Why Do I Write?

Justin Houston
Aug 23, 2017 · 3 min read

This is my fiftieth article on Medium, so to celebrate a completely arbitrary and meaningless accomplishment, today I’m going to talk about why I write.

Recently, I was thinking of a way to begin a discussion on writing with young writers. Reluctant writers. Writers who believe we all write, so it isn’t something that requires further thought or probing. We all speak, we all read, we all write. They misunderstand writing completely.

I thought of the book, Everyone Poops. We all do that too, but some of us have it down better than others.

Count me in the camp that wants to master it (pooping and writing).

Sure, we all write. But some of us see it as an essential part of our lives. We see it as a struggle. A loved one that we always love, but seldom like.

So, why do I write?

1. It’s a compulsive need.

I have been playing with words since I was a teenage boy, writing in the middle of the night. I have something inside of me that yearns to be free. Writing seems to calm the waters and feed the beast. It’s the way I am wired. Writers are more in the habit of finding (and placing) significance on things in their lives. Nonwriters often fail to react to these things. Sights, events, thoughts, pass through non-writers, but those with a writerly soul are on the lookout for things that move them, that make them care, things that sparkle and force a search within as to why something sparkles for you.

Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.”

We all have stories. Every single one of us.

2. On some level at least, as a need to be understood.

We want to know we are not alone in the world. There are others out there who can relate to the screwy nature of our predicament. We tire of being “unique” in a sea of sameness. We write to find others that swim against the current. This isn’t my primary motivation, but we all want to believe the way we see the world makes sense.

3. Because someone who reads my words will find solace in knowing they are not alone in how they experience the world.

As we hope to be understood, we also hope that our words will be emboldened with enough power that they may, in some small way, connect with others.

I don’t write for pity or sympathy or even understanding. Although, writing is cathartic and I am sure there is some unconscious element of therapy involved. I do want to elicit emotion from readers, find a shared connection.

4. A need to validate my talent.

I have always compared myself with others in a never-ending battle to gauge where I stand. I guess it’s simple insecurity. I can’t just write and be happy or believe that I am good enough. I am always seeking proof that this, this thing called writing, is something I am worthy of pursuing.

That’s it. Hardly an exhaustive study of one man’s pysche. But a little glimpse into why one man places such importance on something that others fail to grasp.

Simply put, I have a love/hate relationship with writing. As in most of my relationships, the problem lies with me. I don’t give her (writing) the time and attention she needs. I end up feeling guilty. She continues to chase me down. It’s a real relationship.

I love when ideas speak to me and thoughts become clearer, but I still have trouble putting my ass in the seat. The repetitive habit of writing, even when the muse is fickle — is still an ongoing lesson for me.

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Justin Houston

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Writer, Teacher, Comedian…

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