Are You Writing for Healing or for Applause?
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Writing is a force to be reckoned with—one that can heal, inspire, challenge, and entertain. But for every word we put on paper, there's a question beneath: Why are we writing?
Are we writing to process our emotions, to uncover what has occurred to us, or to secure personal closure? Or are we writing for the masses—so we can get likes, shares, applause, and accolades?
The truth is, both are good reasons, but they put you on dramatically different creative journeys. Understanding your actual purpose can alter not only what you write, but what you think of writing at all.
Writing for Healing: The Power of Personal Catharsis
A lot of the most worthwhile writing emerges from a place of pain, growth, or self-knowledge. When we write to heal, we're not concerned about how others will respond—we're concerned with release.
Why Write for Healing?
Emotional Release – Writing is therapeutic. Journalling, poetry, or even fiction can release grief, anger, or confusion.
Self-Understanding – Translating thoughts into words forces clarity. Interestingly, we don't know how we feel until we write it down.
Personal Growth – Reflective writing keeps us on a path of growth. Reading past journals can show us how far we have come.
Freedom from Criticism – When one writes for him/herself, one has nothing to lose. One can be raw and unfiltered, and completely honest.
The Dangers of Writing Solely for Healing
Healing writing is valuable, but at times it can trap us in our feelings rather than propel us forward. There is also the question of whether healing-oriented writing needs to be published—there are moments when privacy is a part of healing.
Writing for Applause: The Urge to Receive External Validation
Let's be realistic: most authors want to be heard. There is nothing wrong with wanting recognition—human beings are social and feedback will motivate.
So, why Write for Applause?
Bonding – Building a rapport with readers who like what you have to say.
Professional Ambitions – If you hope to be a published author, acclaim is part of the process.
Inspiring Feedback – Positive reinforcement can motivate and inspire you to keep going.
Impact – Some stories just need to be told, and applause can be the sign that your message is touching hearts.
The Risks of Writing for Applause
Burnout – Hustling down the street for trends or writing the trendy (not what you are passionate about) can drain creativity.
Inauthenticity – If you are too concerned with others being happy, your voice might get confused.
Reliance on Approval – When applause fades (which it always will), will you still like writing?
Can You Do Both?
The best writing achieves balance between individuality of voice and connectiveness with an audience. Here's how to do it:
- Write First for Yourself, Then Edit for Readers
Start by being honest and unself-conscious in your expression. Then, if you choose to share, refine it with an audience in mind.
- Know Your Intentions
Ask yourself:
Am I writing this because I need to say it, or because I want praise?
Would I continue writing if no one ever read it?
- Practice Both Private and Public Writing
Not everything needs to be published. Some of your writing is for you. Some of it is for others.
- Know That Healing and Impact Often Entwine
Some of the best published works come out of great personal suffering. Your healing could be someone else's survival book.
Final Thought: Why Does Your Why Matter
If you write only to heal but never to publish, you might be denying yourself the chance to touch others.
If you write only for applause, you might be denying yourself the joy of writing itself.
The healthiest answer? Write because you love it—because it feeds your soul. And if applause comes, think of it as icing on the cake, not the purpose.
So ask yourself the question today: Are you writing for healing or for applause?
And then pose the bigger question: Is your writing a source of peace for you?
Because in the end, that is truly what matters.
One last passing thought. If you haven't already, take a look at the George Orwell tome 'Why I Write'. A great personal essay exploring the motivations behind his writing
Thanks for reading!