I write and publish my writing for the following reasons:
- To learn what I’m thinking. Once something’s on paper (computer) it’s more real to me.
- To learn how I change. Looking back on old writings tells me what’s changed in my life.
- To push the limits of my skills by exposing them to others.
- To share my thoughts and emotions with others to cause others to write more about their thoughts and emotions.
Am I a professional writer? No. I’ve been paid to write just as I’ve been paid to play guitar and sing but both are avocations.
I began playing guitar and singing at 15 and for a few years as a penniless college student, then as young entrepreneur, I gladly sought payment for gigs. My best paid work was for music played and directed in church settings. At a crucial point of need, I was paid the princely sum of $300/month to be a Catholic Music Director and $100 per wedding and funeral. One music group of mine recorded and sold CDs and I’m still proud to have played a few large audience (cathedral) venues.
Like writing, music both searches and soothes the soul. And I was born with a hot, high-revving engine. As an adolescent, the great poet/songwriters helped form my world view, particularly regarding relationships and politics. Studying and performing church music for 25 years formed me spiritually. I continue to explore new and old songs of both types as I continue to strive for self-realization.
Writing? My Mom was a professional journalist. Her effect on me caused me to privately journal, particularly when I’ve been frustrated or confused. In my early careers in politics and advertising, I was paid to write speeches and ad copy, but in both those cases, writing was secondary to my broader responsibilities as a campaign manager and account executive.
I started writing newsletters in July of 1988 and have shared my thoughts with a list of clients and friends every month since then. I also have been paid to write for trade journals and have published two books – one a brief treatise on my Vistage (peer group) experience and another a brag book about my career in business and non-profits.
Does that make me feel professional? No. For me, Writing and music are just side gigs.
James (Scotty) Reston was a famous journalist in his times (Pentagon Papers) and after 100+ days of his own newspaper not publishing during a strike, he was quoted as saying, “How can I know what I’m thinking if I cannot read what I wrote?”.
Consider writing your thoughts if you don’t already. Consider learning to play a musical instrument or pulling out the one you put away many years ago. Skill level is unimportant.
Our lives are too fleeting to remain up in our head, safe from our own view and others who may care.
Peace.
