The Importance of Writing with Passion and Desire

Photo credit: @iamprovidence\Medium

Previously, we posted that Isaac Bashevis Singer (reportedly) advised that there are [at least] three characteristics that a work of fiction must possess [to be well-written]:

1. It must have a precise and suspenseful plot

2. The author must feel a passionate urge to write it

3. He must have the conviction, or at least the illusion, that he is the only one who can handle this particular theme

We added that of the three, number 2 is arguably the most important, especially as it relates to actually getting the writing done, because it will be very difficult for a writer to write for hours without the energy that a topic of passion can organically provide. 

Nora Roberts, the prolific novelist (e.g., over 200 novels), would agree. Nora advised that a writer should not write something that he or she would not read [for pleasure], and having desire while writing is a must. Nora reportedly advised:

The most important thing is you can’t write what you wouldn’t read for pleasure. It’s a mistake to analyze the market thinking you can write whatever is hot. You can’t say you’re going to write romance when you don’t even like it. You need to write what you would read if you expect anybody else to read it.
 

And you have to be driven. You have to have the three D’s: drive, discipline and desire. If you’re missing any one of those three, you can have all the talent in the world, but it’s going to be really hard to get anything done