Why We Write

By Theresa Oliver

As we hustle and bustle about looking for just the right gift for any occasion, let’s not forget why we writers do what we do. Why do we write? Some write for fame and riches. But let’s not forget for whom we are writing.

Several months ago, I was in a dollar store when I overheard a young girl talking to her mother in front of the book section. She told her that she was disappointed that there weren’t any young adult books there. Unable to help myself, l told them that I was a published author and that I write young adult and children’s picture books. Knowing that I had a few of my books in the car, I offered to give her a few. When I brought the books in, her eyes lit up and she and her mother thanked me profusely. We exchanged e-mail addresses and we were on their way.

I thought nothing of the incident until a few months later when I received this e-mail:

“I just want to say thank you for the amazing books! These are truly the best books I have ever read! You have a great gift. I am so glad I met you. You really made my Florida experience unforgettable! You and your books have inspired me to read more, always believe in myself, to never give up, and to be brave. So, thank you again. I hope you keep writing and making everyone’s opinion of reading and writing better, as you have for me.”

She signed it “the girl from the dollar store”.

Not long ago, I was at a book signing in Toledo, Ohio, and I had a similar experience. A mother was there and wanted a book to bring back for her eleven-year-old daughter. She bought my book A Horse Named Dog, my first middle grades children’s chapter book.

Shortly after, I received this message: “When I went to the book signing, I picked Jyllian up a kid’s book, wanting her to know that she was on my mind. She told me today on the way to school that it was the best book she has ever read. Hearing her excitement over a book, melts my heart.”

Her mother also told me that her daughter wrote a book report about it and sent me a picture that she drew of A Horse named Dog.

Hearing the excitement of these two girls reminded me of why I write … to bring joy to the lives of our readers and, hopefully, make their lives a little bit better. So in this season of hustle and bustle in the search for just the right gift, let’s not forget that sometimes the best gifts in life are free. The gifts of joy and inspiration are priceless.

So, why do you write? Let’s get back to the reason why and not lose sight of it during our busy lives.

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Theresa Oliver grew up in southern Indiana, across from Louisville, Kentucky, in Clarksville, Indiana. In her childhood, she fell in love with the power of the written word, a love affair that has continued her whole life. She moved to Florida, where she has lived much of her adult life. She attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tennessee, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree, News Editorial sequence. She also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, Early Childhood Education sequence, from Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Georgia. She is currently a writer, a full-time teacher. However, her greatest adventure is as the mother of three beautiful boys. Oliver currently resides in Kissimmee, Florida, with her husband and children.

Writing is Communication

by Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor

Communication is a wonderful thing and with today’s technology it is immediate and free.

 ~Brad Cisco

Over the years I have encountered problems in business due to poor communication or even the lack of it. I find it hard to understand why some businesses fail to communicate their plans, goals or missions to their employees. Lack of communication creates a vacuum which is quickly filled with readily available speculation or gossip.

Emma Thompson as Nanny McPhee

Professional courtesy includes good communication skills. I have always said professional courtesy goes a long way, but the lack of it goes much further and involves many more people. One person fails to communicate and additional work is created which involves many people to resolve the problem created by one.   

Many times our family members fail to get their message across. Oscar Winning actress Emma Thompson, known in recent years for her creation of the Nanny McPhee stories and movies said, “Any problem, big or small, within a family, always seems to start with bad communication. Someone isn't listening.”  Oh yes, listening is a part of communicating. It is the part of communicating we expect from the other party while we think our part is to speak and make ourselves clear. It takes both from each party to be successful. That is why we have a comment and reply button below. We want to hear from you. We do listen.

In recent years we have seen how disastrous things can become without proper communication. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal said, “As everyone in Louisiana knows, there was often no communication or coordination between the state and federal government in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.” What a sad statement about a time when communication was of utmost importance.

Ralph Ellison

On the opposite end of the scale we see communication being productive. American author Ralph Ellison made the statement, “By and large, the critics and readers gave me an affirmed sense of my identity as a writer. You might know this within yourself, but to have it affirmed by others is of utmost importance. Writing is, after all, a form of communication.” Ellison needed the communication from critics and readers to confirm what he felt inside. We too need the affirmation of others.

If you choose not to write a vacuum is created, a vacuum which will be filled by the thoughts and stories of others. As you write practice proper professional courtesy in your craft. Listen as often as you speak. I don’t think I need to remind you of the two ears and one mouth analogy. Poor communication can be disastrous while proper communication can be affirming. Writing is communicating. Stay in touch…