Writing = Living: Here's Why

Ten Ways Creative Writing Intersects With Building A Better, Richer, More Meaningful Life

Beyond the subtlest shadow of the slightest doubt, I know that writing truly is a metaphor for life. Also clear: the study of creative writing—in particular a basic understanding of narrative structure—can help us live better lives in every possible way.

I mentioned this in an offhand way to my son, Max, a 32-year-old architect, and his fiance, Kaela, a meditation teacher and human resources professional, at our little wilderness cabin last summer. Max is an intense conversationalist who, like me, has little interest in small talk and a strong pull toward the kinds of conversations that leave you both inspired and tired. So, again, my “writing = life'“ bit was just a casual remark during a conversation about lots of other things. But it caught Max’s attention in a way I wasn’t expecting. He really wanted to hear more. We spent the next hour in animated discussion of a topic that fills me with passion, drive, and hope.

The following morning, after we boated Max and Kaela to the landing …