Why Aspire To Be A Writer?

By: Joe Everly (Guest Writer)

“Aspiring to become a writer.”  This is a phrase that has been going through my head, in one form or another, since I was ten years old.  The act of writing, itself, did not interest me until recently.  I was in an English 101 class, writing a journal entry when it struck me that I really enjoy writing.  I’m not usually the best at expressing my thoughts through words, but I am better able to get a point across on paper.  Maybe it’s the semi anonymity of paper and ink, and not having to be face-to-face with the reader.  Taken for what it may be, I feel that writing is the best form of expression for me.

            One of the many reasons one may decide to write would be the potential satisfaction received after writing something that will make the reader think, laugh, or even become upset.  The power is in the hand of the writer.  The writer can change the mood, opinion, and sometimes even the physical action of the reader.  Have you ever read something that made you angry, sad, or happy?  I believe that nearly everyone who can read can relate to this.  What about reading a post from a social media site?  Do you know anyone who felt strongly enough about a topic posted “Facebook,” or “Twitter” to reply to the author, or maybe gone a step further, writing to a state representative, encouraging action on the topic?  This happens many times every day.  At the root of these actions, is a person who decided to write about something that they felt strongly enough about to let others know how they felt.  When this happens, momentum can be built, and maybe the snowball effect comes in to play.  What a rush to know that you may have started a movement!

            Another reason to become a writer could be the fact that someone might actually pay you for your work.  It was Confucius, the Chinese philosopher who said “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”  Although few people have the opportunity to follow his wisdom on this one, Confucius hit the nail on the head here.  Anyone who has the knack to write probably has the ability to hone this skill to be used as a job, or even a career.  The process will probably need to be tweaked, and tuned a bit.  With practice, patience, and maybe a lot of ink, the sincere student can become a writer.  Being in the “write” place at the “write” time can be beneficial for anyone, so write often!