This is K.M. Wyland and you are listening to the 556 episode of the Helping Writers Become Authors Podcast. I hope you enjoy this week's episode, Why Everyone Should Write, even if you think you stink. We often hear it said that everyone

wants to write a book. Although we may find a certain amount of comforting in this idea, I think we also sometimes

respond to it with at least a smidge of disdain. After all, the only people who

should really be writing books are those who are good at it, or at least those who are serious about it, right?

But this idea, however vague or unrealized, is problematic for many reasons.

For one thing, I think it is the internalized cause for much of the shame and insecurity that authors, and I dare say other artists, tend to struggle

with so stereotypically. For another, it suggests that creativity and communication are only worthwhile if they attain some arbitrary

and often ever shifting standard of universal quality. And finally, adherence to this idea to whatever degree

also robs the individual and ultimately the world of many other types of potential blessings which extend far

beyond the created work itself. Now I'll be honest even the title of this

podcast Helping Writers Become Authors Now I'll be honest even the title of this podcast helping writers become authors

implicitly suggests that only authors count in contrast to plain old work a day

writers. I suppose this is all fine and well after all at a certain point

most people engaged in any artistic pursuit and especially to the degree that they desire a return from it,

commercial or otherwise, they will find purpose and enjoyment in

understanding and improving their craft. But insofar as this podcast and many others like it

seem to be focused on the serious writer. I think it is important to remember that writing is not merely the domain of those who have

proven themselves quote unquote worthy through exemplary skill and study.

Indeed, I hope everyone does want to write a book.

And I hope everyone writes at least one book or poem or screenplay

or paints a picture, takes a beautiful photo etc.

The active creativity is sacred.

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