You must have heard it a lot: write what you love. While it may sound cliché, knowing reasons behind this mantra reveals a profound connection between passion and creativity. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned wordsmith, here are 7 reasons why you should follow your passions in your writing than the trends:
1. Authenticity Resonates
When you write about something you genuinely love, your authenticity shines through your words. Readers can sense sincerity, and this connection fosters a more profound impact.
Authenticity in writing is a timeless quality that elevates a piece of work from mere words on a page to a genuine, relatable experience. This concept, often championed by famous authors, emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in the creative process.
Ernest Hemingway once said, "Write hard and clear about what hurts." This advice underscores the idea that authenticity often involves delving into personal experiences, emotions, and vulnerabilities. Hemingway believed that the power of writing lay in its ability to capture the rawness of human existence.
Write hard and clear about what hurts
Similarly, Maya Angelou encouraged writers to "write from the marrow of your bones." For Angelou, authenticity was about drawing inspiration from one's own life and allowing the essence of personal truths to permeate the narrative. This approach not only adds depth to the writing but also resonates profoundly with readers.
Write from the marrow of your bones.
In the contemporary literary landscape, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emphasizes the importance of writing without the burden of cultural expectations. Adichie encourages writers to be unapologetically true to themselves, saying, "Your writing will be a record of your time." This assertion underscores the idea that authentic writing captures the spirit of a specific moment, making it a genuine reflection of the author's perspective.
J.K. Rowling advocates for embracing imperfections in one's writing. She notes, "The stories we love best do live in us forever. So whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." Rowling's emphasis on genuine storytelling, even with its flaws, illustrates how authenticity creates lasting connections between the author and the audience.
So,, in short I can say that authenticity in writing is about baring one's soul on the page, sharing the truths that matter most. I have guidebooks on how to write trasngressive fiction (free download), I write blog posts on how to write and develop stories and characters but one advice I can give you is write what you feel like writing, don't censor yourself, don't adjust yourself to fit into the society and trends' box. Be you!
Write what you feel like writing, don't censor yourself, don't adjust yourself to fit into the society and trends' box. Be you!
2. Sustained Motivation
Passion serves as a powerful motivator. Motivation is the engine that propels writers through the often challenging journey of creation. Writing isn't easy. There are many writers out there that don't even earn money spending their times writing days and nights. So why they do it?
In psychology, intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for the sheer joy and satisfaction it brings, rather than for external rewards or pressures. When writers choose topics they are passionate about, they tap into intrinsic motivation, creating a reservoir of enthusiasm that fuels their creative process. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs provides insights into the connection between motivation and creativity. Maslow posited that once basic needs are met, individuals are driven by higher-level needs, including self-actualization. Writing about what you love aligns with the pursuit of self-actualization, as it allows for personal expression, creativity, and the fulfillment of one's potential.
From a neurological standpoint, sustained motivation in writing is linked to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Dopamine, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is associated with pleasure and reward. When writers engage in activities they are passionate about, the brain releases dopamine, creating a positive feedback loop that reinforces the desire to continue writing.
Flow Theory by Csikszentmihalyi is another interesting theory in this regard. Flow is a state of optimal experience where individuals are fully immersed in an activity, feeling energized, focused, and deeply involved. Writing about what you love creates an optimal environment for achieving a state of flow, where the intrinsic rewards of the creative process drive ongoing motivation and a deeply fulfilling writing experience.
3. Quality Over Trends
Trends in literature may come and go, but the timeless essence of passion remains. When you write about what you love, you are more likely to produce work that withstands the test of time. Your commitment to your subject matter transcends fleeting trends, creating a lasting impact on both you and your readers. So, the mantra of "Quality Over Trends" encourages writers to resist the fleeting fads and instead focus on subjects that genuinely resonate with them. By doing so, writers not only create work that stands the test of time but also it'll become a journey of personal and creative fulfillment, leaving a lasting legacy that extends beyond the ephemeral nature of literary trends. And don't forget. Your book may fit into the trends in publication sooner or later.
