Saturday, June 20, 2015

WHISPERS’ SPECIAL ACTIVITY--WHY DO I WRITE?

In an effort to help contributors and readers get to know others better, writers were asked to answer the question above.  I am delighted to introduce a variety of responses that are both insightful and creative.  I know you will enjoy this column.

Thank you to the artists that contributed to this column.  We are building a creative community at Whispers thanks to the many that share their words, comment, or read poetry at our online journal.  What a gift to be able to share in this journey.

Karen O’Leary
Whispers’ Editor

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I write because I have to. Writing is not what I do; it is who I am. Without my books of poetry, I am not a whole person. ~~ By Joann Grisetti--United States

I write poetry, in different forms, relying a lot on rhyme. I love research, and I write articles for publishing; also wrote a historical book. A hobby of mine is writing children's short stories; one book has been published and a few are awaiting their turn. I write lyrics for songs, oratorios, hymns, and musicals. ~~ By Paul Callus--Malta

I write because it is my duty, my obligation, and promise to myself and to my grandfather, who was a Holocaust survivor, that I would not let the things that are inside of me, the bad and good, remain kept in Pandora's box. The need and the want continues to build in a positive light but is my go to when all other lights have gone off in the world. ~~ By Sara R. Vogler--United States

Just as some people lose themselves in reading a book, I lose myself in writing. Writing has become my savior, it's a challenge and I love a challenge! I began writing poetry seriously seventeen years ago when I retired, the same time that I began painting in oils.
Writing, painting is a gift...and if one has a gift, one should use it.  ~~ By Beth Winchcombe--England

I find that writing in poetic form is a splendid way to express my thoughts in a terse but expressive manner. I also write to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren to cherish. I think I could sum up my love of sharing verse with others in this way: "I write never to become rich, but hopefully, for others their lives to enrich!" By ~~ Bob Hinshaw--United States

No one has ever seen the picture that’s worth a thousand words. I think words can be pictures, and lovely songs, and bodacious scents, and private flavors, and early morning caresses that wake each part of you, one at a time. I know some of those words, and, from time to time, I write a few of them….  ~~ By Richard Carl Subber--United States

I write to let my inner self out. I write to discover life’s wonders and dangers.  I write because I am compelled through some unnamed urging to be who I am. ~~ By Jim Teeters--United States

I write because I feel free when I write. The world seems to be at my fingertips, filled with all its emotions, and its feelings of expressions. It helps in a therapeutic way, to keep me sane and on the edge of possibilities, which these memories bring to me. Poetry is my life. ~~ By Russell Sivey--United States

Writing is that thin veil which I don when I wish to dig deeper and find my true voice. It allows me to express myself in ways I would never otherwise be able to. Writing transforms an idle thought into metaphors of my being, and it lifts my spirits when I'm down. ~~ By Shloka Shankar, India

This is why I write and post my poetry on youtube... For me a poem only 'lives' when it is recited ..one to another...becoming a unique one off, two way experience, an 'as is moment ' much the same experience as when standing before a painting or sculpture. Only by hearing it spoken can one experience its poetic nuance. ~~ By Brian Strand-- England

I am writing poetry since the age of sixteen and published it together with short stories
in our school magazine at that time.  Writing for me is a "must" and I always feel satisfied once I have finished a poem or a short story, although I am not always in the mood to write and words and thought come suddenly into my head. For me to write poetry is a gift and a special talent as it is with my drawings and paintings or even photography. ~~ By Gert Knop--Germany

I write to create new worlds and make them my own. ~~ By Tom Davis--United States

I write because creativity is the bridge over the flow of life, which I need to traverse to cover the distance from the creation to the creator.  ~~ By Vidur Jyoti--India

"I write because I need to respond to whatever I perceive through all my senses. It is as natural as having to eat when I am hungry or drink when I am thirsty. I always carry a pencil and some paper, and when I haven't, I have written on paper napkins, grocery bills, ticket stubs, luggage labels, prescription slips, dry leaves, everything! Something inside me would crumble and die if I couldn't write."  ~~ By Angelee Deodhar--India

Writing is part of who I am, an extension of my artistic nature.  It has helped me deal with illness and other challenges.  I feel it is blessing, allowing me to develop friendships all over the world.  ~~ By Karen O’Leary, United States

I write for a living - so the stomach makes me write. But I also write for my eyes - because I like seeing black characters on white screens, I like the scritch-scratch of pen on paper. I write for my heart - I can talk of fewer things of beauty than a well-crafted sentence. I write for my mind - because the dance of words that happens within, is a gift that keeps on giving.  ~~ By Raamesh Gowri Raghavan--India

When life asks me a million questions during my journey, poetry tells me that my heart communicates with my hand to get in touch with my soul and find the answers I'm looking for and that's why I write. Writing is my voice, I identify myself with my poetry, it gives me a joy that words will fail to express. ~~ By Vasanthi S. Pillai--India

Why I write: To express my thoughts through the art of poetry, words that seek to form a bridge between intellectual abstract thought and the world of the inarticulate.  ~~ By Connie Marcum Wong--United States

