I’m excited to welcome John Riddle, founder of “I Love to Write Day,” to Writing and Wellness!
by John Riddle
I launched “I Love To Write Day” in 2002 as a grassroots campaign to have people of all ages spend time writing every Nov. 15th.
Over the past two decades thousands of people, including new and experienced writers, teachers, students, librarians, bookstore owners, editors and people from all walks of life have participated in ILTWD events and activities.
When people become stronger writers, they become better communicators…and everyone wins!
How Discouraging Words from an English Teacher Compelled Me to Write
I was watching an episode of “The Flying Nun” when I was a senior in high school.
They had devoted the episode to one of the writers, and I thought, hmm…writer. That sounds like a noble profession.
I asked God to bless me with the gift of writing, and a few moments later I wrote my own episode of “The Flying Nun” on an old Royal typewriter (with a few bent keys).
I showed it to my English teacher and asked him to read it overnight and let me know what he thought about it the next day. Twenty-four hours later, I was excited…and then crushed, when he told me it was the worst piece of garbage (he used a different word) he had ever read.
“If your writing has no purpose, there’s no purpose in your writing.”
Then he threw the papers at me and left the room.
Right then and there I vowed before God that one day I would be traveling the country encouraging writers and also be the author of many books.
For nearly 15 years I taught writing workshops at Christian and secular writing conferences from coast to coast, and so far, I have written and sold 34 books to traditional publishers, and recently self-published “The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment And Me: 40 Years Making Money As A Freelance Writer (Hey, You Can Do It, Too!).”
How I Came Up with “I Love to Write Day”
In the spring of 2002, I was driving from my home in Delaware to the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s conference in Asheville, North Carolina, where I was scheduled to speak.
My oldest daughter, Bonnie, was in the car with me; she was a college student at the time and interested in attending some of the workshops. Even though she was already a published writer, she knew the value of learning more about the craft of writing.
As I was passing through the Richmond, Virginia, area, I was thinking about a magazine interview I had to do the following week. Normally I am the one interviewing someone and then writing an article, but this time I was going to be the subject of the article.
Writer’s Digest magazine wanted to do a profile of me, highlighting my success in writing for so many websites over the past few months.
When I worked in the fundraising field a number of years ago, I loved planning big special events. One time I tried to set the Guinness Book of World Records by having the largest number of people dance the “Twist” in one location. I even got Chubby Checker to tape some Public Service Announcements to help promote the event.
As a writer and author, I knew I needed a website, and I came up with the name, I Love To Write Day. It wasn’t long before the idea of holding the “world’s largest party for writers” came about.
I told Bonnie to “remember this moment,” because I “officially declared” November 15 to be I Love To Write Day, and I knew that I Love To Write Day would be a success.
Everyone Wanted to Get Involved in the “I Love to Write” Day
However, never in my wildest dreams did I believe how successful it would become!
About two weeks after the conference was over, I established the I Love To Write Day Website and began sending out press releases to media outlets all across the United States. I also sent information to schools, bookstores and libraries.
About ten days later I started getting numerous media requests for interviews and more info about I Love To Write Day.
And the response from schools was absolutely overwhelming. By the time November 15 rolled around, over 11,000 schools all across the country had signed up to hold special ILTWD events and activities. Bookstores, libraries, churches, community centers and even a few malls joined in the fun.
When USA Today published an interview with me on the first ILTWD, my phone didn’t stop ringing, and I lost track of how many e-mails I was receiving.
People of All Ages Are Encouraged to Write on I Love to Write Day
My goal for I Love To Write Day is simple: people of all ages are encouraged to write something: A poem, a letter, an essay, start a novel, finish a novel…the possibilities are endless!
Hundreds of people e-mailed or wrote to me shortly after the first I Love To Write Day. They shared samples of what they had written, and how they enjoyed writing again.
Unfortunately, many people have stopped writing, and the thought of putting words on a piece of paper (or a computer screen) can be a frightening experience.
Writing can be fun, but also challenging. People need to be challenged, and writing is but one of many creative ways to express yourself. I am very excited because more I Love To Write Day activities are being planned all across the United States. For many people, that will be the beginning of their writing career.
I Love to Write Day is Official in New Jersey and Other States!
The 5th grade students at the Saint Mary Magdalen School in Millville, New Jersey, together with teacher Maureen Ellis, wrote letters to the Governor of their State, and a few days later, he “officially proclaimed” November 15th I Love To Write Day in New Jersey. (So far 9 Governors have endorsed ILTWD, and in 2008 ILTWD was entered into the Congressional Record.)
For 5 years in a row, students at a school in South Carolina visited local nursing homes, and helped some residents to start writing their life stories.
Anyone can join in the fun on I Love To Write Day. Just spend some time writing, and enjoy the process!
Send an e-mail to— ilovetowriteday007 at gmail dot com —and let me know how you participated.
I’m Having the Time of My Life!
I will continue to write as long as I am able.
For me, it’s the “variety” of writing projects that keep it exciting and fresh. Whether I am working on a non-fiction book, a novel, a magazine article, a greeting card or ad copy, I am having the time of my life!
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John Riddle is a freelance writer, author, ghostwriter & donut eater who writes in his home office in Delaware. So far he has written and sold 34 books to traditional publishers, and recently self-published “The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment And Me: 40 Years Making Money As A Freelance Writer (Hey, You Can Do It, Too!).”
His byline has appeared in major publications all across the U.S., and he has written articles for over 200 websites.
In 2002 he launched I Love To Write Day as a grassroots campaign to have people of all ages spend time writing every Nov. 15th. For more info about ILTWD, please visit the website.
Find more about John and his work on his Amazon author page and his LinkedIn profile.
Featured photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash.
The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment and Me: Every freelance writer dreams about making money using their gift of creative communication. In this funny book, which is part memoir, part inspiration, and lots of suggestions on how to successfully navigate the publishing world, you will learn how to make money as a freelance writer.
Whether you are a new writer, or one who has lots of experience getting published, the tips and ideas will help you meet your goals: more bylines, and more checks!
Learn about School Library Publishers, Specialty Newsletters, Greeting Cards, Press Releases, Gift Book Publishers, Textbook Publishers and much more. For nearly 15 years the author was on the road teaching at Christian and secular writing conferences all across the U.S. Many people from his workshops are now making money writing articles and books. Now, it’s YOUR turn!
Available at Amazon.
I Love to Write Day Creative Journal: The “I Love To Write Day Creative Writing Journal” is published to celebrate the 20th anniversary of I Love To Write Day.
It includes 30 Creative Challenges and tips on how to be creative from writers, authors, artists, musicians, actors, directors and even a few pirates from all around the world.
Available at Amazon.
My first published piece is featured today in the Creative Journal for the 20 Anniversary of I Love To Write Day! What a way to come out of the gates. After 7 years of journaling that has evolved into a manuscript for my first self help book. My published contribution, “Writing Saved My Life.” Did just that.
How cool, Julie! Congratulations. And what a testimonial to writing!