There is no “Y” in writing you might say. It’s spelled W-R-I-T-I-N-G.
But the “Y” in the alphabet is not what I’m really talking about. I’m really talking about the “why,” W-H-Y, in writing.
The reason that I’m bringing it up is because I think it might be part of what makes me a writer.
My husband and I were talking about a recent news event. He heard the news and was completely satisfied with the news reporter’s summary of the events. For me, however, the news report wasn’t enough.
I had all kinds of questions about the event. Questions like:
- WHY did it happen?
- WHY did the people involved react the way that they did?
- WHY doesn’t someone do something about it?
Unlike my husband, I wasn’t really going to be satisfied with the news report until all of these questions were answered.
I’ve been this way ever since I can remember. I was blessed to have parents who looked at my many questions as a sign of intelligence and not as a nuisance.
I think my constant questions and need to understand might actually be part of why I am a writer. My husband, who lacks the “WHY” characteristic, has specialized knowledge in many areas. I’ve often encouraged him to blog about those areas, but he has absolutely no interest in writing. I think his lack of interest is due to the missing “WHY” factor.
I know that I’ve discussed what makes a writer on this blog before, but I’m curious about the “WHY” factor.
Since a lot of my readers are also writers, let me ask you about it. Do you have the “WHY” factor and if so, does it help or drive your writing? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
16 responses so far ↓
1 Martin121 // Aug 7, 2007 at
I like writing because nothing gives me better kicks than reading some text I have worked on for a while.
2 Scot Herrick // Aug 7, 2007 at
The writing piece does a few things for me: I can get into flow, I have a bit more control over what I write, and there is a satisfaction from starting something and finishing something. All of these are unusual in the normal corporate life.
But, there is a WHY factor involved: mine is wanting to share knowledge to help other people. Consequently, I tend to write about subjects that have a lot of meaning to me and also help others. That’s the ticket for the WHY.
3 Laura // Aug 7, 2007 at
Hi Martin and Scot!
Martin, I agree that there is a sense of completion when you finish a piece of writing.
Scot, I fully agree with wanting to help others. That’s part of my motivation too.
4 Jeanne Dininni // Aug 8, 2007 at
Laura,
I think the WHY factor is definitely a part of what makes a writer. It’s that innate curiosity that spurs the writer on to seek new realities and new connections, and to find fresh, new ways of expressing them.
And being able to help others while doing so makes the entire process even more rewarding!
Jeanne
5 Robert Hruzek // Aug 8, 2007 at
Actually, I must confess I was like your husband for the longest time. Every now and then, however, Mrs. MZM would ask me a “why” question that seemed to cause no end of contemplation. Quite irritating!
But then… then I started blogging and suddenly realized – I want to know “why”, too! Now I’m doing it all the time, and can’t stop. But then, I don’t want to anymore…
You’re right – curiosity is a hallmark of a good writer – not to mention an interesting person!
6 Laura // Aug 8, 2007 at
Hi Jeanne and Robert!
Jeanne, you are definitely right about helping others.
Robert, it’s really interesting that you “converted” to becoming a “why” person. (Maybe there’s hope for my husband yet …)
7 Robert Hruzek // Aug 8, 2007 at
Actually, it more like a “coming out” party. It was always there, just bubbling below the surface…
8 Joanne // Aug 8, 2007 at
I’m not a writer yet but learning to become one, I know the raod is long for me since English is not my native language, I do write in Chinese language too. The ‘Y’ that I always have in mind when I’m writing something is am I just write for writing purpose? or am I really have something to say or like to express something? I think this is a good starting point for me? 🙂
Thanks,
Joanne
http://www.imhappyfish.com/blog
9 Nikki // Aug 8, 2007 at
Oh yes… I have the “Y” factor. My hubby likes to call it being nosey but I disagree. I have this urge to always want to know more. I think that is what makes me a bit of a bad writer though too because I will research something to death never being satisfied with what I have already found.
10 Laura // Aug 8, 2007 at
Hi Joanne and Nikki!
Joanne, I’d say don’t give up if English isn’t your first language. There are a lot of bloggers who have overcome that.
Nikki, It’s interesting that you think the “Y” factor makes you a bad writer. I always think of it as an asset.
11 karen // Aug 11, 2007 at
hi laura, i was just lurking when i read this post… your hubby is so much like my hubby! he is not so much into details too! we always joked about the fact that he will be the worst journalist (his dream job) ever!
nice site! very informative!
12 Vivienne Quek // Aug 11, 2007 at
If there is no “whys”, there is no soul in the writing or the content. When I read Greg Watson’s article “The DNA of Entrepreneur”, it made me asked so many questions and that’s why I tagged you on offer your take on the entrepreneurship issue. We got to keep learning no matter how old we are. We can only do that if we keep on asking why why why
13 Laura // Aug 11, 2007 at
Hi Karen and Vivienne!
Karen, I am not sure exactly why some people don’t want to have the questions (but of course I’d like to know why 🙂 ). Are you serious about your hubby wanting to be a journalist? I can’t imagine a journalist who doesn’t ask questions. I guess it could happen.
Hi Vivienne! I had trouble getting into your site today. I’ll try again later. I know I’m tagged (if this the same tagging that I’m thinking of), I will get to it. I just can’t seem to get out from under work deadline — do you know what I mean?
14 Vivienne Quek // Aug 14, 2007 at
Yes, it’s the same. You might also like to know that 4 other bloggers had shared their takes. The links are there at my blog. Looking forward to learn from your experience.
15 Laura // Aug 14, 2007 at
Hi Yvonne and Vivienne!
Yvonne, I think the application to travel writing is very true.
Vivienne, the post is still on my list. I’m sorry it’s taking so long for me to get to it. I appreciate your patience. 🙂
16 Dana // Aug 16, 2007 at
I couldn’t agree more! And it is one of the reasons I like blogging. When something attracts my interest, it usually gives rise to more questions than answers. And it is generally a good blogger who tracks down links to the studies cited, or updates the post long after the newspapers have stopped reporting.