For many people, writing is a passion. But for some, it can be a chore. If you find yourself in the latter category, don’t despair! Every author has a different reason for why they write. Maybe you write to entertain, to inform, to escape, to persuade, or any other number of reasons. But have you ever stopped to think about “why” you write? What is the purpose for sitting down at the computer (or pen and paper) and stringing together words to create a story?
Answering this question can be difficult but it’s worth taking the time to figure out. Once you know your purpose for writing, it can be a powerful motivator— especially on days when you’d rather do anything else. So how do you find your reason for writing? Keep reading to find out!
There are four main questions you can ask yourself to determine your purpose for writing:
What do I hope to achieve by writing this piece?
What do I want my readers to take away from this piece?
What does writing allow me to do that I can’t do in any other way?
What are my values, and how do they play into my writing?
Answering these questions honestly will give you a good starting point for understanding your motives for writing. From there, it will be easier to approach your work with enthusiasm and vigor. Let’s take a closer look at each of these questions and how they can help you zero in on your purpose for writing.
What do I hope to achieve by writing this piece?
Most writers have something they hope to accomplish through their work. Maybe you want to raise awareness about an important issue or maybe you want to entertain your readers with a well-crafted story. Regardless of what it is, understanding your own personal objectives can help you stay motivated when things get tough.
What do I want my readers to take away from this piece?
Your readers should always be at the forefront of your mind as you write. After all, without an audience, there would be no need for your work! So ask yourself, what message do you want to impart through your words? And more importantly, how can you make sure that message comes across loud and clear?
What does writing allow me to do that I can’t do in any other way?
Many people turn to writing as a form of self-expression; it’s a way to share your thoughts and feelings with the world without saying a word. It’s also a way to connect with others who may be struggling with similar issues or experiences. In short, writing is unique in its ability to reach out and touch people in a very personal way.
What are my values, and how do they play into my writing?
We all have different values that guide us through life; whether it’s family, friendship, loyalty, or compassion, these values shape our decisions and our relationship with those around us. As a writer, it’s important to be aware of the values that inform your work; after all they are what make you unique! Once you have identified them, ask yourself how you can incorporate them into your writing so that they shine through loud and clear.
Understanding your purpose for writing can be challenging, but it’s worth taking the time to think about why you write. Your reason for writing will inform the tone, style, and content of your piece and help you determine your audience. Keep in mind that your purpose for writing may change over time, and that’s okay! As you grow as a writer, so too will your reasons for putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
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