Is Writing a Chore?

Writing each one of these posts always ends up taking quite a bit longer than I expect. Initially, I saw that time as sort of a chore; something that, despite wanting to get it done, still felt like a big homework assignment. Perhaps the reason for that was partly human nature; I want the content to be not just good, but exceptional. Instead, that philosophy of perfectionism was holding me back from writing freely. Once I realized that, I forced myself to push through and continue to write something, anything really, and consistently. I now see this as an exercise, not of physical ability, but of writing and thinking ability.

My goal was to begin anew, to experiment with language and communication, learn more about my own style and habits, and ultimately, become a better communicator. In pursuing this goal, I realized that it is more valuable to forgo perfection in favor of just getting some thoughts on the page.

What greater pain is there but for the wonderous thoughts that so wander about to flutter into oblivion the very moment they are conjured.

How Writing Encourages Creativity

Once the thoughts are captured from the ether, the purpose of writing shifts. It becomes to develop those thoughts, to consider alternative viewpoints, and to engage in community discussion. Therefore, writing serves two purposes: (1) capturing the thoughts, and (2) forging them into something more than just scribbles on a page or bits in memory.

As I’ve done more and more of this, it has become easier and easier to continue to write; and that’s not necessarily because I’ve become better. Rather my perspective has shifted: I allow my thoughts to develop as I write.

It took me a long time to understand that writing could be a practical step rather than simply an artistic or journalistic one. Take it from George Saunders: You are a plumber when you write. A handyman. Writing is a matter of sketching and building and arranging and fixing what is in your brain.

Drew Magary

Writing here is now an outlet that allows me to deeply consider the viewpoints of others. It continues to make me cognizant of the world around me; aware that a solitary perch no longer adds value to society, nor builds better character.

Deeper engagement with the community is therefore invaluable. Often, I may think of something, but when I sit down to catch those fleeting moments of thought, and release them onto the page, I realize that the other viewpoints may qualify the original argument. That process ensures that they are embedded in the context of the surrounding society and culture. The purpose changes once more, from capturing those fleeting moments of thought, to further developing them, and finally, to refining them in the foundry of discussion.

Dossier

“How to Write 10,000 Words a Week,” by Drew Magary, January 24, 2020. https://forge.medium.com/how-to-write-10-000-words-a-week-a7c63d97ea79