Thursday, May 9, 2013

Why do you write?


Plush toys from the Pout-Pout Fish book

Recently the characters from my friend and author, Deborah L. Diesen's book were made into plush toys that are now available at Kohls. I am so overcome with joy at her success because I remember the day I met her. She had in her hands the first copy from the publisher. And now the book has a sequel, a huge following and plush toys. I expect to hear any day that a kid's t.v. series is in production(fingers crossed, Debbie).

The reason I bring this up is to ask a question. Why do you write?

If asked this question about 10 years ago, I would have answered publication. Although I wrote in my journal, tinkered with some poetry, I decided to write children's books because I loved children's literature, it was what I was reading to my first child and I thought it'd be easy. I know, I know.

What soon followed was a reality check called my first SCWBI conference. I learned quickly that if my heart, soul and everything else wasn't in it then I better make a swift exit. I did however find mentors, muses and friends. They all encouraged me and still encourage me.

And today I can honestly say that my writing is no longer for the purpose of publishing or plush toys. Of course that'd be great but why I really write these days is to breathe.

So why do you write?




14 comments:

  1. Recently, I had to write an "Artistic Statement" as part of an application. I won't share the entire treatise here, but it certainly was an interesting exercise. I'm delighted about the plush Pout Pout toys.

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    1. I like the idea of making an artistic statement, recommitting to my work. Great Idea, Ann!

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  2. I really love being transported into other "worlds" whether that is by reading or writing, it doesn't matter. I enjoy both. I am constantly imagining new adventures and such and I suppose you could say writing is an outlet? I'm honestly not sure.
    I'm not doing it for publication. I'm not doing it for plush toys or movie deals. I'm doing it because I love books and from a very young age I wanted to write them. So, I'm checking to see if I can. Also, its a personal challenge to overcome my "English is my second language" insecurity.

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    1. I love that you are overcoming by writing and challenging yourself. I find that writing is such a good way to learn perseverance.

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  3. I write to exist. I can't not write. Sorry that's pretty much it. No long deep anecdotes to share.

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  4. I love your answer! Mine would be similar. When I don't write, I don't feel whole.

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  5. Because the rhythm, the sound, and the magic of words is addictive. Not much can top the feeling I get when the words are flowing, and the things I see in my mind and the feelings I want to express translate into words on paper.

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  6. Because I love story, because writing is therapeutic, because sometimes I am proud of what I create, because it has brought amazing people like you, Kathy and Ann into my life.

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  7. I write so I can meet wonderful people like you, Gina!

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    1. Yay! Congrats, Debbie :) I am so glad that we met all those years ago!

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