We write because we are storytellers, a noble and valuable contribution to humanity.
Our stories focus on what’s important to us—our words free us and connect us.
Writers love an audience. Without readers, writers wouldn’t exist, except in lonely, silent rooms. It’s a nice trade: we take our readers on an exciting, enriching, and uplifting journey, and they rave, review, or probe our work.
Despite the title, ‘Content is King,’ the median weekly writer pay has miserly fallen in the last decade. Compared to editors, directors, actors, and producers, we are the paupers of the industry.
More than at any other time in history, writers work at or below minimum wage, regardless of experience. And yet, without words, there’s nothing to say, print, direct, produce, or post.
Will we ever get a boost in compensation? [That’s another story]
Despite the extra free work, we still write because words matter to us. Some of us refuse to truncate ourselves in the interest of other opinions or to simplify our thinking in the service of easy answers.
Our formidable and meticulous critics of high culture can be our best friends or our most despicable foes.
We love to inspire people by sharing fascinating places and significant events that shape the textured fabric of our society, past and present.
Our news pages—printed or digital—consist of features, profiles, and news about people, places, and things that often inspire their creativity, exemplify achievements, and enterprises.
Our prose mimics us and defines the human condition. Often crisp and cutting, challenging and occasionally ponderous, or rousing and inspiring. Willfully, I prefer the latter.
Writers love and hate other writers; the competition is too strong, the tongue is too full of deceit and mischief, and the heart is simply too prideful.
We write because we need to. Without words, our world would be empty, chaotic, and soundless—a meaningless existence.
To be a writer is a blessing from God. It’s like no other craft, and I’m excited to explore it with you.
Sincerely,
MAritza Cosano
Author | Journalist | Scriptwriter | Playwright | Ghostwriter | Writing Coach