4. Innovation Sprouts from Passion
Passion sparks creativity and innovation. When you are genuinely invested in your writing, you are more likely to experiment, push boundaries, and explore new perspectives. This willingness to innovate can lead to groundbreaking ideas and unique narrative approaches that set your work apart. How do I know?
Within the framework of innovation theory, the concept that "Innovation Sprouts from Passion" underscores the transformative power of genuine investment in one's creative pursuits. This principle posits that when writers are deeply passionate about their subject matter, the seeds of creativity are sown, leading to a willingness to experiment, push boundaries, and explore novel perspectives. This approach is aligned with innovation theory, which emphasizes the role of passion as a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and unique approaches that set creative work apart.
5. Emotional Resonance
Writing what you love allows you to tap into your emotions authentically. The emotional resonance that emanates from a heartfelt piece becomes a potent force, capable of forging a powerful connection with readers. This connection is grounded in the authenticity of the emotions expressed, be it the exuberance of joy, the poignant exploration of pain, or the infectious energy of excitement.
When writers infuse their work with genuine emotion, the narrative transcends mere words on a page, creating a profound impact that lingers in the hearts of those who experience it. Emotions, as the lifeblood of storytelling, enhance the depth of writing, allowing readers to not only comprehend but also viscerally feel the essence of the narrative. It is through this emotional depth that a writer can weave a narrative tapestry that resonates on a personal level, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's psyche. So, the ability to convey authentic emotions is the cornerstone of impactful writing, fostering a connection that transcends the boundaries of language and resonates across diverse experiences.
Emotions, as the lifeblood of storytelling, enhance the depth of writing.
6. A Personal Journey of Growth
Writing about the subjects that resonate with your heart in your writing is a personal journey of self-discovery and growth. As you write about your passions on the page, you step in a path that leads to the uncovering of new facets of yourself. This exploration becomes a profound means of gaining a deeper understanding of your beliefs, values, and perspectives. The act of translating your passions into words becomes a mirror reflecting the intricacies of your identity, revealing layers of thought and emotion that may have remained dormant.
7. Writing Becomes a Joyful Experience
Writing is a form of torture. If you don't believe me here's 7 reasons why writing is a form of torture:
Self-Imposed Pressure: Many writers set high expectations for themselves, aiming for perfection in their work. This self-imposed pressure can lead to stress and a sense of inadequacy, making the writing process feel burdensome.
Fear of Judgment: Writers often invest a part of themselves in their work, and the fear of criticism or judgment can be paralyzing. The vulnerability that comes with putting personal thoughts and emotions on paper can make the process feel emotionally challenging.
Creative Blocks: Writers sometimes experience periods of creative blocks, where ideas seem elusive, and the flow of words becomes stagnant. This can be frustrating and lead to a sense of being "stuck" in the writing process.
Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in every sentence or paragraph can be a hindrance. Perfectionism can slow down the writing process and create a constant sense of dissatisfaction with one's work.
Deadline Pressure: For professional writers or those working on specific projects, deadlines can add significant stress. The pressure to deliver quality work within a limited time frame can make writing feel like a challenging task.
Editing and Revising Struggles: The revising and editing phase can be labor-intensive. Some writers find the process of refining and polishing their work to be mentally exhausting, especially when faced with the need for substantial revisions.
Overcoming Inner Critic: The inner critic, a voice that questions the value of one's writing or suggests that it's not good enough, can be a significant source of stress. Overcoming this internal negativity requires resilience and self-compassion.
When you write what you love, the process itself becomes a joyful experience and a little bit les painful. It transforms writing from a task into a labor of love. The joy you derive from the act of creation can be infectious, seeping into your work and leaving an indelible mark on your readers.
To conclude I can say that writing what you love is not just a piece of advice; it's a philosophy that celebrates the intrinsic connection between passion and creativity. Whether you're chasing a dream or simply expressing yourself, allowing your heart to guide your pen can lead to a more fulfilling and successful writing journey. So, embrace your passions, and let your love for your craft illuminate your words. Do you agree? Commend what you