Why Write? 
By Kimberly S. Smith

When a writer marries an idea with a collection of carefully chosen words, he/she not only produces a piece of literary work, but reaps an additional reward with a sense of satisfaction that can only be felt from within. Writing, in general, is categorized as a very subjective business. They say that only two percent of what passes over an editor’s desk actually makes into publication. The competition that you are up against (also waiting to be discovered) could be deemed as equally discouraging. However, there are more reasons than not, to pursue your dream of seeing your words in print.

Let’s face it. Criticism is alive and well. There will be a time when you question whether or not you feel that you are “good enough” to be a writer and I want to tell you in advance that the answer to that lingering question is, and will always be, “yes”. Whenever you have something to say, I urge you to say it. It may not be appreciated by the masses and that’s okay. Just consider yourself, a much smaller audience. Understand that a lot of luck, in addition to hard work, is necessary to make things happen and sometimes that’s not even enough. The world is certainly one big melting pot, but individually, we exercise our right to have an opinion and sometimes that tends to get in the way of our own personal goals. If you believe in yourself and what you have to offer, then you are certainly ahead of the game.

Remember why you have chosen to become a writer in the first place. Is it for fame and fortune? Or is it because you simply couldn’t imagine yourself doing anything else? I hope that whatever the reason, you have a true love for the art itself. The monetary rewards are most definitely a bonus but sharing your creation(s) is worth more than any dollar figure. A part of you unconsciously seeps into every word, sentence, paragraph, and page, and before you know it, a most deserving sheet of paper recognizes your every thought.

We are perpetually reminded that life is full of twists, turns, and unrecognizable moments. In those moments, a careful observer will take the time to point out all of the hidden details that may have originally been overlooked. If presented well, he/she can successfully recreate the same picture to many different people and obtain a similar response. However, if that same moment is butchered of its very essence, it fails to even be remembered. Make your words stand out. Take the time to give them life so that they can be read. If writing is your passion, then give it one hundred and ten percent. Your ideas, thoughts, and memories will always have a place inside of you but are needed on the outside, too. You may just lift the spirits of a person that you’ve never met or change the life of someone that you already know. Either way, you have become a successful writer.

With the technology that is at our disposal, allowing your voice to be heard is easier than ever.  Just make sure that the message you send out represents the real you. Know the story that you want to tell so that ten years from now, you’ll still be just as passionate about that same piece of work as you were when you first completed it. A good story can withstand the test of time. We have many, many examples of that. If you never make it onto the Best Seller’s List and even if you do, be proud of what you have accomplished. Let your reward come from within. I promise you that for a writer, there is nothing sweeter.