Knowing my “Why”
Knowing why you write is the most important realization you can make as a writer to get your words out into the world and to attract an audience. Your why leads back to what you believe. Anything that starts with a deep belief has the power to change the world. These are the reasons why I write and the beliefs tied to each one.
To find meaning in my life.
There needs to be a meaning to everything in my mind, or it risks falling into nihilism. What’s the point if nothing means anything beyond the observable and provable?
That questioning spirals into negative self-talk, dragging me back into the wells of nihilism that meaning helps me escape.
I believe meaning comes from what we assign meaning to. Each person’s life is unique. A set of viewpoints should never be imposed on anybody, but actions that harm others still need to have consequences.
To not feel alone.
Writing helps me connect with readers and the imaginary characters I create.
We can never see a person as they actually exist. The brain constructs a model, a character if you will of that person and updates that simulacrum to match the inputs from the real world. We never interact with a real person before thinking how our model of them would react.
Writing about a character utilizes this faculty even more than interacting with an actual person, because it’s impossible to interview a fictional character. It all comes from the writer’s observations and empathy.
I believe people connecting with other people will make the world a better place. Huddling in groups that only share our worldview isn’t the way forward.
To feel what I never can.
We all live a limited life as it is. Things required for our daily existence and our lot in life limit our experiences.
In my imagination, on my computer, those limitations are smaller until they vanish. I can be anybody, anything, or all powerful in my imagination and hold onto it by writing it down.
I believe it’s better to have experienced something good even if it’ll hurt in the end.
To be heard how I want to be.
Moments in life are fleeting. It’s rare that you can perfect a moment a live it how you intend or envision. After multiple tries, sure. But not the first time and every time.
In writing, unlimited re-dos are possible through the process of editing and revision. It may not be fun, but you can pursue your ideal.
I can say what I want to say, how I want to say it.
To reach flow.
Flow is a state by which someone is driven by a focused energy to be immersed and enjoy an activity without regard for anything else going on.
Achieving a state of flow requires something challenging, measurable, and rewarding.
Writing fills those three criteria for me.
I believe good things happen when people are challenged, have measurable goals, and are rewarded for their accomplishments.
Thank you for reading.
GK
Girish Karthikeyan 