Why I Write
In the past, we have looked at why we write, collectively, why anyone would take time to put words together on paper. But today I am looking more personally at why I write.
Is it that I own a pen company? Would it be hypocritical for me not to write? Or is the inverse true. Is writing the basic act that propelled me on a journey of loving pen making?
I am a novice writer, who doesn’t always know how to start. But I do know that mysteries in life often can be solved if asking the questions every good writer asks: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
The who is easy, it is obviously me. The person writing this story. It’s you, too, if you decide to take up any writing instrument and just begin.
The What I write can be anything.. Most days, I simply write a morning prayer accompanied with a verse from proverbs. A prayer that grounds my day in faith and gratitude for God and a higher purpose. It’s a habit I've developed over the past three and a half years. It is a habit that gives my mind a reset.
I write recaps, reflections, and memories. This started on my very first trip to Europe when I was 18. I was just beginning to fall in love with travel. I wanted to remember everything. The new places seen, cultures experienced, and of course the food tasted. At the end of each day I would write down everything, even the little quirks about the trip. For me it was about writing down things I knew I would want to reflect on someday. I’ve carried on with this writing habit on trips all around the globe, since long before I started Roots and Jones.
I write plans, goals, and visions. Whenever I have an idea I pull out a legal pad and just start jotting long form sentences, lists and bullet points, and even drawings or doodles. Each page becomes a place for capturing the organized chaos of what is firing in my brain. The process helps keep me focused on my personal or business goals. It allows me to pull back and see the bigger picture.
Occasionally, I will write letters. Something I should admittedly do much more of. There’s a unique power behind every handwritten letter. I don’t often receive them but when I do it almost takes my breath away. Like someone just took time out of their day to hold pen to paper, to tell me something. It's amazing. I write letters mostly to my wife. Occasionally to my mom or grandma. I plan to write one to my dad, thanking him for all he has done. I am still not sure I have the words or the courage for that one just yet. Letters like that one can be the hardest letters to write ... but oftentimes they are the most necessary.
When? I write prayers in the morning. To keep my day in order and to help remain humble as the day goes on. I write plans, goals, and visions in the odd moments when they come to my mind. I write letters when I am in deep thought or when I know that person might need a good word. If it’s a challenge to find time to write a letter, try now.
Where? You can hardly name a place where you cannot jot words on paper. A flash of brilliance can race through your mind in the grocery store, the dog park, they gym, practically anywhere you go. A pocket pen and a field notebook can become best friends. Sure, you have your phone’s app for notes, but what fun is that? For me, writing at my desk is the most practical and I find it the most productive.
How? I make it easy for myself. I have a pen and journal on my desk at all times. I am disciplined to consider that my day does not start until I write. I schedule my day to write. I give myself questions just like the Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, to help generate thoughts. You can create your own prompts as places to start writing.
The Why? Seems to me that the most important question of them all is “Why bother?” For me, it’s to remember. To remember in the morning why God is good and all the things to be thankful for. To remember details about a trip years ago that my mind will forget but the pages will not. To remember the sacrifices my parents made throughout my childhood and beyond to help shape the person I am today. To remember, to recall the story that is my life.
Your story is all right there, too, waiting to transmit through your fingertips and onto the page. Need a nudge? We know lots of people like you who enjoy reflection as much as I do.
If you’re already somewhere along The Writer’s Way, drop us a line or two about your journey with pen and paper. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Roots and Jones
The Writer’s Way
3223 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, NC, 27606
