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Writing is powerful. Whether it’s a simple haiku or a multi-page exposé, writing can make people look at the world through different eyes. It is a beautiful form of art that takes readers on a journey. It has the power to inspire and create change. In the words of Robin Williams’ “Dead Poets Society” character John Keating, “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
The trending #WhyIWrite hashtag, which generated thousands of tweets as part of the annual National Day on Writing, invited writers to tell their stories. According to the NCTE’s “Why I Write” website, writing is “part of how you work, how you learn, how you remember, and how you communicate. It gives voice to who you are and enables you to give voice to the things that matter to you.” Poets, authors, musicians, journalists, bloggers and more took to Twitter on Friday to share what writing means to them and how words can truly shape the future.
Take a look at some of the best #WhyIWrite tweets below:
Writers Celebrate National Day on Writing with #WhyIWrite
Because the voices in my head scream to be heard. Because it hurts to speak out loud. Because I’m here. #WhyIWrite
— TheBloggess (@TheBloggess) October 20, 2017
#WhyIWrite because people need a voice. Because life is fading and the only way to solidify it by good words and memories. Because I have to
— D.o.D (@D_o_D2017) October 20, 2017
#WhyIWrite
For those who speak no words
So lonely
Their bones are cold
Waiting for voice
In cadence with their own
-I write to be sanctuary— huey the only (@hueyloot) October 20, 2017
#WhyIWrite
For the same reason I read.
To fill my life with words. pic.twitter.com/vvkUC2XpJo— Porpentina (Tina) (@porpentina2017) October 20, 2017
If I don’t,
My thoughts will eat me.#WhyIWrite
— David Hayter (@DavidBHayter) October 20, 2017
Poetry grows like corn in my soul, and I must harvest. #WhyIWrite
— Amanda Butler (@arsamandica) October 20, 2017
I find myself spilling the secrets in my soul I didn’t even know existed. They pour like water and it helps me to heal. #WhyIWrite ✨
— GirlsOfAqua ✨ (@GirlsOfAqua) October 20, 2017
To speak truth to power and inspire/inform my people. I also want to continue the legacy of Ida B. Wells, James Baldwin, and many others who look like me who paved the way so I can the journalist I am today. #whyiwrite
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) October 20, 2017
I love to base characters on people who annoy me and them kill them off in a suitable fashion. #WhyIWrite pic.twitter.com/ssGRazqqOm
— Nolene Dougan (@NoleneDougan) October 20, 2017
I write because our freedom is under attack and I refuse to remain silent. My words are my weapons to fight the forces dividing us and shed light on the only thing that frees us: the TRUTH. #WhyIWrite
— PROUD RESISTER (@ProudResister) October 20, 2017
#WhyIWrite is because the only thing more tiring to pursuing a dream is running from one.
— Jon Acuff (@JonAcuff) October 20, 2017
I write (when I write) because I have no choice, because the words are tumbling through my head begging to be freed, and I can’t do anything but pour them out through my fingers onto the page. I write til it hurts. I write because it hurts. I write for joy. #WhyIWrite
— Waye Ward (@Waye_Ward) October 20, 2017
#WhyIWrite Because stories told in our #ownvoices are important. They matter.
— Beverly Jenkins (@authorMsBev) October 20, 2017
Because when I have a lot on my mind, it all starts to make sense #WhyIWrite
— Kee Oni (@KeSoDope) October 20, 2017
#WhyIWrite
I write to promote #Truth
I write to #Resist
I write to fight #Lies
Fight back. Write the #Truth#ResistanceUnited pic.twitter.com/sttGMBPKvg— Olivia Pope (@OliviaResists) October 20, 2017
#WhyIWrite Because it calls me. Because it’s my therapy. Because it’s a way to tell my story. Because it allows me to clear my messy head.
— mykie stratton (@mykstratt) October 20, 2017
I don’t know #WhyIWrite— it’s like blinking and breathing and laughing and crying- it’s what makes me, me.
— Aisha Saeed (@aishacs) October 20, 2017
#WhyIWrite So I don’t forget.
— Jason IsBOO (@JasonIsbell) October 20, 2017
Why do you write? Which #WhyIWrite tweet resonated with you the most? Sound off in the comments section below!
