When I tell people I am a freelance writer, I often get “Why did you become a writer?” Good question. I have always been excessively (to some) fussy about grammar and spelling, especially in published articles, stories, blog posts etc. I don’t mind a more relaxed approach to sentence structure, in fact, I quite like it when writers write the way they talk.
I guess I like sharing my gift of gab and really love seeing my own thoughts in words. Is that vanity? Maybe, but if my love of words makes readers laugh, cry, learn and/or think, then I am happy to risk it. I regard my writing as a sharing of information, expertise, and opinions, even though the latter are unsolicited.
Another thing I enjoy about writing is the amount of knowledge I gain when researching an article or post. You are never too old (or too young) to learn. Or to become writers. We can all learn from our mistakes. Those that are written down are especially easy to learn from. Looking back at some of my earliest articles and blog posts I like to think my writing style and technique have evolved. I certainly have learned a lot, especially about SEO and other technical lingo.
Writing also helps me solve problems. Just as talking things through helps and inspires co-workers, writing words out makes me see things more clearly. In fact, I used to write tons of study notes when studying for exams years ago.
Hand in hand with writing is reading. I am often inspired by other writers’ work. That’s because I respect and value others’ opinions and expertise. I also recognize the importance of supporting writing excellence. Any excellence and talent actually, whether in the form of art, beauty, fashion, business etc. Social media has taken criticism and negativity to a whole new level. People need to realize that it takes nothing away from their own abilities to recognize the talent of others.
I think the world needs more of this recognition and support, regardless of who created what. Not respecting others’ opinions and thinking your own view or opinion has to be right and the rest is just wrong. That’s called narcissism, and it can be extremely destructive and divisive. I won’t name any names here, but you all know which public figure I am referring to.
Writers and readers appear to have a special bond. My readers and those I follow have become my writing family even though I have never met (most of) them.
