Writing is an art. Not all great writers are born with a natural flair for writing. How do they develop the skill then? In a creative writing course, I attended a couple of years back, I learned the first simple rule – Always write for yourself. There will always be like-minded people who will like what you write. Similarly, there will always be those who will not. If you try to please others, you will never be able to develop your own writing style. It is almost like singing. I have often heard successful singers say that they sing to satisfy their own soul. That is true of any art form actually. Don’t we love artists who are in love with their art?
Reading also helps writing. The more you read, the more you think, imagine, and adopt. If it is a childhood habit, even better. But does that mean people who do not read don’t make good writers? Certainly not. I know of a few fantastic writers who don’t enjoy reading. But they write for themselves, uninhibited. They are observant, creative, and knowledgeable. Someone who doesn’t read much may enjoy music, audio books, travel, movies, sitcoms, social interactions, and more. A writer can explore limitless possibilities and write through experiences. Again, all voracious readers do not necessarily like writing.
Writing connects you to yourself. Regardless of place, situation, or state of mind, writers always have a friend in their pen. Each new write-up helps the writer open up a wee bit more. The more we write, the more we get a glimpse of our soul, our inner self. Every writer has faced this situation at least once in their lifetime: I sit to write on a particular topic and start with the best of intentions. But I end up writing about something I had never imagined. Commercially, it may be a waste of time if I was being paid for that particular piece. But then, I discovered a part of me, in the process. Impromptu write-ups are precious, no matter how meaningless they may seem at that moment.
Writers have their own world. Writing keeps them passionate and self-motivated. Some writers like to write in the open, and get inspiration from the nature. Some like locking themselves up in a room when they write. There are annoying 'writer’s block' phases, but there are also happy 'writer’s delight' phases. Usually a delight phase is preceded by a block phase.
Writers are always cultivating their skill, even when they are not writing. Watch out ;)
