Do We Write for the Reader, or Ourselves?

As a newly inducted contributor of Associated Content, I was filled with a wonderful sense of excitement as I began submitting my poetry and it was published. What a rush! I am a writer, I thought, as my mind was reeling; grasping and searching for catchy topics, vast thoughts of what to write about, came flooding in.

Unlike my sister, also a contributor on AC, who so eloquently writes beautiful articles of her experiences; a master of her art; poetry in its raw form, comes easiest for me.

As I mulled it over and over, I began asking myself the question; Why was I writing? Was it a need to share myself, my thoughts and experiences with others? Was it in some way a deep seeded desire to be immortalized on paper; or was I merely an entertainer seeking to produce content that would please people?

The harder I tried to analyze the reason, the more apparent to me it became, that there was no one reason. I believe that some where in the dark recesses of our own minds, that inner person appears; each with different needs, desires and goals. Was it unrealistic to search for an answer? Was it even possible to truly pinpoint why we do it? Every one of us is driven by a unique force; our own passion.

So I settled for just writing about writing. For me personally, I would say it's a combination of things; a life that I feel is worthy of sharing, experiences that I can express in hopes of connecting with someone who shares similar interests, or experiences. To develop a kinship, reaching out and being able to touch another person's life, in a meaningful way.

Our experiences, not always positive, can leave within us a deep sense of isolation and provoke unspoken shame; believing we are the only ones who have ever dealt with issues of eating disorders, depression, molestation, and abuse. Then when we experience something profound, something terrific, that dark cloud of loneliness hovers, when you have no one to reach out to and share in your accomplishments.

Through forums such as Associated Content, we can open up and share our experiences and feelings with others, closing that isolation gap, reaching out to touch another human being with our words. Anxious and hopeful we can safely share our lives, free from ridicule and judgment, with others who might relate or gain comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in our experiences.