Why I Write
A Sixty Seven Year Retrospective55 total reviews
Comment from Wendy G
You have found a very creative way of describing your writing journey - I do like the butterfly image, and yes, that resonates. Writing often produces a love-hate relationship, or perhaps better described as elation-frustration. Your image of the pole vaulting was excellent also. I am not as self-disciplined as you are, and have commitments most days which limit my available time, but I love it when an idea comes and is shaped and moulded and then just flows. I think you write very well and perhaps your dream is being realised, although the pole vault bar keeps being reset higher and higher.
Wendy
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2023
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You have found a very creative way of describing your writing journey - I do like the butterfly image, and yes, that resonates. Writing often produces a love-hate relationship, or perhaps better described as elation-frustration. Your image of the pole vaulting was excellent also. I am not as self-disciplined as you are, and have commitments most days which limit my available time, but I love it when an idea comes and is shaped and moulded and then just flows. I think you write very well and perhaps your dream is being realised, although the pole vault bar keeps being reset higher and higher.
Wendy
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2023
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Elation-frustration -- oh, that's good! Writing can be a bi-polar experience, can't it? It's good to have people whose kind words, like yours, keep the pendulum from staying too long at the wrong end. I wish you would formulate your thoughts on writing and enter the writing contest. I think others could benefit from listening to you, Wendy.
Jay
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Thank you Jay. I appreciate that lovely comment. Somehow, I am not sure that my experience would be different from that of most of us. Maybe I will try. Yours is excellent - I really wanted to give it a six, but had none left, and I am sorry. I review a lot and those who review a lot should get eight or even TEN gifts of six stars to allocate.
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The idea about the 8 or 10 stars for the supra-reviewers could be part of your idea. Tell Tom about it, too!
Jay
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
What a touching story about your writing journey and the daily schedule you have encountered. Let's start by defining what it is to fail and succeed as a writer. The definition of failure and success varies by writer and what stage they are at in their learning journey or publishing process. I would say you're doing just fine!
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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What a touching story about your writing journey and the daily schedule you have encountered. Let's start by defining what it is to fail and succeed as a writer. The definition of failure and success varies by writer and what stage they are at in their learning journey or publishing process. I would say you're doing just fine!
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Thank you for your kindness and encouragement, Rosemary. I'm happy you found it worthwhile.
Jay
Comment from Nicki Nance
Thanks for sharing your history and your current experience. It was rich with metaphors. You included your fellow writers in the experience early, so it was enticing to go on the ride with you. Good thing you are an unflushable floater or we would all be sunk.
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Thanks for sharing your history and your current experience. It was rich with metaphors. You included your fellow writers in the experience early, so it was enticing to go on the ride with you. Good thing you are an unflushable floater or we would all be sunk.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Hahaha, I love it. I haven't had anyone refer to my bio in ages. It's good to know it gets read occasionally. You are da bomb, Nicki!
Jay
Comment from lancellot
Jay, you can spin a yarn. No doubt about it, and I'm sure this'll be in the winner's circle. But I was waiting and waiting.
Today, my greatest joy is chasing that elusive
feeling through my daily process of creating.
- It took a while but you got to the answer of why you write.
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Jay, you can spin a yarn. No doubt about it, and I'm sure this'll be in the winner's circle. But I was waiting and waiting.
Today, my greatest joy is chasing that elusive
feeling through my daily process of creating.
- It took a while but you got to the answer of why you write.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Thank you, Lance. Yes it did take me a while to get to the reason I write. But it's taken me far longer to make a point, only to not get to it. Thank you for your patience, my friend.
Jay
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
You are the kind of writer who, and I can't remember who said it, open a vein and write with your blood. I write when I can. Today was a sick non-verbal autistic great grandson. Although you worry about it, you are one of the most creative and best writers on Fanstory.
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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You are the kind of writer who, and I can't remember who said it, open a vein and write with your blood. I write when I can. Today was a sick non-verbal autistic great grandson. Although you worry about it, you are one of the most creative and best writers on Fanstory.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Carol, bless you for your high compliment. You are always kind with your words. But you were over the top with your praise. And I know you don't just toss out your sixes, so when I get one, I stand up to bow. It means something.
Jay
Comment from Paul McFarland
Nice article, Jay. Since I retired, I have been able to give more of my energy to writing poetry. You might consider what I do. I do not adhere to a schedule. I might not write a single word on some days. I go through life doing things that appeal to me, and very often something I see or do will inspire me. I then write down a few lines and put the brain in gear. Sometimes the poem will be written in fifteen or twenty minutes, or it might be several weeks before it is done. I usually don't spend more than two or three hours a day at the computer. Keep banging away.
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Nice article, Jay. Since I retired, I have been able to give more of my energy to writing poetry. You might consider what I do. I do not adhere to a schedule. I might not write a single word on some days. I go through life doing things that appeal to me, and very often something I see or do will inspire me. I then write down a few lines and put the brain in gear. Sometimes the poem will be written in fifteen or twenty minutes, or it might be several weeks before it is done. I usually don't spend more than two or three hours a day at the computer. Keep banging away.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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I think you are one of the fortunate few, Paul. You have a deep and dependable creative current running through your life, at least that's how it seems. If I hadn't started a writing regimen early on, I'd have been very unhappy long before now, or dead. Probably dead. Left to my own devises, I would rather snap on the TV and watch the today's show and follow it with whatever pap the commercials want to feed me to keep me in democracy's tow. I love democracy, but it works best when there are precious few who follow the beat of their own drum. I'm happy for my schedule, my regimen; I've even grown to love my jealous mistress who will punish me greatly if I don't follow her flirtations daily. I DO wish I could be less policed and more heart-guided, like you. I hope you enter the contest yourself. I'd love to hear more about your system.
