#WhyIWrite: Trying To Explain That Creative Spark

This week, the United States celebrated their National Day on Writing (on October 20, to be specific).

Beginning in 2009, the day has only grown in recognition, having now been endorsed by the US Senate. The day is focused on "drawing attention to the remarkable variety of writing we engage in" and highlighting the importance of writing in everyday lives. This year, however, it sparked the Twitter trend #WhyIWrite, as many individuals explain why writing is, simply put, a part of them.

The day may not technically be celebrated in Australia, but on a site full of different writing contributions, I thought it’d be worthwhile joining in on the discussion.

For me, it’s impossible to explain in just 140 characters why I write.

Everyone writes for different reasons. It can be for expression; as a means of escape; as a form of processing emotions. (“Writing is cheaper than therapy but has the same result,” my friend often says.) Some write to ‘return the favour’ for all the quality literature we have experienced at one point or another, and others to share a particular feeling.

#WhyIWrite Because I was the kid staying up past my bedtime reading with a flashlight under the covers. And I wanted to return the favor.

— Jason Pinter (@jasonpinter) October 20, 2015

#WhyIWrite if i didn't i'd go crazy. this way, you do.

— umair (@umairh) October 20, 2015

There are reasons that run far deeper than personal expression; where people write to subvert the expectation that they aren't allowed. Those are just a few examples – and they may not even come close to capturing why you personally write.

#WhyIWrite? Because I was told I couldn't. I shouldn't. But the thrill of creation, of defiance, brought me back time and time again.

— W.E.B.B.I.E DuBois (@fivefifths) October 20, 2015

Writing can be about voicing opinions in the most eloquent way possible. For me, it’s so my thoughts don’t get lost in the shuffle of people who do raise their voices. Even if it doesn’t get “heard”, the moment I hit ‘post’ or put pen to paper, I know my writing is always there. It’s incredibly comforting knowing your words exist, even when you’re distracted with your daily life. There’s something liberating about seeing your vision come to life, whether you’re writing a short story or desperately trying to pinpoint your emotions or opinion on a subject.

It’s not necessarily the same for everyone, but with all these shared stories about why we write, I’ve definitely been motivated to pay more attention to the exceptional writing around us.

Why do you write?

Emily Lam is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.