Why I Write (Even Though It’s So Difficult)
What am I doing on a blog if writing is so difficult for me? That was my initial reaction to Paula’s post entitled “Why Do You Write?” on her blog, Geeky Shopaholic. Reflecting on the question and her response changed my world. Sometimes blog posts do that.
But has writing always been difficult for me? No. That’s the realization that sprung out of Paula’s reflection question. As a child, I didn’t write stories, but I did write tons of fantastical, adjective-filled story starters (I usually stopped at the first paragraph) on my dad’s DOS computer. During the toughest moments of my adolescent years, I would turn to writing to organize my thoughts. And now I’m blogging. How did that happen?
Thinking about my past had me facing the truth… that I had likely suppressed my natural inclination to write and my enthusiasm for writing during all of those years in-between writing periods. Much like AD’s unrecognized passion, it’s been a process to reach this awareness.
Back to the question on why I write… I write because I enjoy it (although I had forgotten that I do), and because it brings meaning to my experiences in Peru and beyond.
Have you recently discovered or rediscovered an enthusiasm for something?
Tags: passion, reflection, unrecognized passion, why i write, write about Peru, writing
Carolyn
Hi Samantha, Whatever the reason you write, I’m glad you do it. You enrich us with your tales of living an ex-pat life in Peru. You enrich us by sharing tales of your bravery in navigating a foreign culture. You enrich us by making us explore some of our pre-conceived notions.
Thank you.
Samantha Bangayan
Aww, that means a lot to me, Carolyn. Thanks for your positive feedback! =) Now, if only I could post more regularly like how you do. =)
Carolyn
You do what works for you, Samantha! We’re just happy to read your works whenever you publish them.
Lucy
I am glad that however hard it may be for you, you consistently rise to the challenge. x
Samantha Bangayan
Challenge, indeed! =) Thanks for the support, Lucy! I’m glad you write too. =)
Amy
Hey I found this website called 750words.com and I think you might benefit from it. It’s a daily writing tool that allows your to free-type minimum 750 words and I find that it is super helpful for me to get out ideas in a free form before going back and brushing things up if I want to put it into my blog. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! Sounds snazzy! =) I haven’t done free-writing in a while. That’ll get my creative juices flowing! I can be such a perfectionist at times that I end up not writing anything at all, which throws me into an endless cycle of procrastination. Anything that will help me get started will make all the difference. Thanks so much, Amy!
Riki Cleveland
I sometimes sit at my blank screen and wonder the same thing! I’ve always been wordy in conversation and writing, but sometimes I wonder if thr well has just plain run dry.
I loved this post, and I’m glad you push yourself to write, even when it’s difficult, because it is necessary for others to hear your voice!
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly! It sometimes takes reaching the most frustrating point when I’m like, “Oh who cares, I’m just going to type whatever I want” when finally ideas come rushing in. =)
Thanks, Riki! So glad we’re in touch!
Hajra
I can understand. Sometimes it is tough, you think what is right and what isn’t and whether what you write makes sense to others. I worry too much about it. And that is what keeps me for publishing every thing I write. But like you said, I enjoy it, so I will keep doing it!
Samantha Bangayan
Yay! =) I’m so glad you keep on writing too. It’s really what connects us all, eh? =)
Joy
Oh you and me both…that perpetual writer’s block, grrrr! And Sam, I agree too that thinking of the community pushes me. I think I really owe a lot to PBAU. If not for our schedule and being with this fantastic group of smart/ witty writers, I don’t think I’d have the discipline to just keep at it. :-))
Samantha Bangayan
So true, Joy! =) I guess there are really 2 fundamental purposes to the group — to increase our audience base and also to motivate us. I’m so glad you keep on writing too!
MuMuGB
Why do we write? Well, I don’t know. Maybe it is some sort of therapy. But, just like you, for some reason I like it.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Maybe I shouldn’t overanalyze, eh? =)
Paula
Thank you for the mention Samantha! I’m thrilled that my post meant to so much to you! Things like that really make blogging and writing worthwhile. You just never know when what you put out there will be a help to someone!
Samantha Bangayan
Of course, Paula! =) Thank YOU for posting about this! That’s another important motivation to keep on writing… knowing that you could be helping or inspiring another! =)
Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A.
Samantha…
We all have stories. We love to share them. That’s why these blogs work.