Jay
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That is a long time writing, Jay, but I can understand the pull to do so. I liked the metaphor of the butterfly, that really explains what we do so well. I think you've become that butterfly, you've left your chrysalis, and now you are flying. So many authors on here can write so many pieces in a week, while I'm still plodding away on my one. How do you all do it? I love what you write, it always makes me think. I love to write, like you. And like you I dreamed of being a famous writer, but that never happened, life did. Although I did write little things and sold them to magazines. Now I've been retired many years, I write to enjoy it. That has been my main objective now. I'd still like a quick million when someone borrows a copy and tells Hollywood what a blockbuster my story is!! LOL!! We mustn't stop dreaming. I really enjoyed reading this, my friend. It taught me a lot about you! Love you lots. Sandra xx
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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That is a long time writing, Jay, but I can understand the pull to do so. I liked the metaphor of the butterfly, that really explains what we do so well. I think you've become that butterfly, you've left your chrysalis, and now you are flying. So many authors on here can write so many pieces in a week, while I'm still plodding away on my one. How do you all do it? I love what you write, it always makes me think. I love to write, like you. And like you I dreamed of being a famous writer, but that never happened, life did. Although I did write little things and sold them to magazines. Now I've been retired many years, I write to enjoy it. That has been my main objective now. I'd still like a quick million when someone borrows a copy and tells Hollywood what a blockbuster my story is!! LOL!! We mustn't stop dreaming. I really enjoyed reading this, my friend. It taught me a lot about you! Love you lots. Sandra xx
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Oh, and I love you, too, Sandra. I hope you don't put me with those who post a couple of things a day. I am the world's slowest writer. On a long piece that takes multiple days to finish, every morning I start from the beginning and edit right up to where I left off ... even if it's 20 pages. I swear I won't do it, but the next day, there I am trying to coax a little more joy out of the first sentence. It makes for great beginnings, but leaves a lot of corpses strewn along the way.
But each must be faithful for what works for him/herself. I would so love it if you would include your fully developed method in the contest. There are still several days remaining. And people would love to know what you do to write your brilliant and deeply moving novels. I know I would grow by reading it.
Jay
Comment from Jasmine Girl
I really like your butterfly analogy. Trying to get a perfect image of a moving butterfly seems hard or impossible. That's what makes life interesting and occupy your mind for hours or days. If you had become a famous writer at an early age like F. Scott Fitzgerald, you might have had a terrible life, become an alcoholic and died young (at age 44 in the case of F. Scott.) Now writing is something that makes you happy and keeps your going. It's great and you might be able to write until age 100. We have a 98 years old poet here.
Excellent. I might have to answer this question, too.
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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I really like your butterfly analogy. Trying to get a perfect image of a moving butterfly seems hard or impossible. That's what makes life interesting and occupy your mind for hours or days. If you had become a famous writer at an early age like F. Scott Fitzgerald, you might have had a terrible life, become an alcoholic and died young (at age 44 in the case of F. Scott.) Now writing is something that makes you happy and keeps your going. It's great and you might be able to write until age 100. We have a 98 years old poet here.
Excellent. I might have to answer this question, too.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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I wish you would answer the question, Lisa, if it means entering the contest. I'd be fascinated to know your thoughts on it.
Jay
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Ok. I have to write one and I have already written one many years ago when entering some writing contests. You know the drill. I will post it tomorrow after the Flamenco show. We are still in Spain. Seville is wonderful.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
If only we could write our own flyleaf as you have imagined - I like yours!
You have given us such an intimate look at "what makes you write." It sounds as though you are compelled each day to do so, but for all of these years? That's astounding!
I'm hoping that each day you may become the butterfly, for when you do your fans are the ones who are rewarded.
Very well stated and written. It would be interesting if you did come back to this question in 3 years to see how it's changed.
Now we know where you are each morning at 7:30 a.m. Is that with coffee and in pajamas?
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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If only we could write our own flyleaf as you have imagined - I like yours!
You have given us such an intimate look at "what makes you write." It sounds as though you are compelled each day to do so, but for all of these years? That's astounding!
I'm hoping that each day you may become the butterfly, for when you do your fans are the ones who are rewarded.
Very well stated and written. It would be interesting if you did come back to this question in 3 years to see how it's changed.
Now we know where you are each morning at 7:30 a.m. Is that with coffee and in pajamas?
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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So kind of you to wish I were a butterfly daily. In the summer, it's shorts and in front of a rotating fan. In winter, I'm in sweats and my long robe with a little area heater at my feet. Thank you so much, Pam.
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Very nicely done. Good work.
Gestational writing, huh?
I guess it would be too gross for me to mention my many mutants and deformities birthed after agonizing screams of mortal pain. My emotions DO NOT WANT TO COME OUT! (even that much was hard)
Best wishes.
(smiley face here)
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Very nicely done. Good work.
Gestational writing, huh?
I guess it would be too gross for me to mention my many mutants and deformities birthed after agonizing screams of mortal pain. My emotions DO NOT WANT TO COME OUT! (even that much was hard)
Best wishes.
(smiley face here)
Comment Written 02-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2023
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Thank you, Wayne. From what I've read of your posts, I'd bet there is a dark, shadowy place where some of your characters reside. Andrew and T.J. for two. Thanks for reading, Wayne.
Jay
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Unfortunately, I have been all of the characters at one time, or another. Well, except for the athlete hero.