What’s the point? I ask myself this question often. It keeps me focused while I write, and to be honest, while I live. I’m the kind of gal who likes to understand and identify my purpose, my goals and my motivations. Quite simply, I like clarity.
So, what’s the point?
I thought about this the other day when I went for a run. I was listening to Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver, Happy by Pharrell Williams and Brave by Sara Bareilles. These songs made my soul dance in a way that was in rhythm with the rest of my body. I felt a sense of purpose and singular focus. I was committed to the emotion that emanated from the notes in the best possible way. I was present. That’s the point.
That’s what I want as a reader and certainly, what I strive for as a writer. I want my readers to feel connected, to feel moved. I want them to feel present. I want them to FEEL something. Some people write to make you think, to make you reassess your beliefs, to act. I write to make you feel. Emotional connection is at the core of everything I do. So for me, that’s the point.
What’s yours? What do you want as a reader? As a writer? What’s your point?
Next up on my read list: Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy
That song BRAVE always lifts me up, makes me feel like I can take on the world – or at least my draft. I want to have a voice, to connect with my audience – and like you, to make them feel. My favorite books to read are the ones that can make me laugh out loud, cry either with joy or sadness, the ones I want to re-read. Happy writing and reading and song-listening! 🙂
Agreed on all fronts, Debbie. Each one of those songs touches me in a very different, but equally powerful way. That’s what I want when I read and when I write! Happy digging into the words today : )
Thanks for this Elly! It’s a question I forget to ask often enough. It needs to be constantly in front of us, right?
Absolutely, Jean. I keep my What’s the Point? close by when I’m writing so I’m led astray : )