On Why You Write
So I wrote my Oscar acceptance speech the other day. 🙂 For best adapted screenplay based on my bestselling novel, of course.
Obviously, it’s not actually ever going to be used. I’m not a filmmaker, actor, make-up designer, production artist or, indeed, even a screenwriter.
But that’s irrelevant. The point of the speech isn’t to deliver it on stage, but to remind myself of why I write. If you listen to the winners’ speeches, they often acknowledge for whom they create their stories, and why. They explain who they hope to inspire, and why. They recognize who their giving a voice to and why.
And they remind us of the multitudes of people in their lives who have supported and nurtured and loved them—something every artist, no matter their art, needs to succeed.
So go ahead: imagine yourself on stage. It doesn’t have to be the Oscars, or even an awards ceremony specifically. Instead, it’s about distilling what’s most important to you about your craft in only 45 seconds.
That’s the way to not only keep your focus, but keep you inspired.
Then again, maybe you will make it to that stage. In which case, you can thank me for already having your speech prepared. 🙂