Commentary and Philosophy Non-Fiction posted July 20, 2024 |
A thoughtful; commentary
Why I write
by Jesse James Doty
Recently I read a post on Fanstory by the author, Dawn Munro. The essay made me think. And that is an excellent quality I look for, in anything I choose to read. It encouraged me to think about why I write, and for whom.
There is a burning in my belly asking the hard questions. Am I satisfied with why I write anymore? Am I writing now for the same reasons as when I started to write? Good questions with no easy answers.
I started to write poetry when I was thirteen years old. In a manner of speaking, I haven’t stopped yet.
Last night, I got a call that awakened me to why I write.
At the beginning of my time on Fanstory, I posted some of my poems on the issue of homelessness how they feel, and what we can do to help them. At the time I was getting published weekly in a local newspaper called The Humboldt Edge.
Being published there, let me know I made a difference.
Yesterday evening, that same group that now calls themselves AHHA, which stands for Affordable Housing Homeless Alternatives, asked me to read my poetry to celebrate their ten year existence as a local advocacy group for the homeless and their allies.
Wow, what a wonderful feeling. To be asked to read my poetry from back in the years 2015 to 2019 is a thrill.
I then reflected on my early time on Fanstory, and how this same poetry was received. So many folks were less than impressed by my advocacy for the homeless. After a few unsavory reviews, I chose to write for Fanstory what they seemed to want to read instead.
Lately, I feel that most people on this site just want to know how I am doing rather than read what is meaningful to me.
Well, that is not the main reason why I write.
I write to make a difference, not to impress other writers. If no one wants to read what is important to me on this site, then why do I do it here?
Please, do some soul-searching and ask yourselves this important question.
Why do you write?
Think about it and share your thoughts.
You might be surprised what your answer will be.
Recognized |
© Copyright 2025. Jesse James Doty All rights reserved.
Jesse James Doty has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.