Another article, “Why Write?” discusses the importance of writing. But this question above is equally as important – if you write, why do it well? Why not simply put the words down as quickly as possible and then be freed to do other things? Actually, the question is broader than that – why do anything well? Isn’t it much easier to do something quickly and “get it over with?” Yes, but…
Writing well is important for the following reasons. (Notice I didn’t write, “Writing good is important…” as that would be an example of bad English writing, which a grammar check software program would correct in an instant.)
• Writing is a window into your thinking. If you are with others, but are silent, it is likely those around you will have little or no idea of what you think. Even if you speak, talking is an imperfect form of communication because it is quick, typically disjointed, stream-of-consciousness, and often not well-thought out. But writing is much different. Your writing provides a reader an opportunity – at their own pace – to consider your written words as if they are your thoughts, to contemplate them, to study them, even to re-read them so as to understand your thinking. Writing thus is far more effective communication – both for you in expressing your ideas, and for the reader in grasping them.
• Writing is a process of clarifying your thoughts. Because writing usually is more deliberate, you can better organize your ideas, not only into the structure of good written English, but also as to your thoughts behind your words. Writing gives you an opportunity to “say what you mean” in a manner that is more meaningful.
• Writing is an expression of your feelings. Just as your thoughts are important to organize and communicate, your feelings are even more so. Because feelings once put into words can either be sublime influencers of others (good), or bludgeons that harm others (bad). In the heat of emotion, how often do words escape our lips, which the instant spoken cannot be retracted, no matter how much we wish otherwise? Sometimes a wise path, when in a state of emotional duress, is not to speak, but rather to take the time to write our thoughts. This extra time allows us to sort through our emotions, calm down, and not express something we later will regret.
• Writing is a record for history. Writing can be permanent, meaning that you, or any reader, can return to your written words some time later – maybe when it is convenient for that reader – to then understand your thoughts. Not only is writing important, as a record for other readers, but it also can be important for you. If you keep a journal, which is writing for yourself, it can be quite illuminating to pick up your written words many years later, and read them back as a record of what you expressed then. Sometimes you can see yourself in a totally different and unexpected light. You may think, “My gosh! I wrote this! I don’t remember that I had those thoughts then.” Or, “Now I see situations differently.” Don’t you want to leave the best record for history to judge you, even if that judge is yourself?
• Your writing forms an impression of you. Whether that impression formed is immediately after your words are written and sent, or many years after the fact, or whether the reader is emotionally close to you or someone who never may have met you, isn’t it important to form the best impression you can, always? You see, the thing about writing is, you never know who will read your words, or when, or for what purpose, or under what circumstance. Therefore, it is to your benefit to always leave the best impression you can, because your writing always can be a tangible, permanent expression (and impression) of you.
Writing well is important every time, for whatever reason, or purpose. Writing not only is a measure and a record of you, but it also is an indicator of refinement – both of you as a person, and of your thoughts and thinking processes. Good writing comes from discipline and is an acquired skill. The good news is that anybody can learn to write better, by simply doing it. As in everything, practice is important! Write regularly, and write as well as you can, every time. Soon, even you will be impressed with your improved writing skills. And, you will appreciate that a writing software program will add immeasurably to your writing output and quality. In addition, it will be a tool from which you quickly learn good writing habits.
