Why do you write? (Apart from money)

[aruna]

It's multiple choice, try to limit to three. Discuss. Have fun. Tell us.

[kristie911]

You forgot...To be rich and famous
and
Because if I don't I'll go completely insane and kill someone.
(like the guy in the resturant yelling on his cellphone or the lady with her turn signal on because she's too stupid to turn it off)

:)

[pickman]

Writing fiction for me is mainly a way of expressing my thoughts and opinions through the medium of story-telling. Although I am more focused on telling a good story than preaching, often my own ideas find their way into the narrative.


I guess there is also an egostistical, attention-seeking motivation underlying it. As a kid, I used to gain favourable attention in class whenever I wrote stories that made my classmates laugh and/or earned the high opinion of my teachers. I guess I am doing the same sort of thing now, but with a wider audience.

[aruna]

You forgot...To be rich and famous
and
Because if I don't I'll go completely insane and kill someone.
(like the guy in the resturant yelling on his cellphone or the lady with her turn signal on because she's too stupid to turn it off)

:)

Ooops - I intended to ask why, apart from money. I would put fame in the ego department. Now let me see if I can change that title...

[azbikergirl]

Because the stories are in me and haunt me until they're released. Since it would be far less satisfying to write them down knowing nobody will ever read them, Entertaining Readers and Expressing Yourself come closest.

[scarletpeaches]

I said, to communicate with others (I am a much better writer than I am a speaker, getting on with people is hard for me given the family in which I was brought up - talking was 'not the done thing') and to express myself - after all, if it's disguised as fiction and no-one can tell how much is 'real' - they can't get on at you for it, can they?

I also use writing as a way of putting right, wrongs and injustices. If something happens to me or my friends that upsets me, I can use that as inspiration for a baddy getting his or her come-uppance! So I guess you could say writing is also therapeutic revenge!

[aruna]

I ticked the change/touch people box, plus communicate and self-expression.
If, at the same time, I can entertain and delight them, win literary prizes AND earn a lot of money it would be even better!

[ANNIE]

I put other because I write because I have too. It's as much for me as it is to entertain others.

[Old Hack]

I write just because it's there to be written down--what ever "it" is. Because no matter how hard I try to avoid writing some days, I'm happier once I've done it. No matter how hard writing is for me these days (I have painful hands and writing's a bastard on them sometimes) it makes me feel, well, not exactly better, but relieved. That sounds like I'm suffering from some sort of literary constipation, doesn't it? Ha!

[HConn]

I checked "other" because there was no option for "to impress hot, brainy women."

[AdamH]

I chose other...just for fun...but that's also why I write.

[WriterInChains]

I write because (to use Gloria Steinem's words) it's the only thing I do that while I'm doing it I don't feel like I should be doing something else. The only more fulfilling experience I've ever had, is parenting.

And because: There are thousands of thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up the pen and writes. (~William Makepeace Thackeray).

I don't think the world will suffer unduly if my perspective isn't out there in novel form, but I know I'll regret it if I don't make the effort. (Yes, I'm officially a masochist. :))

[Tiaga]

as far back as I can remember I always wanted to.

[pepperlandgirl]

I guess because I didn't know there was a choice. It's just what I do.

[Sage]

It's multiple choice, try to limit to three. Discuss. Have fun. Tell us.

Grr, it helps to read the post first. I only chose one, but I could have easily chosen two more, since I was so torn.

I chose the second one, but entertain others is high up there, as well as self-expression, though it's really about expressing my story ideas rather that personal feelings. But for that latter one, I would almost want a choice of "entertain myself" in there because my writing in the past has all been for that purpose (with the option to share with my friends).

[September skies]

Ever since I was a child, I always had a need to write. I always pen and paper with me and I would be the most happy, curled up somewhere, writing.

It's just something I have to do. I can't live without it.

[kelker11]

I choose 'Other' because I write for personal pleasure. I enjoy the creative aspect of developing storylines and creating characters from scratch. And while being a rich and famous author would be nice, my writing is actually just a hobby. Something I do for down time from the stress of life...its my escape.

[Button]

I write fiction, because I want to know what happens next. :)

I start a story, I wish to finish it, without knowing what will happen for certain. It's locked within the pages, merely waiting for me to uncover.

[TeddyG]

In my younger days I used to write because I thought I had something to say and wanted to be rich and famous (I kid you not.)

Then I wanted to touch people, move them, see them cry or smile or argue over my words.

Then when my second children's book was published, oh so many years ago, and I was walking down a street and saw it in the window of a store in Jerusalem (imported all the way from the USA), I decided I wrote because of the feeling it gave me at that moment.

As the years went by, I abandoned the rich and famous desire, and I realized that to touch people you had to be real - first and foremost to yourself - and I understood that the feeling of seeing your book in the window of a bookstore or listed at Amazon, while incredible, does not last.

Then I realized that all the above were excuses. Simply put, I write for me. To bring out the raw, the untouched, the hidden emotion and the passion. To let that voice express itself, first and foremost to my own concious mind. I write to let the story out so I can read it for myself.

