Why do I write?

I am shy.  I am scared to say words that no one will hear. Connecting with the paper and pen is my coping mechanism. I write so I can tell.

One’s silence is deafening. Rants and complaints are earsplitting. No matter how I try to voice out my opinions and perspectives, still no one will listen to what I am about to speak. I write so I can be heard.

Freedom of speech. Creative writing. Persuasive articles. Journalistic views. Critical analysis. The reasons why I write.

What makes up a good writer?

“Writing is not about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it is about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It is about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.”

Stephen King

I started writing, being able to write when I was three. I remembered when I went to school as saling-ketket because I had no friends left in our place. There, I had learned how letters make words. The words make sentences and paragraphs and a story. And I began liking to write. I write to satisfy my needs. However, I am not good enough to write something with a formal context.

To be able to be a good media writer, I must possess the following.

Curiosity. Being curious about how something is made, how something works, how something comes into place.  Always asking the “why” of everything. At this point, I considered myself as someone who always asks. I am fond of investigating and discovering.

Intelligence. You don’t only write for your own. You write most of all to share what you know to other people. At this one, you should have a logical and analytical mind to process information. As a former Editorial writer, I am adept at looking for facts.

Industriousness and Resourcefulness. Read and read and read. You should be fond of doing research and exhausting all possible sources of information. Also, you should be flexible and innovative in gathering information and facts. Right now, it is not yet a habit for me to read. I have to practice myself enjoying reading.

Persevering. Never give up. A worthy write-up is made from a series of editing. I also need to make adjustments on the idea of “okay na yan”.

Imaginative. It pertains to being imaginative in finding ways of gathering facts. Here, I could say that I am somehow suited for being one.

Puts premium on accuracy and truth. The information to be presented should always come from a credible source. It is important to me that the information I will present has a basis. However, I cannot always identify which information is accurate and credible.

Loves to read. It helps build your own writing style. Right now, it is not yet a habit for me to read. I have to practice myself enjoying reading.

Interested in and loves people. You have to remember your audience each time you write. It helps you identify the type and style of writing you will use. I am interested in interacting with other people and knowing their stories. 

Service-oriented. It means being dedicated to this field. I have now this role of making the people informed. With that, I will make sure that I will provide accurate and relevant news stories or articles.

On the other hand, there are skills required for a media writer.

Since I had experienced joining campus journalism during high school, I had the practice of gathering information and data for my articles. However, I still feel the pressure when I write. I could say that I am not skilled enough to be called a media writer. I have to practice writing. I have to make adjustments in this field.