To be read. To be heard. To be seen. I want to be read, I want to be heard. I don't need to be seen. To write requires an ego, a belief that what you say matters. Writing also requires an aching curiosity leading you to discover, uncover, what is gnawing at your bones. Words have a weight to them. How you choose to present them and to whom is a matter of style and choice.
The quote highlights the deep desire of a writer to connect with their audience through their words. The author expresses a need to be read and heard, emphasizing that writing is an act that stems from a place of self-importance—the belief that one's thoughts have significance. It also touches on the idea that writing is driven by a relentless curiosity, motivating writers to explore and express their inner experiences and observations.
Moreover, the importance of how words are presented comes into focus, suggesting that the style and choice of audience are critical components of effective writing. The author, Terry Tempest Williams, emphasizes that while the desire to connect is strong, the need for visibility is not as pertinent, pointing to the intimate relationship between a writer and their craft. This insight captures the essence of creative expression and the power it holds.