And when I do that, I know I will touch others. I know the book will always be in the window of my mind and that too is an exhilirating experience. And though I have no clue if I will ever be famous or rich, I do know I have made my own world richer, and I know myself that much better.

Teddy

[JANE007]

I write because I love to write. I write all sorts of stuff... short stories, humour, columns, essays, and even novels (almost finished my 1st).

I thoroughly enjoy writing, it is an outlet and a creative practice for me. I am happy that others enjoy reading my stuff, however it wouldn't stop me from writing even if they didn't.

:Thumbs:

[aka eraser]

I like to entertain and to communicate my thoughts to others. I sometimes get theirs in return/response and the evolving relationships and friendships that often result are terrific.

It's also about the only thing, apart from fishing, that I'm good at. And it's illegal to sell fish around here unless you have a commercial license. Words can be sold without a license though, so...it's a no-brainer. ;)

[Danger Jane]

Mainly because I can't concentrate on anything else when I DON'T write. Usually story overload happens in the middle of math, so I can let it out while the teacher is being redundant in the front of the room.

[paprikapink]

I checked "Other." Seems I mostly just write to justify hanging around here.

That and the quote from Thackery that caren posted. I'm always surprised by the ideas and feelings and weird juxtapositions that flow out when I open the valve.

Oh and also cuz, I wish I knew who said this, "Writing is just talking except without all the interrupting."

[Elincoln]

All I want to do is entertain people. I want someone to pick up my book and get lost in my character's world for an hour or more. The greatest thing for me as a writer is to be asked to keep writing novels in a certain timeline because a reader wants to know what happens.

[Niapri]

I ticked "to entertain", "to change/touch readers", "to express", and "other"

My other: I write because I have no choice in the matter. I never did. My first story was on a typewriter when I was around 5, and it was..."Misty and Anne". A wolf fell down a cliff and was saved by a unicorn, and they ran off and became best friends. Cute, but scary. I didn't even realize I was writing back then until my dear mother showed it to me.

So...the other reasons are just what I tell people who won't understand that I never "chose" to write, not to mention things that give me the most satisfaction whan I have written.

[maestrowork]

entertain, touch, and make it a better world... sounds like sex to me.

[MarkButler]

I write for a couple of main reasons..
one reason is that I feel the need to "create", to add something to the sum-total of mankind, if only a tiny piece, rather than endlessly taking (watching TV, reading books, etc.).. I have no ability to be musical or artistic.. I experimented with making movies, photography and writing computer games but I kept coming back to writing..

The other thing that drives me is the lack of good books in my favorite genre.. obviously I can't read a book that I've written, but if I feel it then there must be others out there who feel the same and I would like to give them something fun, something to escape a little and have fun with.

[kristie911]

entertain, touch, and make it a better world... sounds like sex to me.

Yep...that works too!

[Nicholas S.H.J.M Woodhouse]

i don't really want to rant on about cliches but whatthehay,

i write for two reasons -

1. comes from my theory of reading/writing. people in different places, with di different lives and at different times read the same book. when they read that book the have different questions, themes, symbols floating around in their mind and soul. when they read that book they draw from it answers or further ponderings to and on those very things in their mind.

as a result what i write will be different according to when where who is reading it and why. by writing and having people read it i become one part of an organic relationship between strangers which fuses them more than physical contact would and can.

in short it allows me to become more than i ever can on my own.

2. i suffer from a medical condition known as hitler-bum-chum-syndrome. i am afraid that if i really did try and erect something worthwhile in the world, that it may be bad for mankind. thus, i write so that, if anything bad does come from my writing i cannot be blamed for it in entirety (due to my theory of writing crudely summarised in point one).

interestingly, the first point really suggests that humans are a blank sheet and their context decides what they do. whilst, the second point implies there is some inherent possible badness in mankind, irrelevent of context.

interesting....

[Jamesaritchie]

Apart form money? There is no apart from money. There is money or there is not.

Seriously, if I had to give names to other reasons for writing, they would be: 1. Because writing is something I do well. 2. Because I enjoy the process of writing. 3. Because writing lets me be my own boss.

But if I did not get paid, I wouldn't be able to convince myself that I write well.

And if I did not get paid, I would not enjoy the process of writing nearly as much.

And if I did not get paid, writing would not allow me to be my own boss.

There are many things I do well, and many things I enjoy doing, but not many things I do well, enjoy doing, AND can make money from.

There is no apart from money. There is money, or there is not.

[aruna]

Then I realized that all the above were excuses. Simply put, I write for me. To bring out the raw, the untouched, the hidden emotion and the passion. To let that voice express itself, first and foremost to my own concious mind. I write to let the story out so I can read it for myself.

And when I do that, I know I will touch others. I know the book will always be in the window of my mind and that too is an exhilirating experience. And though I have no clue if I will ever be famous or rich, I do know I have made my own world richer, and I know myself that much better.

