Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Slice of Life 2018 Day 13: Why Do I Write?

"It's enough to know you want to write. Write." 
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg 


One of my favorite books about writing is Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. Written in short chapters, Goldberg provides short bursts of advice for writers. As shared on her website, "Goldberg sees writing as a practice that helps writers comprehend the value of their lives." I couldn't agree more. 

Natalie Goldberg has chapter called "Why Do I Write?" She suggests to ask yourself this question every once in a while. 
Why Natalie Goldberg writes

In the spirit of Natalie Goldberg's question, below are the reasons I write:

  1. Because it makes me feel satisfied to fill a page with words. To fill a notebook.
  2. Because when I write I notice things differently-more deeply.
  3. Because it provides me with more insight and empathy when teaching writers. 
  4. Because it helps me make sense of what's going on around me, especially when my life seems messy. 
  5. Because it's sometimes the easiest way to communicate.
  6. Because it helps me pour out my emotions in a healthy way.
  7. Because it makes me feel smart.
  8. Because it makes me feel humble.
  9. Because I like playing with words and phrases.
  10. Because I remember better when I write. 
  11. Because I can tell what I know and what I don't know by writing.
  12. Because I like to tell stories. 
  13. Because writing often surprises me. 
  14. Because I am a little weird.  
  15. Because I want to be taken seriously.
  16. Because I want to be heard. I want to matter.
Why do you write? 









4 comments:

  1. This is the second post inspired by "Writing Down the Bones" I've read today. I like all your reasons for writing, and as I read I thought of one I'd add: Because I can. And today I should have written something down that I've since forgotten. Good news is I had a student write the thing down for me.

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    1. So interesting that someone else was inspired by Natalie Goldberg! I like your "Because I can" - so true!

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  2. I love Writing Down the Bones too, and this is a great prompt that I don't think I've tried yet. Might do it myself AND use it with my students! I loved reading your list and could connect to so many items on it.

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    1. Thank you! I would love to see your list and what your students came up with

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