Why I Write: The Power of the Written Word

On By Dawn MinottIn Prose

Before-word: As I’m spending more time building this blog, I’ve been thinking a lot about writing—the art of writing and the power of the written word. I love to write. And chances are if you’re on this site, you’re a blogger which means you also love to write. Or, you’re here because you love to read. Either way, I hope you enjoy this short piece where I share the reasons why I write and the value I place on the written word. As well as a poem along the same theme, “Writing Is”.

To as far back as I can remember, I wrote what I could not or wished not to vocally express. Words help me unlock what I think and feel subconsciously. And, writing is the process through which I can harmonize and connect my mind (inner thoughts and feelings) with lived experiences.

Writing is a powerful tool—it can create, influence, inform, and communicate. In fact, I’d say it’s arguably the best connector. Writing connects us to each other and it connects stories, experiences and cultures across time and space. When you read the writings of a writer from eons past, for instance, it allows you into her/his mind and into the experiences of that period. In this way writing transcends time.

Writing allows for creative self-expression reflective of the state we’re in. Ideas and experiences change as we grow and what’s once written can be updated with our evolved thoughts, expounding on the past and being influenced by the present.

Because the written word immortalizes thoughts and feelings, as a writer I know I must be authentic. Authenticity requires vulnerability, transparency and truth—first to myself and then to the subject at hand. And writing in this way requires bravery. Bearing all of this in mind when I write, gives my voice a trustworthy platform that I hope readers discern.

When all is said and done though, I write for this one reason: so that my voice does not die within me unexpressed and unheard!

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Maya Angelou

This motivation led me to publish my first book: “Moments: A Poetic Heart Journey”, and it’s also the drive in building this blog.

Thank you for reading!

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In creative solidarity, Dee

62 thoughts on “Why I Write: The Power of the Written Word”

  1. Beautifully written, Dawn! Your words perfectly capture the essence and power of writing. Your commitment to authenticity and the courage it takes to share one’s inner voice with the world is inspiring. Reminding us that our stories deserve to be told—and that through the written word, we connect not just with each other but with generations past and future. Simply beautiful.

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  3. Pingback: Writing Is ©Dawn Minott |a Quatrain-Senryu – Poems & More

  6. Writing is special to me too. I love how you have captured many of the reasons why a person has the urge to write. I started to write after I had a stroke (2012) and realised that I couldn’t put it off “until I had the time” because my time will, at some point run out. I went to a creative writing workshop in Jan 2013 and that’s where it began. Recently I have been thinking I’d like to write more about my Faith . It’s not easy as it’s the most real me, so I don’t quite know how that’ll go. I do keep a journal which goes deeper but even that is controlled in case anyone should happen on it. Anyway, I’ll carry on thrashing it out with The Lord for now. Blessings dear one. x

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    1. Hello Marian. So wonderful to read from you. It took a couple days to reply. I was bombarded with work and wanted to have enough time to respond in kind to your thoughtful response to my post. So now is the time 😉

      I too went through the struggle (at least it was for me) of being unsure if i should put myself out there and i knew I must if I’m to write authentically. In fact I used a pseudonym/derivative of my name (Dee Min) on this blog up to about a month ago. Oct 3 will be 2 yrs of this blog and it took me almost that time to associate my full name with the site. I use my “Shabbat Shalom” posts to feed in the spiritual but as a Christian I think the spiritual comes through in everything I write, or at least I hope so. As you continue on your journey with God I know you’ll find the right time and right way to share what’s laid on your heart.

      Happy to know you found your writing voice after what must have been a life altering experience (stroke) for you.

      I look forward to reading from your site.

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    1. Such a perfect analogy — writing/knitting. Yea that is exactly the place I’m in when I’m writing— hours will pass by and I was oblivious to all around me when I’m in the writing zen mode. It’s bliss, really. Glad to connect with a fellow logophile. Thanks for stopping by Narayan.

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        1. Wonderful to know this. There are times others capture my thoughts in ways I didn’t/couldn’t so I totally I understand.

          Looking forward to connecting with your thoughts in this space as well Narayan.

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  15. Beautifully written. I couldn’t agree more about how how writing is a great way to keep us connected and how it connects stories, experiences and cultures. Congrats on publishing your first book, that’s quite an accomplishment. Take care. Linda

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    1. Thanks Linda – yes indeed I felt it was a huge accomplishment to publish. I hope to do it again–maybe based on a compilation of all these blog posts. Wishing you a lovely weekend ahead. cheers, Dee

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  16. I loved reading about your writing journey, Dee.
    I’ve always journaled to get ‘stuff off my chest,’ as the saying goes. Better out than in, right?
    I decided to learn writing for publication back in 2003. I used to write a lot more than I do now, even had a monthly gardening column published locally for 12 years. Then I started my blog and wrote quite a bit in the beginning. Life gave me a few challenges, and I starting posting more photos and less writing and that is where it presently sits!

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    1. Yeah I agree with you Eliza — better out than in. And that’s why I write. I love your blog – I think your flowers speak for themselves. You need very little words with those beauties. I can see a coffee-table style book of just your flowers ….

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  17. Wonderful post! Congratulations on publishing your book!💫 I started blogging for the first time six months ago for my 61st birthday. I am a recovering social media avoider and launching my blog publicly was terrifying. But I find writing healing, and it has helped me grow a bolder voice. I’ve especially loved discovering other writers here. Thank you..❤

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      1. Önyema's avatar d3vy3n

        Oh that’s awesome, and yeah it’s my first time blogging. I figured, you’re not that bad either. You’re creative and I really love your write ups.

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