My Greatest Passion

Many people think that writing is as simple as putting words on paper or on a screen. They think, "all I have to do is think of some words, and write them down." But to a true writer, to a true author, it's so much more than that.

Even here on dA, many people seem to pass by literature deviations as if they're not worth the time. They don't feel like taking a few minutes to read the stories, poems, and fan-fictions, for some reason. Do they not think it's really art? Do they think that written works shouldn't be on an art site, and therefore they needn't waste their time on them? Or is it just laziness? Possibly, all of the above. Or none.

But regardless of what anyone else thinks, I know how I feel, and surely, how many other true writers feel. The things we write and post here, or anywhere, really, are like our children. They mean everything to us, because we created them with love and devotion, and tried our best to make them the best they can be. All we want is for them to be recognized and appreciated. Just like any other artist, we put our heart and soul into our work, and we just want it to be recognized. We want to know that what we put so much of ourselves and our time into is worth someone's attention.

But often, even when people read our work, they just pass by, not bothering to give any feedback. Yet other works get copious amounts of attention and praise (or derision) without a second thought. I must admit, that hurts. We put ourselves out there, just like everyone else. We release our pride and joy into the world, thereby subjecting it to judgement and criticism. That takes courage even for the most confident of people, regardless of what it is they're sharing with the world. But what do we molders of the written word get for our courage and effort? Not much, it seems.

Yet knowing this, we continue putting ourselves and our beloved works out there for all to see, hoping that at least a few people will take the time to give our material its due. Just a little feedback, a little constructive criticism, is all we ask.
But it's not only about knowing what others think. I can't speak for everyone, but I know that for me, writing is something I need. It means everything to me. It's not a hobby. It's not a project.

It's a passion. It's my world. It's what keeps my spirit up and keeps my hopes strong. It feeds my dreams and lifts me up, whether I'm down or not. I write to escape; I do it to get away from my troubles, my fears, and all things that make me feel less than I am or want to be. By putting my feelings and thoughts into words, I release my inner demons so as to prevent them from weighing me down. Writing allows me to strengthen myself and find peace. I only post my work because I feel that others should have the privilege of seeing it and knowing that they are not alone. They deserve to see what I've written and enjoy it, and to know that someone else feels the way they do.

My point is that while yes, I do crave opinions and recognition, my primary reason for writing is to make myself better in one way or another. I write to share my world with others, so that they can find peace and happiness in the words. But most of all, I do it because it's a huge part of who I am. It's always been something I needed and loved, and as far as I'm concerned, that is one thing that even life's changes will never touch.

I am more than a writer. I am a person who sees beyond the words to the heart and soul of the piece, and of the person who wrote them. I am me, and I use my words to feed the world.