Writing Exposed

Why I Write:

Writing is my life… Rather, it’s my passion. I consider myself a qualified writer, though my published works are limited to a grand number of zero. I have always felt that writing is a beautiful process, but I’ve recently decided it is also an intimate endeavor; when you comprehend something someone else says in their writing, you are practically diving into their mind– feeling their feelings, thinking their thoughts. This idea is challenging and somewhat scary in itself; it is against human nature to be exposed, so opening your mind to other people tends to be difficult.

As a self-proclaimed writer, I don’t want this challenge to hinder me. I want to write exposed, with my opinions, thoughts, and emotions tied so closely to the words that they are a pure reflection of who I am.

What Taught Me To Love Writing:

Because I love to write so much, I obviously draw inspiration from the books I love to read. I love old books, but I also love new books; I love fiction, but I also love nonfiction; really, any book I can get my hands on, I love. My favorite books include The Circle Series by Ted Dekker and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

The Circle Series is a set of four books that outlines a story of a man finding God in two realities– our natural reality and an alternate reality. The story is beautiful and full of love, but it is also intense and suffused with pain. The Book Thief is a story about a little girl who is faced with so much pain and suffering during World War II. My favorite part about this book is the narrator’s perspectives on pain, suffering, and war; when I first read this book, I was overcome with grief because of how capable people are to be awful.

These two books have inspired my thoughts, beliefs, and, most of all, how I want to write; I want my words to touch people and to inspire them. Ultimately, I don’t want to be like the authors whose books I read; I want to be more, to be better. Words are powerful, and the challenge I’m faced with is simply to create.