Excerpt from my conversation with author Dan Pink

A few weeks ago I gave away a copy of Dan Pink’s new book, “Drive.” I’ve had the chance to get through most of it at this point and it’s quite good. If you’re interested in a synopsis of the book take a look at his  TED talk from last year. Great info.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about wanting to dive deeper into my blog and deeper into writing in general. I had the chance to correspond with Daniel Pink, about his evolution into writing and what keeps him motivated.

Me: When did you decide to write?

DP: It was a pretty slow evolution. I wrote for school newspapers and the like, but never envisioned becoming a writer.  In my mid-20s, though, I found that writing was what I was doing during my discretionary time. In law school, I wrote magazine articles and op-eds for newspapers. When I worked in politics, despite some pretty demanding jobs, I also wrote magazine articles on the side. That gave me a hint about what I really wanted to do. But it wasn’t until I left politics to work for myself that I began to consider myself a writer.

Me: What motivates you to write and write better?

DP: There are lots of motivation. I sometimes write to figure things out — and the process of discovery is one of my favorite things in the world. I also write in a small effort to influence — to change the way people think and perhaps even how they act. When I get an email from reader telling me one of my books made a difference in that person’s life, I’m motivated for another week!  As for writing better, it’s constantly on my mind. Writing is the sort of undertaking that is impossible to master fully. That’s one of the things that makes it both frustrating and alluring.

I found his thoughts encouraging. I love my job. I love a lot of things. Sometimes that’s a problem for me because I don’t always feel settled being in one place. I want to do some writing though. Even if it’s just on this blog or in a few other places, I want to feel like I have something to contribute to the greater good of this world. I’m definitely motivated by making a difference in people’s lives and I think I can have an impact in some way great or small through my desire to write.

Is there anything you’re itching to do, but have been hesitating to give yourself over to? Are you slowly evolving into that passion? What’s motivating you?

BTW: Read his book. Go get yourself some Drive at Amazon or listen to Dan Pink read it by getting the audio at Audible.