Heart vs head is a debate that comes up often in many areas of life, but is it relevant for writers?
You may think that it is important, particularly with non-fiction writing, that you write using your head. After all you are sharing knowledge, experience and wisdom, that’s all head based stuff, isn’t it?
In reality though it is really important that you are passionate about your writing. Without this passion you will struggle to get to the end of your writing project, and, perhaps more importantly, your reader will know.
When we write about something we are passionate about every stage becomes easier and more enjoyable.
Often the first step when writing, is research. Researching a subject that you aren’t interested in, is exhausting. Think back to all those school projects you had to write about areas you had no interest in (for me it was the World Wars, as someone who doesn’t like conflict and has a terrible memory for dates, these were my nemesis!). When you really love something you are researching though, you can lose hours at a time going down rabbit hole after rabbit hole, discovering more information and reading around the subject. The more background information you have, the richer your writing will be, but there’s more to it than that.
You see, when you write with passion, that comes through in the words you choose, the phrasing, even your passion and energy are transferred from your fingers through the page to your reader. Readers are incredibly adept at spotting authenticity in writing. They are able to pick up on subtleties, such as your choice of examples, the jargon you use and your writing tone. We are unconsciously trained to pick up on these details, as we talk to people, and through our years of experience reading. We have all seen people speaking who are passionate about the subject they are talking about, and that comes across so clearly, the same is true in their writing. Equally the reverse is also true.
In addition to helping us connect with our reader, and making our research easier, being passionate about your writing also eases things such as writer’s block, helps you push through the more challenging points in the writing process (such as drafts and revisions), you are also much more likely to finish longer projects if you are more invested emotionally in the subject.
One example of a famous author whose passion is clear from his writing is JRR Tolkien. Tolkien only write the Lord of the Rings books in order to give context to the world and languages he had created. He was able to read English, French, Latin, German, Greek, Old English, Norse, Finnish and many more. He used these skills to create his own languages, and then build a world around them. He even allowed his created languages to influence each other. He was a language professor and a philologist (someone who studies literary texts and focuses on authenticity and original forms). Anyone who has read his books will have been captivated by his use of language and it is undoubtedly this passion for words that have captivated readers for decades.
When you love what you are writing about, that enthusiasm is contagious, your reader won’t be able to help being interested too, and while it is important to think about whether there is a market for your passion (if you are writing something with the intention of selling it, like a book or course), chances are, if you have been captivated by something, there will be others out there who are equally enchanted.
Writing should be enjoyable. It should be something you look forward to, and being passionate about your subject is a great start. As someone who is currently up to her neck in research for her next book, I know how important it is to enjoy every moment of that process. I look forward to diving into my research, watching videos and reading books. I look forward to having some time to indulge my interests and dig even deeper. I know that this passion will carry into my writing when it is time to start writing.
When you write with passion, magic happens. Your words shine with authenticity, your ideas resonate more deeply, and the whole writing process transforms from a chore into a journey of discovery. Your readers don’t just consume your content, they feel your enthusiasm and connect with your message. Whether you’re crafting a novel, a blog post, or a business book, remember that your genuine love for your subject is your most powerful writing tool. It’s what will keep you going through challenges, what will make your voice unique, and ultimately what will help your words find their perfect audience. So before you start your next writing project, ask yourself: “Does this topic light a fire within me?” If the answer is yes, you’re already halfway to creating something extraordinary.
If you need some accountability, and a group of writers to support and encourage you every step of the way, why not join The Writer’s Forge our online community of enthusastic writers. We will hold your hand as you write your masterpiece and be there for your through the challenges and that triumphs.