Writing · 9:45pm Nov 18th, 2012
Why do we write? What motivates us? More specifically, who do we write for?
I've been wondering (and not just because I'm bummed about said writing thing) because I don't really know!
Periodically, I hit a wall where my assumptions are squished like a bug and I have to go back to the basics. It's what I did when I took a complete 180 and went from writing Dark and Adventure and FOE to writing shipping. (Still gonna write shipping, y'all don't fret.) But I had one of those trip-fall-over-skin-my-knees-think-about-life moments and I'm returning to the question again!
See, the last time I took a run at this question, I answered that I wrote for others, hoping that they'd enjoy what I wrote. I wrote to make people happy, or entertain them, or make them think. I started writing shipping at all because I knew people liked it and I liked it, and I figured that people would want to read it. It seemed to make them happy.
Can I continue on with that idea? I don't know! I have to think more.
What do y'all think? And why! I'm curious, and maybe together we can think about it. It's a rather central question for writers, I think--one that still plagues writers of all types.
media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdpcmjUXRp1ryvz4g.gif
515779 pinkie.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/rsz/mlfw8522_huge.png
515781media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdpcl0ZMzQ1ryvz4g.gif
Is that a Rarity avatar I see? You have made me proud.
Now, onto he question at hand. I can't pinpoint the main reason why I write; there are many factors that go into my writing.
I do write for myself first and foremost. I've always enjoyed reading and writing stories—it is my main way of keeping my mind occupied—so I take great joy in it. Mainly, the reason that I always say I write "for myself" is because I just have so much fun writing things. It's entertainment for me.
However, outside forces do push me, though not for popularity. For example, the main reason I wrote Third Time's a Charm is because I wanted to show the world how much fun the RariDash pairing could be. It was a pairing I'd supported for quite awhile, and I wrote it mainly because I just wanted to say: "Hey! Look at what you're missing out on!" NAWWAL fits this mold to a certain extent as well; I wanted to show that you can write a fic in which a main character dying is a focal point of the story, yet avoid most of the emotional pandering, cliches, and what have you. Basically, NAWWAL was me practicing my main philosophy on writing: "Even the oldest cliches can be made fresh and original in the hands of a decent writer."
I just write for the shits and giggles
Anything better than a real job
right?
Damned if I know why I still write. I read for pleasure and to hone my craft, but why I practice the craft I may never know. I suppose it's because I feel as if I must write... perhaps I am merely cursed?
Well, I think that everyone writes for different reasons, you said that you write because you want others to enjoy it while I'm writing Paradise Sundered because I got the idea in my head and felt compelled to write it. The only reason I want you or anybody to preread/edit is because after I'm done I might as well post it and I don't want anyone to have to suffer through an unedited piece of junk.
I've recently gotten another idea that I feel compelled to write, so after I'm done with this I'll have to write ANOTHER one. (BTW for the last 18 years writing has been one of the most distasteful tasks I was required to perform.)
516312 I think it's valid, the whole it wouldn't go away idea. I've done the same! But why do we publish at all? I wonder if that's for us or for others, or some strange melange of both? (Writing was always my favorite. I wrote Star Wars fanfiction when I was a wee little babby)
516124 I've said the same about curses before, though half in jest. There's something to be said perhaps for it being kind of a compulsion.
515866 Is that before or after you revive yourself in a tuxedo? :3
516819
While I don'y know if this really answers the question It's certainly relevant.
[youtube=fGmAekTPD5c]
But I know why I will publish it, I did all this work so I might as well, and if someone else likes it then good, I just made someone's day a little better.
516838 Hm. This is actually a really interesting video! He's well spoken, and to an extent he's basically saying a lot of what has been going through my head. This is a really cool video. I like it. It interests me. :3
So... it is sort of you, but you seem to be kind of doing it for others as well--there does seem to be an impulse to try and make someone out there happy. Perhaps the impetus without the risk of writing for an audience.
516865
Yeah, pretty much. I would defiantly still write it even if I would never post it, but sense I can and someone might like it I will.
You should consider subscribing to the channel. He and his brother do some pretty cool things. John (the one in the video) does a series called Crash Course Biology which just finished and turned into Crash Course Ecology and one called Scishow. His brother Hank does Crash Course World History which just finished and just started up Crash Course English Literature. There is a section of the World History series that inspired my new idea.
516865
Be warned, these videos are like heroin; by the time you realize you're addicted to them, it's too late. Dammit, I love John Green... such an eloquent speaker.
516895 I'm already watching the one on literature and he isn't far off. He's both intelligent and well spoken.
516910 It is far too late.
516910>>516921
DFTBA! /)
516921
I'm just going to leave this here
516931 (\ yesyes
516936 OOOOH my GOOOOOOD
516936
When I saw that video I was like 0_O YES!
And this video at 2:10.
[youtube=u2fmChRfHBA]
In other news, Nerdfighter Bronies are doubly awesome!
516931
(\
516953
Today's news: Local Man Dies From Apparent Ponygasm.
516970
I thought I was over my addiction to these videos...
I thought wrong...
516985
Why would you want to be over it???
I look forward to their various series updates. Updates Y U NO MORE FREQUENT?
516978>>516970 y'all have ruined me I am ruined
517003
He's roont, NOOOOOOO!!!!
517003
But it's a good kind of ruin, yes?
I've been using the Friendship is random destiny generator soooo:
I am Prince Armor the manly dragon destined to overthrow mares.
517008>>517011 I am undone
I have nothing
Let the cuteoclypse come I am ready
517024 You win. All the medals. All of them
you win
winnning
You're basically pony Genghis, destined to be represented in the genes of a quarter of the world's population
517024
I am Flutter Puddinghead, the manly unicorn destined to eat little girls.
517026
You contribute to it with your Raridash. You are dooming us all!!!
In other news, I like this doom.
517040
Now I'm Fluffy Armor the manly manticore destined to party with the princesses.
517033
You must be confusing me with Cloud Kicker. Also I take it that you know what my idea is now.
517056 maybe? :P
517066
You know the part where he's like "Except they did have winged horses." Yeah, that.
517056
Now I'm Shining Tiara, the sparkling brony destined to dance with gems
... as a gay man, this... this is very... huh. Can't think of a proper word at the moment.
517076 I missed that 0_o
517080 That is actually really your destiny.
Is the word you're thinking of: Fitting? Destiny? Already happening? :P
517080
Accurate? Insulting? dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/shrug_Derpy_Hooves.png
517091
I was going to go with fabulous, but those work too
517117 THAT is the word I was looking for.
That is an excellent use of whatever the code things are for color
To get this back on the topic of writing, I'd like it if you'd give the new stuff (approx 950 new words) a looking over. They start to take the story in a new (and inevitable) direction.
517123
I just used that color thingamajig in the comments section.
517124 I will! Let me wander by off to google docs
517142
Need the link?
All of yall are conversing, while I just sit here and drink hot cocoa.
517244 I did that earlier
EXTRA EXTRA marshmellows