Home   >   How to Write A Book   >   Questions Every Writer Should Ask Themselves

Questions Every Writer Should Ask Themselves

By on May 28, 2018
Questions Every Writer Should Ask Themselves - Writer's Life.org

Whether you have just started out writing, or have been doing it for years, it is good for every writer to check in with themselves from time to time. Understanding what drives and motivates you to write will help keep you on the right track and remain focused and confident even when things aren’t going your way. It will also give you a clear idea of exactly what you are writing for, who you are writing for, and what will satisfy you regarding your writing achievement.

So here are some essential questions every writer should take the time to ask themselves:

Why do you write?

Do you write to be admired? Do you write to connect with other people? Do you write because you want to share your stories or so you can force your opinions on others? Is your writing a vanity project, or because you genuinely think you can help people with what you are trying to get out there?

What are you hoping to change?

Writers usually write with some purpose in mind. The best stories leave people feeling changed, feeling different, affected by what they now know. Writers often find that this is the kind of writing that brings them the most satisfaction too. So figure out just what it is you hope to do, and what kind of effect you wish to have on your readers.

What makes you so special?

To be successful in the writing world you need your unique selling point. What can you bring to the table that others can’t? What can you offer that’s completely genuine and original? Find your own voice and find the words that only you can express, create worlds just you know how to navigate. Set yourself apart from others and you’ll stand out from the crowd.

What do you want?

It’s so important to have a focus, a clear goal in mind. Without one it’s all too easy to keep putting your writing aside and letting other things get in the way. Search deep down within yourself and figure out what it is you hope to achieve, and once you truly know that, don’t let anything stop you!

Asking these questions can be so helpful and give writers the focus they need to keep going. Sometimes just having clarity and a firm grip on our purpose can be so important, and it’s all too easy to lose that in amongst writing pressures, self-doubt, rejections and so on.

So if you haven’t already make sure you ask yourself these questions and take time to really think about how to answer them as precisely and clearly as you can. Doing so could reaffirm what you thought you always knew, or even change your perspective entirely, so why not give them a go?

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

About Ty Cohen