Why
do You Write?
hen a distinguished acquaintance of mine found out I was
writing a novel, he offered the assistance of his wife who’s an English
instructor. She was excited to learn about the project and was accepting when
asked if she’d be interested in reading the manuscript to assist in its
improvement. Enthusiastic at first, her demeanor changed. She explained that
she had accepted similar offers from others in the past, but the people became
upset after their work was critiqued and suggestions were offered. She didn’t
want to go through the same thing with me. I explained that my intent was to
make what I had better, not receive praise. With that understanding, she gladly
accepted the offer. Unfortunately, her pressing class-load and my self-imposed
deadlines for completing the editing didn’t mesh and I had to find someone
else.
That conversation with this instructor has stayed with me.
Obviously the people she spoke of weren’t really serious about improving their
writing skills. So why did they ask for her advice? If you want to feel good
about something you’ve done, you don’t necessarily need outside approval. And
if you’re looking for a specific answer you’re not sure you’ll receive, maybe
you shouldn’t ask the question in the first place. If you want honest praise
from others, just like trust or respect, that distinction is earned and not
given. Some people still don’t get that simple concept.
We, as working people, recognize and appreciate the hard
work of others, even if it’s in an area outside our own interests. The level of
honest commitment, or dedication we maintain personally, shows in everything we
do. If a person is seriously interested in improving themselves or their
skills, then they’ll do what it takes to become better. Wishful thinking is not
a replacement for honest hard work. If you want to live in that perfect world,
you’ll just have to visit the one between your ears.
- Ranse
Parker
