Writing has always been a significant part of my life, a cherished creative outlet that I have nurtured from a young age. As someone who writes both novels and TV shows, I find that the act of putting words on paper holds deep personal meaning and serves multiple purposes in my life. Here are five reasons why writing is so important to me:
1. Writing as a Lifelong Creative Outlet
From the time I was in grade school, writing has been my primary form of creative expression. I used to create tiny little books, scribbling stories on any scrap of paper I could find. These makeshift books were then shared with relatives, who, I imagine, were both amused and touched by my early attempts at storytelling. They weren’t fancy, but they were mine, and they allowed me to tell stories that sprang from my imagination. Writing has always been a way for me to explore new worlds and create characters that live within them.
2. Recording Personal Experiences
One of the joys of writing novels is the opportunity to weave my own experiences into the fabric of my stories. This not only adds authenticity to the narratives but also serves as a way to record memories for future generations. For instance, in my book “Jon Bragg Blue Essence,” the main character hails from a town called Grinwell, which is a nod to my own school days in Gladbrook. Nearby, there’s a town called Green Mountain, which I transformed into Bluehill in the book. These personal touches make the writing process more enjoyable and meaningful to me, as they preserve bits of my life within the fiction.
3. Embedding Morals and Values in My Work
I believe that stories have the power to convey important messages and values. Whether I am writing a book or creating a TV series, I strive to incorporate themes that encourage readers and viewers to be comfortable with who they are and to celebrate their differences. In my novels, characters often grapple with self-acceptance and the importance of diversity. Similarly, my animated TV series, “Kindly Kenney,” was designed to teach children values and the difference between right and wrong. Writing allows me to share these lessons with a broader audience in an engaging and relatable way.
4. Memorializing People and Places
Writing also provides me with a way to honor and memorialize people and places that have had an impact on my life. In “Jon Bragg Blue Essence,” for example, I named a character after a classmate of mine, David Ryan, who tragically passed away at a young age. We shared many years of making music together, and using his name in my book felt like a fitting tribute to his memory. This act of memorialization ensures that the people who have shaped my life continue to live on through my stories.
5. Creating a Legacy for My Family
Perhaps one of the most special aspects of writing for me is the hope that my work will be shared and enjoyed by my children and their children. I dream of a day when my kids pass down my books and TV shows to their own families, offering a glimpse into my creative mind and the values I hold dear. Writing is a way for me to leave a legacy, something tangible that connects my family across generations. It is my hope that my words will touch their lives and bring them joy, just as creating them has brought joy to me.
Writing is more than just a means of expression; it is a way for me to show my love and appreciation for those around me. For example, I often write poems for family members on special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or Mother’s Day. These poems are my way of expressing how much they mean to me in a unique and personal way.
To bring this to a close, I am a writer for many reasons. Writing is about more than just putting words on a page; it is about creating, preserving memories, sharing values, honoring loved ones, and building a legacy. I hope that other writers feel the same passion and find as much fulfillment in their writing as I do. Writing has the power to change lives, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my stories with the world.