I first thought of writing this essay one afternoon after my Creative Writing class at U.P. High School in Iloilo, where I teach. When I asked my students if they wanted to be writers, many eagerly raised their hands, some hesitated out of shyness, while others, based on their facial expressions, were clearly uninterested. This essay is for my students who aspire to become writers, as well as for the youth of today who wish to pursue and take writing seriously.
Being a writer is not easy. In fact, I would hesitate to wish this path upon my nieces and nephews because, first, there are very few opportunities in the country for writers to earn a substantial income. This is why writing often becomes a sideline or a passion pursued alongside another profession. Many writers are also teachers, doctors, or professionals in other fields because, in the Philippines, the hard truth remains: one cannot make a stable living solely by writing. However, this should not deter those who truly love the craft. Writing is more than a career, it is a calling, an art form, and a responsibility to society.
There is a common misconception that great writers are simply gifted with an endless stream of ideas, that words flow easily, and that success is just a matter of having a good story to tell. But the reality is far from this romanticized notion. Writing is hard work. It requires patience, dedication, and the willingness to endure hours of self-doubt and relentless revisions. Even the most talented writers struggle, revising drafts multiple times before arriving at a version they are satisfied with.
Beyond financial considerations, I believe that being a writer means contributing to society by skillfully using language to shape thought, regardless of the language in which one writes. As I continue to grow older and write about things that bring me joy and meaning, I realize more deeply that writing is about offering insights to those who take an interest in reading our work.
Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” This statement underscores the crucial role that writers play in society, not just as artists or chroniclers but as truth-tellers and thought leaders. Writing is not merely a creative pursuit or a means of self-expression; it is a powerful force for awakening awareness, challenging ideas, and confronting truths that shape the world. Perhaps this is why, despite the struggles of being a writer in our country, many still persevere, believing in their duty to truth, as Camus described.
This echoes the words of Ernest Hemingway: “The writer’s job is to tell the truth.” Whether crafting fiction or nonfiction, a writer’s purpose is to reveal, explore, and pursue truth, especially in times like ours when misinformation is rampant. Literature and deep reflection on social issues allow writers to shed light on the dangers of war, injustice, and forces that threaten the society.
At times, the weight of this responsibility may seem overwhelming. It may feel as though writers are tasked with considering the entire world and how to keep it in order. But this is true of all disciplines. Whether one is a teacher, a doctor, or a farmer, the goal remains the same: to contribute to the well-being of the world by pursuing truth and integrity in one’s work. Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o expressed this sentiment in Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature (1986), arguing that literature wields immense power in awakening human consciousness. It is not merely an art form; it is a tool for understanding unjust systems, examining social issues, and discovering one’s identity and history.
From this perspective, literature is not just about storytelling, it is about opening minds, liberating the spirit, and driving societal change. Writing is not only about crafting beautiful prose or compelling narratives; it is about shaping perspectives, influencing public discourse, and preserving culture and history. This is why those who aspire to be writers must read widely and write with intention.
So, do you still want to be a writer? If your answer is yes, then embrace both the beauty and the struggle that come with it. Writing is not an easy path, nor is it always rewarding in the conventional sense. But if you write because you love it, because you have something to say, and because you believe in the power of words, then keep writing. The journey may be long and uncertain, but the impact of a well-written piece can last far beyond a lifetime.
What do I mean by that? A truly well-written work has the power to transcend time, leaving a lasting imprint that extends far beyond the writer’s own lifetime. Long after the author is gone, their words continue to inspire, challenge, and shape the thoughts of future generations. A carefully crafted novel, poem, or essay has the ability to spark conversations, preserve history, and remain relevant across different eras.
A great example of this is the work of Leoncio P. Deriada, whom we recognize as the father of Contemporary West Visayan Literature. In his book Ang Kalye nga Wala sing Kamatayon, published by UP Press, his award-winning short stories in English, Hiligaynon, and Cebuano, many of which won the prestigious Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature are compiled into one volume. Through his storytelling, Deriada captured the realities of his time in ways that were both eye-opening and transformative. His works remain significant and unforgettable even after his passing in 2019, proving that great literature endures and continues to shape readers’ minds across generations.
Beyond being an exceptional writer, Deriada was also a dedicated cultural worker. His life mirrored the very stories he wrote, compassionate toward the marginalized, deeply aware of his culture, and profoundly connected to his identity. He remained committed to truth, always grounding his work in the artistic and cultural context of Western Visayas and the broader Filipino experience.
For this reason, if there is one writer we should truly honor, it is Deriada. His contributions to Philippine literature were groundbreaking, elevating respect for regional writers, particularly those who embraced and wrote in our own languages—Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Aklanon. Through his work, he championed the importance of local languages in literature, proving that stories written in our native tongues are just as powerful, relevant, and deserving of recognition on the national stage.
So, if you still dream of being a writer, hold fast to your passion. Write not only because you can but because you must, because the world needs voices that are unafraid to tell the truth, to preserve culture, and to inspire generations to come.
Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.