Well said! I think that sums up my own motivation perfectly!

[aruna]

Apart form money? There is no apart from money. There is money or there is not.

That's why I left it out deliberately; while I assume that all of us would PREFER to have money coming in as a reult of our writing, most of us would PREFER to be their own boss as a result, many of us right here don't have that choice; some never will; and still they write.

Seriously, if I had to give names to other reasons for writing, they would be: 1. Because writing is something I do well. 2. Because I enjoy the process of writing. 3. Because writing lets me be my own boss.

I agree.

But if I did not get paid, I wouldn't be able to convince myself that I write well.

And if I did not get paid, I would not enjoy the process of writing nearly as much.

Here we differ; I would believe in my writing even if I didn't get paid, and would still enjoy it; money is really a kewl extra, which
allows me to be my own boss. And that IS important for me!

[writerterri]

To touch lives.

Therapy.

I like the sound of the keys hitting the key board.

Writing makes me think.

I like to mess up a good piece of paper.

To entertain people.

[roger]

This was easy. Self-expression. To get out what's inside. If you do it honestly, unflinchingly and compellingly then I think one or two of the other things may follow.

[williemeikle]

I'm with Stephen King on this one.... his answer was "What makes you think I have a choice?"


Willie
http://www.willie.meikle.btnternet.co.uk (http://www.willie.meikle.btnternet.co.uk/)

[Grey Malkin]

Well said, Willie.

I clicked on 'other' because I've got to go along with what many people have said; it's just what I do.

I remember as a kid I spent £300 on a typewriter/wordprocessor - a monstrous device that printed very slow - and my mother went daft, calling it a waste of money, unless I got published, which would somehow justify the money. It didn't bother her that my brother had spent more than double that amount on a hi-fi. When I mentioned it, her answer was, 'well that makes sense. He likes music.'

Gaaaaaaahhhh.:Headbang:

Mind you, back when I was a teenager I was convinced that I would be rich before I left school. Then before I turned twenty. Then before I turned forty...

And now I've been told that my chosen market (young adult) is the least lucrative area of fiction, and writers make sod all. So I can hold my hand up and say, 'nope, definitely not for the money!!'

Grey

[Beyondian]

I agree with williemeikle (and Stephen King for that matter). I can't NOT write. It's really as simple as that.

[pianoman5]

Samuel Johnson, with whom I feel a certain affinity as he once taught at my old school (a mere 230 years before I was there) had a lot to say about this matter:

No man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money.
A somewhat jaundiced view for one so prolific, but then, in his era, making a living at all was a more tenuous affair, and similarly cursed with many aspiring writers yet far fewer readers.

He also observed:

There lurks, perhaps, in every human heart a desire of distinction, which inclines every man to hope, and then to believe, that nature has given himself something peculiar to himself.
I guess that's what drives so many of us to scribble. I think it's why I do it. He also suffered exactly the same qualms as the rest of us when confronted by the plethora of choice in a bookshop or library, when we wonder how on earth we might carve out our own niche.

No place affords a more striking conviction of the vanity of human hopes than a public library; for who can see the wall crowded on every side by mighty volumes, the works of laborious meditations and accurate inquiry, now scarcely known but by the catalogue...
But it didn't stop him.

[eldragon]

I guess I'm pretty good at it, and wish I had started writing 20 years ago.


While people generally find me weird, unusual and aloof in person, I think they like me on paper.......or can identifiy.

Or, maybe not.

However, for me, writing is not fun at all. It's torture. I hate it. It makes me sleepy.

[jen.nifer]

Too many reasons why: to feed my individuality, for self-expression, I'm good at it, but most importantly -- for the way it makes me feel; warm and fuzzy inside!

[sassandgroove]

MONEY?

If I did that for money, I'd be broke...

SO it has to be for the love of it right? I write my journal to stay sane, and I write my novel because I have to. It's in me and wants to get out. I also hope, if it ever gets published, that it will touch those who read it. :)

[NeuroFizz]

I need intellectual challenges or I get bored and start trouble. It keeps me off the streets. The possibility of making money makes any intellectual challenge more appealing.

[blacbird]

You left off "Damn if I know." I used to be able to answer with any of the several choices given, "To entertain readers" being at the top of the list. Now, having no readers, that's the one I'm left with.

bird

[Jaycinth]

All except for 3,4, & 9. I write to keep from being depressed. Money, fame, fortune accalim and changing society are all well and good, but I feel out of touch unless I am writing something. And I seem to have these stories in me and they need to get out. So I'm writing them. I wouldn't even try to publish if not for my son and my best friend telling me I should. ("You better," is the way I begin their quotes.)

[scarletpeaches]

entertain, touch, and make it a better world... sounds like sex to me.

Writing's more fun on your own, though.:ROFL:

[banjo]

I'm a storyteller turned scribe. I want to share my thoughts and stories with posterity. I'd love to be paid for it; well if possible. But I'd do it anyway.