kristaphillips Why do you do what you do?
Ohhhh, I know, what a question!
Whether you’re a writer, a singer, a dancer, a poet, an astronaut, a vet, a doctor, a teacher, a receptionist, a cashier, a garbage man, a lawyer or a stay-at-home mom…. or any other “thing”, what drives you? What’s your motivation?
Obviously there are many things. Most of all, for most careers, it’s financial reasons. I mean, we need a job to put food on the table and a roof over our heads, simple as that.
But lets go beyond the basic needs.
Below are MY top five reasons that I do what I do… in other words, Why I Write. (I do other things too, but they have separate reasons and that would be one LLLOOONNNGGGGGG blog post!)
5.) It’s relaxing. When I’m in story land with my characters, it’s a blast! Granted, there are some tense times, but I’m in my element and I LOVE it!
4.) The characters in my head DEMAND it. “Write this Krista!” “Pllleeeaaaasseee write my story! And make sure the guy is hunky, kay?”
3.) It’s my dream. I asked my Daddy when I was little why he and mom had so many dreams that they knew would never be achieved (that is a whole other blog post) and his response? NEVER stop dreaming, Krista. And I never have!
2.) Because I have to. Writing is in me and I just can’t not do it.
And the top reason why I write?
To glorify God. To bring him Praise and honor and to be obedient to him. My deepest hearts desire is for people to grow closer to Jesus when they read my books, because in the end, He is all that matters! Now, Please know that I’m not saying my books are all preachy and stuff, but know that they are well prayed over that God will use them for his glory.
We sang this song at church on Sunday. I’ve heard it many times before, but God really used it to bring my head back around and remind me of the reason, the core, of my writing. I want Jesus to consume from the inside out so you can’t tell where I end and He begins.
A few of my favorite lines from this song:
“Everlasting, YOUR light will shine with all else fades.”
PLEASE Jesus let Krista fade and your light shine bright!
“Your will above all else, my purpose remains. The art of losing myself, in bringing you praise.”
I firmly believe that Jesus uses us “little” people so much because through us, his light can shine even brighter! Jesus, your will above ALL else! May I bow down in humbleness so you can be exalted even higher Jesus.
Discussion:
Why do you write? What is your purpose? What is God teaching YOU through your writing?
Hi Krista,
Great thoughts for bright and early!! It’s always easy to lose perspective on why we’re really writing! There’s a new song on the radio that has a line I just love: I don’t want to gain the whole world but lose my soul. In other words, I get caught up in all of the first four reasons for writing, but I need to remember what really matters for eternity, bringing Him glory.
Thanks for some great thoughts to start the day!
Thanks, Jody! It IS easy to lose perspective, and I’ll be the first to admit that it’s easy to do and I do it often.
But, I’m a work in progress, what can I say!
How about them contest finalist results that haven’t been announced yet? Have you gotten a call yet?
I have not. Still clutching my phone…
As I talk to more writers, I think writing is cathartic for us. (Don’t you love THAT word!) We paint our characters as we do because there’s a part of us in them which either was, is or wants to be what they are. Is that too obvious?
I can only write a sketchy outline, because until I get inside my characters I don’t know exactly what they’re going to do.
Anne, so true! I put myself in my characters a lot! Granted, just sprinkle little things here and there.
I have very LITTLE of an outline when I start writing. When I really get into my story, I start learning so much about them.
Great thoughts!! Thanks for visiting!!