Is the process of writing an activity or an obligation?

[Ghada TG]

The process of writing is usually perceived as an artistic activity driven by muse and creativity, yet once an artist embarks on the writing journey it becomes more and more necessary for one to write rather than a luxury dependent on the mere enjoyment of the soul.

[violet-trey19]

Its an interesting work and this writing work needs responsibility

[Vickyoreo86]

I understand what you mean. I think we all start out as a hobby, the passion grows and we enjoy the creativity. Writing is beautiful! But, especially for those who go on to be very successful, does writing then perhaps become a bit of a chore? If you are self-published and popular I think it must then be harder to take extended breaks from writing because you need to rely on yourself for promotions and holding on to your fanbase in a sea of millions of writers and books. Those who get officially published, while they have a little more help with promotions, are also contracted to a certain amount of books a year or whatever (At least this is what I have read on). Which would make it hard to just write as a luxury whenever you want. It then has deadlines to make.

[raikyuu]

I understand what you mean. I think we all start out as a hobby, the passion grows and we enjoy the creativity. Writing is beautiful! But, especially for those who go on to be very successful, does writing then perhaps become a bit of a chore? If you are self-published and popular I think it must then be harder to take extended breaks from writing because you need to rely on yourself for promotions and holding on to your fanbase in a sea of millions of writers and books. Those who get officially published, while they have a little more help with promotions, are also contracted to a certain amount of books a year or whatever (At least this is what I have read on). Which would make it hard to just write as a luxury whenever you want. It then has deadlines to make.

I haven't experienced being successful by writing. Writers have different advice as to writing.
For starters, no writer could ever write something good if they haven't tried writing in the first place. "Write when the inspiration strikes" is a myth in this case. In my case, my thoughts continually flow whether I write or not; my writing makes my thoughts organized. This is similar to Hannah Arendt's writing (based on an interview with her).

[Vickyoreo86]

That's very true.. I've always been drawn to writing and constantly have a million thoughts whipping around my mind so the act of writing it down, make lists and organizing is calming. I rarely leave the house without a small notepad and pen because I have no clue where I will be when something pops in my head. I think it's hard for writers to give other writers solid advice, it's more of 'this felt right for me' sort of thing. It's important to be yourself. But ultimately writing is hard work... Hard work that we 90% enjoy but none the less it can be mentally straining, especially with self doubt. Career authors have it down to an art a balance of luxury and fun along with hard work and dedication and plain old putting effort is as you would do at any place of work you choose

[raikyuu]

That's very true.. I've always been drawn to writing and constantly have a million thoughts whipping around my mind so the act of writing it down, make lists and organizing is calming. I rarely leave the house without a small notepad and pen because I have no clue where I will be when something pops in my head. I think it's hard for writers to give other writers solid advice, it's more of 'this felt right for me' sort of thing. It's important to be yourself. But ultimately writing is hard work... Hard work that we 90% enjoy but none the less it can be mentally straining, especially with self doubt. Career authors have it down to an art a balance of luxury and fun along with hard work and dedication and plain old putting effort is as you would do at any place of work you choose

I agree. You clearly put my thoughts into words. I also bring a small notepad and pen just the same. Writing is indeed hard work, but it can be fun at times. My usual problem is to finish my own writing, whether I enjoy it or not. I kind of wish to be a career author, but I have too much in my mind right now. I guess what I can do is to at least finish my writings.

[violet-trey19]

Writing is an interesting job.It needs dedication and responsibility.

[kiamartina]

Yes writing may be a hobby or a favorite passtime activity. ...but I believe a writer is obligated to express his or her thoughts especially if they are bound to inspire or encourage or even rebuke someone. ...
Keeping one's ideas and thoughts to oneself is like watching the world burn with a fire extinguisher in hand.

[raikyuu]

Yes writing may be a hobby or a favorite passtime activity. ...but I believe a writer is obligated to express his or her thoughts especially if they are bound to inspire or encourage or even rebuke someone. ...
Keeping one's ideas and thoughts to oneself is like watching the world burn with a fire extinguisher in hand.

I tend to disagree that a writer is "obligated," as if he/she is required by law to write. Writing surely is a respectable profession, but writers are not slaves to their work.

Of course, I'm not saying that only certain people should write, but recognize that all of us have our own feeedom to write. We can write anytime we want. The only time we're required to write is if we require food on the table.

[Gifty Naa Akushia]

I think it's an activity but once you take it as a full time job then it becomes an obligation.

[Colleen0701]

Norah Jones says writing must become a habit. She's entirely correct. Even if you write rubbish, you're still writing. But walk away and you've broken the habit...

[eelavahs-jay]

I think it's a little of bit of both and that all boils down to the writer. I believe writing should never be an obligation to anyone but the writer him or herself.