And, don’t stop (or you’ll force me to come all the way to Peru to make you start again)….because I love your stories!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) You’re the best, Roy! Thanks for the support!
Adriene
Thanks for the mention, Samantha! I think a lot of people are motivated to write because of the audience. Don’t forget to include yourself among those you write for! 🙂 Whenever you have a block, write anyway without caring if it is good enough to share on the blog. Whether is publishable or for your eyes only, it will be a good exercise.
Samantha Bangayan
Yes! That’s definitely what I need to practice — just letting go while writing. =) Tips from a master! Thank YOU. =)
Barbara
I am glad you write, Sam! How would we have become friends otherwise? I love your sun filled and flowers raining posts, the tales of an ex-pat in Peru and the reflections on life – don’t you dare to stop or I will board a plane with Roy!
I started blogging because I love sharing stories and I had no idea where the journey would take me. And now I have more than a happy pot (thank you, Vidya, for letting me borrow it!), my life has become so much richer thanks to the community!
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! Thank you so much, Barbara! So true! =) I’m glad that blogging brought us together. =)
Isn’t that funny. I had no idea where blogging would take me either. I love these wonderful surprises of life. =)
Dave
Hi Samantha,
I’ve always found it challenging to write when you’re not inspired. I find that inspiration is the key ingredient to having a great post. So I can totally relate with this, and I don’t like forcing it. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly! I need to take more time to just reflect and let myself be inspired, I think. =) Thanks for identifying with me, Dave!
Janette Fuller
I think you are a true writer, Samantha. Your writing is very descriptive…I feel like I have experienced Peru through your writing.
I started blogging to share my love for books….I always have plenty to write about.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! What a compliment, Janette! Thank you so much for the encouragement. =) I’m so glad we’re in touch as I love learning from each other through our blogs. =)
Vinny T.
Writing can be an incredibly difficult task, but with time, reflection, a positive attitude and a willingness never to give up, you can write meaningful essays, novels,etc. Writers block is a natural part of the writing process, so don’t let it get you down.
You consistently provide your readers with inspirational and thought provoking blog entries. I congratulate you for that, and that alone, for me, has made you a successful writer. Congratulations!
Samantha Bangayan
Phew! I keep forgetting that writer’s block is natural. Maybe I’m comparing myself to the wrong people. I mean, I shouldn’t be comparing at all. =P
Thanks for the positive feedback and support through this past year, Vinny! =) It means a lot coming from such an established author. =)
Roberta Budvietas
Oh Samantha I hear you. Until a few years ago, I would never have written a blog. My husband is the writer. I make things happen but then I started blogging and suddenly I had lots to say. I find the more I write the easier it is to write but sometimes the challenge is to picture who I am writing for. I love your stories about Peru. You have an interesting background and that gives you a delightful perspective on life which I so enjoy. Keep writing.
Samantha Bangayan
I had no idea! =) You’re such a natural writer, Roberta! How funny to think that you may have once considered your husband the writer and not you.
Thanks for your super kind words and encouragement! =) I’m glad we’re *both* still writing!
Betsy Cross
I quit writing every other day because I have nothing to say. And then something happens and I’m dying to share it, but nobody sits still long enough or with as much focus as is required to tell a story any more.
So I write about it. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
I can totally vibe with that, Betsy! =) With blogging, we can so take our time and I should turn that into something I value instead of feeling like I’m failing when I take a while to get my words out on the screen. =P
Penelope J.
You write, despite your writer’s block, because you’re a writer and writing fulfills you and adds joy to your and other people’s lives. I write because I have to, I can’t imagine a life without writing, and because, like you, I’m a writer.
Samantha Bangayan
You know, Pennie, I thought a lot about how you said, “I write because I have to.” There’s potentially a positive and negative double entendre there. “I have to” as in it sustains me financially (even though I may not enjoy it) versus “I have to” because “I can’t imagine a life without writing” (and I love it). I feel both of those at times and I hope that I can eventually turn writing jobs into writing that I enjoy too. =)
Penelope J.
Sam, I see your point. I should say, “I write because I can’t not write. Writing is part of my being, and gives me a reason for living.”
I also take on writing jobs, just finished writing someone else’s memoir, but that’s different. Hope you can feel that way too – eventually.
Samantha Bangayan
Love that, Pennie! That sounds beautiful. =) I’ll get to that point, I’m sure.