I enjoyed writing “Being a Karate Teacher: Top 5 Favorites” for my dojo blog. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to do a top five list on being a writer. This subject is a bit more broad and accessible to more people, but I will do my best to narrow it down to only five favorite things. And that’s not counting the unbridled joy of un-boxing the first issue of my first book, “The Can-Do Karate Kid.”

5: Being a Writer means Using my Talent

I’m sure part of my love of the written word is natural inclination or a gift I was born with. And another big part of that are the hours I spent as a youth, endlessly reading. There was probably some nurturing of that love by my parents and teachers as well. But writing, and the written word, is my natural environment. I can’t help it. I am a writer. And I love using my talent in many different ways.

4: Being a Writer helps me Think

While putting thoughts on paper or typing them on a screen, I have to bring order to those thoughts. Thus, it is an exercise in logic and clear communication. And I can’t help but become clearer on my thoughts about whatever subject I’m writing. Not only does this force me to spend extra, focused time in thinking about said subject; being a writer also helps me to think and order my thoughts.

3 The Therapeutic Qualities of Writing

Depending on what I’m writing, it can have the therapeutic benefits of allowing me to let go and improve emotional health. Another healthy return is the creative expression of writing. And then there is poetry. To me, poetry is a form of writing unlike any other. To me, it is like a written painting. Poetry is purely creative and from the soul. To me as a writer, you can pick apart, critique and nitpick any aspect of any of my other writing. But not poetry, as that comes straight from the heart. (But that’s just me.)

2 When People Enjoy my Writing

I am the type of writer who does not ask for feedback in hopes of praise. I typically only ask for input when I am trying to redraft and improve a piece. So, when people tell me personally and unbidden that they have enjoyed my writing, it is because they did, not because I fished for a compliment. And that is when I feel that my writing helped forge a special human connection. This brings a unique joy.

1 The Other Writers

My all-time favorite thing about being a writer, hands-down, is the other writers I have met and gotten to know. These people are thoughtful, observant, sensitive, witty and creative. Additionally, I cherish the ones who are also positive, supportive and helpful. We have met in various writing venues over the years and some of my best friends are writers. I am proud to count myself among their ranks.

Well that does it for my top five favorite things about being a writer. I hope my positive enthusiasm for the art spills over to you and inspires you to go and write!

-Jenifer Tull-Gauger