Why Writers Write
by Tobey Crockett PhD
I am almost did not sit down to write this column today, because I am feeling so sad about the loss of a friend. My dear friend Karen, also a writer, just did not wake up yesterday morning. While the rest of Brooklyn was getting their paper, or dressing for church or just sleeping in late, her sister was waiting for the fire department to break the door down and tell her what she already knew: Karen was gone.
When I think about what Karen loved most in her life, besides her son, it was her work. She loved nothing more than being a courageous, truthful writer and editor. Karen helped all kinds of people bring their vision to the page and transform it into words – words meant for sharing. Ultimately that is what writers do: they share stories and experiences. They create intimacy among strangers, and thereby make the world a sweeter place.
I know many people think that writing is all about vocabulary, fabulous turns of style and knowing special grammar. Some writers do indeed write like that, but the best writers do their best not to let all the tricks of the trade get in the way of the story. The unvarnished truth is always the best method for sharing on an intimate level and reaching the audience where it counts, which is the heart and gut and not through the intellect, no matter how brilliant.
What stops me from sitting down with a big box of tissues and a bunch of excuses about being too sad to write today is the realization of how lucky I am to do what I truly love. Life is too short and the ending often too unexpected to be wasting our time doing anything but the things that count most. I know that Karen would remind people that it is important to be fearless and follow your dreams because life, as they say, is not a dress rehearsal.
For me, making genuine heart connections with all the people around me, as often and as gently as possible, is the greatest gift of being alive. I am fortunate that I can do that by using words, painting pictures and even by dancing and telling jokes. I have a rich spiritual community who appreciates me for who I am and a husband who is my best friend. Things are not perfect in my life and money is a challenge, but I am blessed that I can express myself and encourage people to reach for what truly brings them joy in their lives.
Joyful people are good members of society, and their happiness touches everyone around them, from the bank teller to the check out person at the store to the dog owner who is their neighbor. The gift of our intimacy, by which I mean sharing our stories, our happiness, our visions of a world that values justice and a fair chance for everyone, is one of the best ways to participate in our community. That intimacy is not just for writers, but for everyone. So go out there and put your heart on your sleeve. The world needs more brave people to share the simple, honest truth of who they are. Do it, while you still have the chance. And be fearless. You’re going to make some new friends along the way.
www.tobeycrockett.com and www.crockettcreative.com