I write because it is a way of self expression. It is a passion that must be filled. It is a place where deep inspiration, vivid imagination, spell binding mystery, universal
truth can all be expressed by my thoughts. ~~ By Phyllis Babcock--Canada

As far back as I can recall I've loved putting my thoughts on paper, & seriously wanted to write books for children, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord had different plans for me.  Nothing blesses my heart more now than to share words of encouragement & hope through poetry.  In a world where there is so much despair & pain, it's gratifying to sow seeds of inspiration that uplift the spirit & make people smile.
~~ By Christine Tate--United States

My mother, when I was young, said that, 'You will always have your art'.  Every one of my compositions, whether drawn or written, affirms this in me, and I hope, will do my mother proud. ~~ By Ralph Stott--England

I write to capture a "moment."  I enjoy life as a muse. Writing keeps creativity flowing.
~~ By Marlene Million--United States

Writing for me is a little bit instinctual, a way to channel my thoughts and release my creative energy. I was encouraged to write as a youngster so while I find its practice very challenging I have persevered with it. I enjoy the play of language, choosing words and putting them together to make something new and sometimes original. I think that to
have work published can be very exciting. ~~ By Anne Curran--New Zealand

: ) Seriously? Because I don’t know how not to write and stay sane in this crazy upside-down world. How do you not write about floods and moles, crows cawing and lightning flashing? I guess it’s the case of garbage in, garbage out; sweetness in, sweetness out. It’s about sharing my corner of the world. ~~ By Pat Durmon--United States

Why do I write? Well I've always been an avid reader, but writing comes as a release of the internal need to create and passion to speak out. I started writing after a period of feeling locked in through ill-health and as a means of reaching out to others similarly. I'm a big believer of an expression I heard some time ago - if life throws you a curved ball throw one right back. I'd got to a point I felt useless as so many things seemed to be snatched away and so started learning new and creative skills to take up the emptiness I felt and now look back with pride and forward with hope. ~~ By Anna-Marie Docherty--Wales

Books have filled me with the excitement of encountering different worlds and diverse characters. Life is so amazing in its myriad patterns of nature, art, dreams and daily life. I want to tell my story and to explain what I see, feel and think. ~~ By Joan McNerney--
United States

I enjoy writing, putting words and ideas in indispensable notebooks where I can entertain myself for hours "trolling" for a word or sentence that might turn into a poem, story or article. I love to write and have been at it as long as I can remember and enjoy picking up publications and seeing my work included among friends I've made through the years. It's also a way of validating myself, that somehow in this huge unending universe I've written something that someone, somewhere may enjoy. ~~ By Barbara Tate--United States

You write to meet yourself at the deepest and most profound level.  You write because without words to express it, the world is brittle and prickly and almost unlivable. You write to survive and you write to become. Most of all, you write because it gives you wings. ~~ By Rohini Gupta--India

I write because I like to share some of my thoughts. Sometimes, it's just something silly that I hope will make people smile. Other times, it's a catharsis for me, which may strike a chord with others. But mostly, I write because I love it! ~~ By Jack Horne--England

30 comments:

  1. what a wonderful collection of why people write
    thank you Karen
    i agree with Rohini "You write to meet yourself at the deepest and most profound level."
    love and light to you all keep on writing , angelee

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    Replies
    1. Dear Angelee,

      I am so impressed with your thoughts and all the others that contributed. Thank you for being a part of this. It's a blessing to have you a part of Whispers.

      Love and light to you too,
      Karen

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  2. Karen,
    Somehow I missed this. I love writing, especially websites like this that you can make someone's day a little brighter, even if you live in another country. I belong to other sites, one very small and the other maybe even larger than this one, so my message can get out there. I go back and forth between websites and print journals, supporting as many as I can, but of course that can get costly. This is why I trade ads with so many other journals. I could go on and on, but I realize thee is so much I can say.

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    1. Dear David,

      I know you enjoy the writing process as both writer and editor. I enjoyed reading your thoughts today. Thank you for being a part of Whispers and for all the encouraging comments you have been leaving for others.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  3. Everyone needs a hobby. Mine is writing.

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    1. Dear Michael,

      Thank you for sharing your gift of words for Whispers. You inspire others with your encouraging comments. It's so good to have you here.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  4. Thank you, Robert Hinshaw, for the following--

    Thank you, Karen, for creating this project. So very enlightening to see what motivates others to write. Bob Hinshaw

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    1. Dear Robert,

      Thank you for your kind words. It's people like you that make Whispers a writing community. I appreciate your encouragement and support.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  5. What an amazing array of thoughts and the common thread that runs through each of us. I am so happy to be part of this project. Thank you to each and ever one for sharing.

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    1. Dear Barbara,

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts for this column. I appreciate the encouraging voice you are here at Whispers.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  6. This is a wonderful collection of thoughts on writing. I am enjoying it!

