Anne Lamott, in the introduction to her book Bird by Bird says,
Writing has so much give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do–the actual act of writing–turns out to be the best part. It’s like discovering that while you thought you need the tea ceremony for the caffeine, what you really needed was the tea ceremony. The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.
What do you think about this idea? I know that I see more clearly when I notice the light playing on the fields when I think about how I can best capture the moment in a poem. I know that when I create a scene between characters, it feels like my imaginary friends are just telling me about their day. I know that I see everything as a story or a poem, but I’m not sure that the act of sitting down and typing brings me anything beyond satisfaction. It’s not stitching together heart break (though it has). It’s not helping me make sense of a challenging situation (but it has). I know a supreme satisfaction from enjoying the result, but it’s discovering that result that brings it. Hmm.
How about you? Is the act of writing its own reward for you? Why?
Shawn L. Bird 
Her book is a wonderful addition to any reader’s personal library 🙂
I’m enjoying it so far. It came highly recommended.
I’ve found it peacefully relaxing. My confidence has grown as well. I find myself being more outgoing and not shy to share my thoughts in conversation and that has been the most rewarding thing thus far. I wish I didn’t let myself second guess my desires to write and had started sooner, but better late than never!
Ahh yes. The power of negative self-talk! So many talk themselves out of their genius before they ever begin!
The act of writing in itself helps unite people from all walks of life, the ones who seek, the ones who are open minded and compassionate to understanding life a bit more. Writing to me is a sense of healing in itself and a way to connect with myself internal and the rest of the world in ways that some would not understand. Even if there are differences between people in the world if we express ourselves through writing with compassionate intent and allow our minds to be free while respecting all individuals with different approaches then maybe the world could better communicate. Writing is peace and can spread peace. I love writing because I flow when I write and at times through writing one can articulate themselves better and get a message across they may have had a more difficult time verbally communicating. Writing is a form of therapy and if future generations understand that writing can be helpful and not just for learning then maybe there will be even more writers in the future. I encourage ALL to write. Even if it is a sentence that may not make sense to anyone. 🙂
I couldn’t agree more!
Amen!!! its the curse you never want to rid yourself of!!!
I like Anne Lamotte. I read “Traveling Mercies.” Yes, I am regularly amazed when I write what I inadvertently teach myself…or realize how I can think about things in new ways. It is a cathartic process for me, for sure.
As wonderful as it is to see things in terms of poetry, I find that I feel frustrated and somehow bereft if I don’t actually sit down at some point and write the thing out. This quote says to me that I don’t write for money or fame (not that either have come my way) or even to express myself but because writing is in and of itself a means by which I connect with myself and with the world.
I absolutely believe that. I write all the time…and I don’t have any particular goal, I just love the writing process. I write in my head if I’m not where I can get to a piece of paper or the computer! And I love Anne Lamott. I’ve followed her closely for years, and try to show up to book signings when I can. She’s just as quirky in person as she is in her writing. 🙂
I absolutely love to write! It’s a hobby that I don’t see myself giving up anytime soon, and I’m grateful that I find pleasure in putting all my thoughts and ideas down on paper. Sometimes, though, the act of writing frustrates me because I can only write/type so fast before I slowly fall behind my brain and it’s never-ending string of ideas. I’m a terribly forgetful person, which makes this all the more difficult. Nevertheless I continue to write (mostly poetry) because it makes me happy!
Good to have a happy hobby!
Yesssssssssss
Shawn, first off I’d to say that I have really enjoyed visiting your blog whenever I come here. 🙂 Sometimes the act of writing is definitely a reward all on it’s own. This is especially true when I have entered a few sentences or paragraphs into my private journal; they often have comfort in them to help inspire me to keep writing and creating beauty in my life.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Inspiration is always good.