Why do you write?
In his essay, "Why I Write," George Orwell says that whenever he lacked political purpose, his writing was lifeless and flashy, but without substance. Yet he also says, "All writers are vain, selfish and lazy," and describes writing a book as "a horrible exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness."
In this essay, Orwell offers quite a few statements that seem contradictory on the surface, yet he synthesizes them into a coherent vision.
What's your answer? Why do you write?
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As I pointed out in a comment on Amanda's blog, Orwell was probably pessimistic about writing because he wasn't passionate about writing itself -- he was passionate about politics. If you really love writing, you love the practice, the process, the journey -- not the final product, the destination.
I also came to writing through a serious lack of talent in all other areas. It all came down to survival - either write, or become an alcoholic hobo.
You can read more about my attempts to avoid alcoholism and hoboism in my blog.
Im writing in response to the Orwell essay I read for media lab. I feel like I write because it is the only thing I really ave skill in. Im short and not very athletic, not good with numbers, but I can talk to people and write so that is why I do it.
If you read the essay, you noticed the four motives Orwell said we're in every writer...I definitley found a few of them in myself.
Why Do I write? for my entertainment and the entertainment of others.
Check out my blog!
I write for pure entertainment--of both myself and other readers.