2 Comments
User's avatar
John Edwards's avatar

Is it not why we write, to leave something of us behind for generations that follow? A graveside sonnet read about the one lying beneath the sward is one that is personal to me and my family. These days the written memories have supplanted the verbal storytellers as in the Irish tradition and around firesides. It is the story of our history.

Expand full comment
Ian Gouge's avatar

It's certainly one of the reasons why a lot of people write, John: for posterity, to leave a mark. Proof that we were here, if you like. And that's valid - but it's not the only reason. I cover the 'why' in a workshop when I'm mentoring on writing retreats, and there are a number of other basic themes of motivation.

Expand full comment