Life Lessons for Writers
What Makes a Writer Most Joyful About Writing — Part I
Nothing for a writer can beat the value of this from a psychological point of view, according to Bev.
Bev, a lifelong lover of the written word, crossed paths with me at a writers’ conference in the 1980s. There she stood, inspiring attendees. The banner of her presentation was “What Makes a Writer Most Joyful About Writing.”
Before her session at lunch break, as conversations bubbled among attendees, a skeptical voice rang out, “I bet she’ll be talking about the big bucks.”
A ripple of laughter followed, but my intuition, after reading her enticing biography, whispered that Bev had something more profound up her literary sleeve. Ignoring the skepticism, I chose to join her session.
What unfolded was a serendipitous encounter with wisdom. Bev’s presentation transcended the superficial allure of wealth and delved into the soul of writing, mesmerizing her audience.
Little did I know that this chance rendezvous would blossom into a lifetime mentorship spanning years, with Bev generously imparting the art of reader engagement, motivating me to write for the needs and expectations of my readers.
In this short story, I aim to distill the essence of that impactful conference session, etched into my fond memories. Bev’s insights not only resonated with me but became the guiding force that fuels my writing journey. Delighting readers became my passion and mission.
Insightful Glimpses from Bev’s Presentation
Ever since childhood, Bev immersed herself in written text — stories, essays, and poems — filling pages of her notebook with the whimsy of her imagination.
As an adult, she translated that childhood passion into a diverse array of writings, crafting insightful business essays and books alongside weaving deeply personal narratives.
For Bev, writing was more than just putting pen to paper or fingers to keys; it was a profound means of self-expression, a way to forge connections with kindred spirits, and a therapeutic journey through the labyrinth of her thoughts and emotions. The joy she found in writing was unparalleled.
Yet, inquire about the zenith of that joy, and Bev would recount that it nestled in the unexpected appreciation and recognition she received from her readers.
Those little heartwarming moments — the positive comments, the shares, the glowing reviews — meant the world to her.
They were not just pats on the back; they were affirmations that her words have touched someone, that her writing has resonated.
Reflecting on her writing journey, Bev recalled the first blog post on a bulletin board before the word blog was invented. She hesitated to share — a piece about her struggles with stress and anxiety at work.
Yet, the outpouring of supportive comments from readers who found solace in her words was beyond anything she expected.
It was a revelation for Bev. Writing was a conduit for her expression and a powerful bridge to connect with others to make a difference in their lives.
Appreciation, Bev believed, was the driving force that could propel writers forward. It was the fuel that kept them creating, improving, and making a positive impact on the world through their words.
Bev also taught me the value of peer recognition, which I shared in a previous post.
Since then, I have enjoyed interviewing writers and have always learned from their insights.
Takeaways from Bev’s Memorable Speech
Bev’s secret sauce for motivation to write revolved around meaningful reader engagement.
Bev didn’t just write; she interacted. Responding to comments, replying to emails, and joining conversations in forums. It was about building a community by fostering a sense of connection beyond words on a page or a screen.
She highlighted using feedback as a tool for her growth. Bev understood the value of comments, both the applause and the critiques.
It wasn’t just about basking in praise; it was about evolving, learning what resonated with her audience, and honing her craft.
Her next important point was about celebration for motivation. Whether hitting a follower milestone or receiving a glowing review, Bev took a moment to revel in her achievements. It was a way of staying motivated and appreciating the interaction.
In Bev’s world, the joy of writing wasn’t a solo act. It was a lively conversation between the writer and her audience, a dynamic exchange of words that painted a vivid and meaningful picture for both.
Final Words
In writing, we find connection — with ourselves and others who resonate with our words. It’s a journey of self-discovery and a bridge to build relationships with like-minded people.
Completing a piece brings a sense of achievement, the joy of creating something unique and authentic and sharing it with the world. Writing, a potent form of self-expression, allows us to share ideas, feelings, and experiences.
Beyond personal fulfillment, writing holds the potential to make a meaningful impact, serving as a tool to inform, inspire, persuade, entertain, and educate readers.
Here are two tools that help me write authentic content. The first one is design thinking, and the second one is ethnographic research.
The second part of this story is about reading.
I wrote many articles about writing and reading. I hope you find some valuable ones from this collection.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. Some topics I cover are brain and cognitive function, significant health conditions, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, and humor.
I contribute to multiple publications but keep my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
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