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    1. Hi Joan,

      I really enjoyed all the creative thoughts including yours. Thank you for being a part of this activity. I appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement of others.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  7. Thank you Karen for this great activity. I loved reading the answers posted to this timely question. I am so glad I am able to really evaluate my reasons for writing and why it is so important to me and why I need and plan to continue.

    I write because it is my salvation. As I write, the spirit of the Lord reveals to me a better understanding of myself, so I can improve and I am encouraged me to endure to the end, relying wholly upon the merits of Jesus Christ to help me keep the faith, trust in Him and brings me to a point of eventual peace in the midst of great tribulation.

    And then, if in the interim I can strengthen my fellow travelers, through the strength I receive by and through writing, that is my blessed task.
    I love you Karen and Whispers for helping me accomplish these goals through writing poetry.
    Love, Charlene.

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    1. Dear Charlene,

      Thank you, my friend, for your kind words and insightful thoughts. What a joy to have you a part of this poetry community. I appreciate all the encouragement you give me and others. You are such a blessing.

      Love,
      Karen

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  8. A great activity Karen,a kaleidoscope of reasons why poetry fulfils our need to connect and express our unique god given artistic thoughts.Rgds Brian

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    1. Dear Brian,

      Thank you for your kind and insightful words. I appreciate your ongoing support of the poetry community.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  9. Thank you, Jim Teeters, for the following--

    Why I Write

    To let my inner self out
    to discover life’s wonders
    to face my fears
    to help me teach poetry
    and because I am compelled to
    through some unnamable urging
    to be who I am

    Jim Teeters

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  10. Dear Jim,

    Thank you so much for sharing this insightful comment. I think we do write to be who we are because writing is an extension of ourselves. I appreciate having you a part of Whispers.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  11. Thank you, Leokadia, for the following--

    I have been a wife, I am a mother of three wonderful sons and now a grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters. I am blessed with an amazing family and friends.

    I use to write long poems for my family and friends for their birthdays. Anything that touched my heart inspired me to write.

    I have been seriously writing since my recovery from cancer. I was encouraged by my Specialist after I wrote a poem to thank him for saving my life. He liked my poem and told me I should publish it. I was surprised at his reaction; I then asked him if he would read my other poems that I had written and give me his opinion. He did, he told me he very much enjoyed reading them. I decided then to join a poetry site so I could read other poets work and learn a little more about writing poetry.

    I was lucky to win a poetry contest in Canada and have a book of poems published. I had had many poems published in various charity books.

    I write poetry to touch someone’s heart and soul, to create images in the that can take your breath away; to leave beautiful thoughts in the mind of the reader. Poetry makes for amazing reading, it can bring a smile of joy, or tears of happiness; It can be heartfelt when it touches upon the heartaches of life; to inspire someone to read poetry who has never read any. I write because I love to create beautiful images. I love the fact I can paint pictures in people’s minds with my words.

    Life is precious and very fragile, I love God, the beauty of all creation, the gift of life.

    Leokadia Durmaj

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    1. Dear Lee,

      You and I have both used our writing to journey with illness. We share the gift of faith which brings hope to life even during challenges. Thank you for your insightful thoughts. I have always known you are a woman of courage. Blessings to you, my friend.

      Love,
      Karen

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    2. Amazing feedback on this activity! Many insights on why people write, and I say "thank-you" to Karen for this opportunity to express ourselves to each other! Thank you All for sharing!

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    3. Dear Marlene,

      Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts for this column. I really enjoyed all the responses to "Why Do I Write?" We have more fun activities coming. Hope you will join in them too.

      Happy Writing!
      Karen

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  12. Wow. What a turnout of graceful and talented writers. I have enjoyed you all. Thank you for sharing and thank you, Karen, for the activity. Continued blessings to you all!

    -MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)

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    1. Dear Maurice,

      I'm glad you enjoyed this column. I sure had fun reading all these responses too. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement, my friend.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  13. Thank you, Aju, for the following--

    I write because I can't but write. Writing is an unavoidable expression of my inner being. I earnestly urge to communicate my expression to all enthusiastic readers.

    Aju Mukhoppadhyay

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    1. Thank you, Aju, for your insightful comments. It's good to have you a part of Whispers.

      Karen

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    2. Dear Karen. what I can see here is every ones heart and soul on display in the work they create, embraced with the gift of love, The gifts of faith and hope transcends into the very reason they each write such beautiful poetry. What a wonderful idea it was for each one to tell their story. Blessings sent with love, Leokadia (Lee)

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    3. Dear Lee,

      What a blessing you are! You are a bright light and a caring soul. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me, my friend.

      Love,
      Karen

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  14. Dear Karen, This was such a lovely idea to have poets share why they write. I enjoyed reading through all of the posts, but the one that struck me the most was Rohini Gupta's of India. How poetic it was without even trying. Blessings to all the poets and to you for your efforts, Connie Marcum Wong

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    1. Dear Connie,

      Thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts for this column. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me. You are such a bright light here at Whispers. It's people like you that make our online journal a community.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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