amy's words to anywhere and everywhere the author took me, until the very last page.

Then suddenly, it was time. Miss Amy welcomed us to Story Time, watching our eager faces, as she slowly opened the book to the first page.

With the very first sentence, I was captured.  As the magic unfolded, I was no longer me, sitting on a rug in the children's room of the public library. I was inside the book, living through her words, and transported to another time and place.

That's when I knew ... I wanted to be an author and write books.

Realizing my Dream

In June of 2000, I finally realized that dream.  But I still remember the wonder and awe I found as a child, every time I'm in a library, or bookstore.  (And it's always special, when some of the books I'm surrounded by are mine).

Now I know the joy Miss Amy felt, while doing her Story Time readings. I've grown addicted to seeing that same magic in the faces of children when I do a school visit, as they live within my words.



“A writer soon learns that easy to read is hard to write.” ~CJ Heck

Important Author's Tool: The Business Card

Sample Card

When it comes to marketing your books, don't overlook an important promotional item:  The Business Card. It's one of an author's most important tools and they're not at all expensive to have printed.

You are only limited by your imagination, but there are a few important things you should include on your card.  You can also use the back of the card.  I usually do.

Your Website and URL
A Picture of Your Books
Your Photo
Name and Address
Email
Phone Number

I've sold a lot of books using my business card. There are so many uses for it. I'll share some of my favorites, but I'm sure you will come up with many other ways, besides these.  You are only limited by your imagination.

Remember, we're in the business of selling books:

* Bulletin boards in stores and businesses you frequent. Thumbtack your card there with the others.

* While sitting in waiting rooms, on a plane, train, or bus, or any time you're talking to people. Hand them a card while you're introducing yourself.

* At gatherings, class reunions, or while networking with your 'real' job. Hand people both of your business cards.

* Tuck a few inside a book you've sold for the buyer to pass along to their friends.

* Ask to leave a small stack on the counter at your public library. Libraries love local authors ... and so do people who come into the library. They take the cards, trust me.

* If your book is a children's book, strike up a conversation when see a mother with children. Introduce yourself and hand her a card (and maybe more to give to friends).

* Again, for children's authors, any time you meet a teacher, a principal, or school librarian, give them your card.  You might just get a school visit as a result.

* Ask to leave a stack of business cards on the counter with your mechanic, where you take your car, your hairdresser, or even at the gym.

* Buy a small business card holder, have it full of cards for the table beside you at book signings, school visits, or other speaking engagements. Maybe someone won't buy your book that day, but when they take a business card, it's an excellent reminder of your book for later, when birthdays and the holidays come around.

Here's one of my personal favorites.  I've sold a lot of books this way:

* Restaurants. When the check comes after dinner, write "Thank you" on one of your cards and then sign it. If possible, put the name of the waiter or waitress on the card to personalize it. Then leave your card, along with the tip, for your waiter, or waitress.

Often, they will follow me to the door, asking more about my books, wanting to shake my hand, or even to ask for more cards for the rest of the staff.

* The above also applies to anyone giving you good service, i.e., a barber, hairstylist, or the clerk in a department store.

Just remember to always write "Thank You!" and sign your card. Remember, it's an autograph, too.

People love meeting authors.  Use this to your advantage. Have those business cards in your pocket, or purse, and be ready to pass them out. You'll sell more books, I promise.

Here are two companies I've used and they are both very good, with fast delivery:

Moo.com

Vista Print



“A writer soon learns that easy to read is hard to write.” ~CJ Heck