Writing and Self-examination

Good writing requires self-examination. Why is one writing? What part of the writer will be shared with readers? Will it be only information or will it include the essence of the writer? This, then determines what will be written: poetry, essays, articles, short stories, novels, or any other genre of writing.

A writer's work must share part of his or her being, or it is merely reporting. And when the soul or spirit of the writer is included, it requires a depth of self-examination; it requires searching the psyche for what is important and even relevant to the writer and thus, to the reader. This is egoism, not egotism; the first is self-assurance, the second is vainglory.

Athough writing for financial gain is important, it should never be the sole reason for writing, as that will not bring out the best in the writer. Passion of expression, a need to communicate, a desire to share a part of the person-ideas, feelings, passions-and love are the bases for exemplary and ageless writing.

Writing must fulfill a heartfelt need for self-expression, ego fulfillment, or a therapeutic necessity, and last, but not least, financial reward and fame.

If writing does not foster this self-examination, it is nothing more than a skill to use words, to use language, and to use writing to manipulate and not to satisfy the reader.

Charles O. Goulet has a BA in history and a BEd in English literature. He has written several historical novels that are available at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, and many other bookstores.

Charles O. Goulet
RR 1
Evansburg, AB
T0E 0T0
go1c@telusplanet.net

---

How To Write Thank You Letters With Class

When I first started tracking the information preferences of people... Read More

Have You Settled On First Choice When Choosing A Title?

Short Story Writing Tips -We've established what a title should... Read More

Writing is a Discipline

If a writer considers writing to be a task, he/she... Read More

Local Knowledge: Background and Historical Setting in Novels

You're writing a story set in your local city, but... Read More

Four Easy Ways to Get a Book Written (Especially If You Dont Like to Write)

Becoming an author is probably a lot easier than you... Read More

Writing For The Web: Where To Get Article Ideas

A friend and I were talking the other day about... Read More

Be A Savvy Writer: Go Where The Business Is

If you're a writer, you're in business. It doesn't matter... Read More

Print-On-Demand: A Definition and a Comparison

The purpose of this article is to consider Print-On-Demand publishing... Read More

You Cant Always Believe What You See On Your Computer Screen

You may not remember this, but in the early days... Read More

Writing the PDA Way

When we think of writing it triggers many thoughts and... Read More

Making Better Word Choices ? 4 Examples

Choosing the wrong words can have a poor effect on... Read More

7 Book Publicity Tips for Authors and Small Publishers

The biggest mistake authors make when trying to get free... Read More

The Cost of Being a Writer

You are the only one who knows what being a... Read More

Strategies For Finding Topics To Write About

What possibly could I have to write about? I never... Read More

Do You Know What A Plot Is?

Creative Writing Tips ?What a plot is and what a... Read More

Getting To Know Your Characters

Interesting characters that readers care about are the most important... Read More

Slow Pokes: Short Story On The Changing World Of Writing

"No one will ever know who I am, I'm a... Read More

10 Tips on How to Cultivate Relationships with Editors

If you are an aspiring writer, or you simply want... Read More

Sense of Place

What is Sense of Place? It's the image of a... Read More

7 Writing Muse Kickers to Fill Up That Blank Page

Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to... Read More

Writer?s Web Resources

The Internet has truly revolutionized the careers of writers worldwide.... Read More

Top Ten Great Headline Ideas

What Makes a Great Headline?Headlines are far more important than... Read More

How To Write A Newsletter

In order to be successful with a newsletter, specialize in... Read More

Is Someone Plagiarizing Your Work?

About two weeks ago I received an article submissionthat immediately... Read More

How To Become a Freelance Grant Writer

What is a freelance grant writer? These individuals have a... Read More

Alternative View Points and the Lamp of Creativity

Pictures they say are worth a thousand words, but many... Read More

Does The Title Reflect The Story?

Short Story Writing Tips ?We all have different tastes in... Read More

8 Great Journaling Tips

Mix a martini, don't forget the olives, or pour yourself... Read More

Be Your Own Literary Agent and Get Published

So you're one of 20 million Americans who want to... Read More

Nonfiction Idea Generators

The hardest part of nonfiction writing is finding a subject... Read More

Beginnings

Just about everyone is familiar with this beginning: "In the... Read More

Is Your Title Compelling?

Short Story Writing Tips:Your title is your selling tool. It's... Read More

Letter Writing Journaling

When you read a letter from someone, we are immediately... Read More