Write What You Love

Steve Yates posted on his personal blog about the saying "write what you know," and how we know more than we think we do.

I'd like to add here that we also need to write what we love.

I think sometimes people get into writing to make a name for themselves or for the money (hey, some types of writing pay well after all). Some people write novels they think will sell well because they're the subject du jour (think YA vampire novels or MG wizard novels). Some write to please others (memoirs to leave for their children) and some people write to get their frustrations out (angst poetry).

There is no terrible reason for people choosing to write. Expressing thoughts and ideas through artistic media deserves accolade. Especially when it is done so well we don't even notice the message being delivered, its subtlety like dew on a rose.

But I think, too, it's important to write we what enjoy writing, even if it will never be seen by anyone's eyes but our own. Even if the subject matter is "overdone" or "badly done." Like watching television or reading a book, it's an enjoyable escape. A privilege, really. Because when we have a moment of time to ourselves, why should we waste it on just anything? Why not write what we love and see where it takes us?