INTRODUCTION:
Writing is very beneficial. It’s been my hobby–or therapy–since middle school. Although I’ve had to steer away from it due to college and a teaching career, I’m finally back in a place where I can write.
I am now on the third draft of my first novel, which is named Project Emily for the time being. It has been a long, tiring journey, as Project Emily is well over 8 years old. (I started her years ago and only brought her back out last year.) To keep me from getting bored, or throwing in the towel, I’ve been learning from other writers on YouTube as I work on Emily.
See my writing journey here:
Observing fellow writer-YouTubers talk about their writing journey has been inspiring yet depressing. Inspiring because I get to see someone else’s progress and think to myself, “I can do it too!” Depressing because I’m not writing, instead I’m watching YouTube. Aiyayai!
Which had me thinking about why I enjoy writing in the first place. There are so many benefits to writing.
10 BENEFITS TO WRITING:
- Promotes happiness
- Improves writing and verbal skills
- Improves memory
- Clears one’s mind
- Allows for mindfulness and clarity
- Improves one’s critical thinking skills
- Promotes creativity
- Relieves stress
- Allows for processing to take place
- Therapeutic
I won’t go into detail about these benefits, as they’re very self-explanatory. However, I’ve listed them because these are the reasons I write. And, if I’m being honest, I want to see my works on bookshelves in libraries and bookstores.
WHY ELSE SHOULD YOU WRITE?
Why would I want to see my babies books on shelves at the library and bookstore? Because they can get in the hands of readers. I want readers to become immersed in my worlds, and to take away the themes and messages I have intertwined into my writings.
That, I believe, is the biggest reason we read. We read to solve a problem of our own; We read to see from someone else’s perspective, and to learn through them. (Life is hard; why be us when we can be someone else for a short period of time?!)
Therefore, I write not only because of the benefits, but to help readers overcome their own challenges. Challenges that I, myself, have faced.
If you need ideas on what to write, try some writing prompts here.
CONCLUSION:
There are many benefits to writing, such as: it improves your memory, promotes creativity, and is therapeutic. I have been writing, due to these reasons and more, for a very long time. And I have finally finished the first draft of my novel, Project Emily. I am writing Project Emily not only because I want to publish her, but also because I have themes and messages scattered throughout the novel for readers.
Another reason I write is to help readers learn through my writing–We all read out of curiosity and a deep need to solve a problem. And it’s through reading that we gain our own answers. Therefore, I also write to help readers learn more about themselves.
If you have a story to tell that can help others, start writing it now!