Write away...

Why do I write???
An interesting question!!! On the outset, it seems strange and outright absurd. But, when I think about it from a mental plane different from normal human beings, I feel that there is more than a single reason or circumstance for writing anything. By now, you must be having a vague idea about the complex and out of the normal world thoughts that pop up inside this weird head of mine. So, please don't expect this to be a normal study about the various aspects that leads to a written document. This is more of a writer's perspective than of a researcher's perspective.

Let's lay down the various circumstances in a methodical manner

1) Writing under compulsion

This is a strange way to write something. I see writing as a form of expression of one's thoughts. Anything written out of compulsion is devoid of life and imagination. It remains a stale piece of literary work. One good example of writing under compulsion could be the study aid we call homework. I feel that 80% of students see homework as a burden than as a method to improve their academic prowess. The moment a student feels that way, the basic purpose of enhancing the knowledge of students by giving the homework, is lost. He or She will be doing the homework as a way to escape being flogged by the teacher. I think the term "Homework" itself is inappropriate. Home is a place where we reach each day evening to relax, after the hard day's toiling. As per the dictionary, work is a physical or mental effort or activity directed toward the production or accomplishment of something. So, when you think about doing work at home, that itself brings in an element of mental stress. So, I guess the mere thought of homework or compelled writing is stressful and unnecessary.

2) Writing out of necessity

Writing out of necessity is less stressful. This kind of writing is more objective oriented. There is a definite goal associated with this writing genre. One very good example is an examination. An examination is not a compulsive routine. The candidate has the choice to attend it or flunk it. But, there is a definite purpose to writing an exam. Generally, there will be a definite achievement that materialise as the result of an examination. It could be a recognition or promotion. The chances of someone flunking an examination are very less, as it provides him with a recognition which will help him in his academic or professional career. However, this kind of writing lacks the creative element in it. An examination can be successfully tackled by studying the prescribed books and the proper application of the knowledge you have acquired from those books. It has got more to do with intellectual prowess than with the creative imagination.

3) Writing as a way of expression

Writing can be a form of expression too. It could substitute your tongue and the writing medium could be your friend. This is the form of writing we associate to great poets and thinkers and writers. No literary genius writes because he was forced to write or he had to write. It is more or less a natural process, wherein the thoughts get transformed into letters on paper. Again, it is not necessary that the writing has to be logical or perfect. The moment you compare a writer's work with another writer's work, the very essence of originality is lost. I will be writing more about that aspect in another post. So, each writer is unique and comparing his work to any other person's work is not right. You never compare one flower to another, because each one is beautiful in it's own aspect. I feel writing skill is a gift to any human being. I don't claim to be a great writer, but I know I can communicate my thoughts better with a pen than with my tongue. I guess that is what marks a writer from a normal man. Learn to acknowledge a writer even if you cannot respect or appreciate him.

My thoughts, my dreams, I do write
Morning to noon, till late night
I am not sure whether it is all right
But, it fills my heart with light!!!

Love & Peace
AK