Why do you write?

I write because I like to be creative and have stories in my head that scream to be put on the computer. Then when I'm in the middle of a story, I dream it and have to get up and write, until nothing is left to write.

I write because I love it. I've done a lot of things. I like video games. Playing my tuba is fun. Riding my bike is a nice way to pass the time. But the thing that has me coming back for more for years has been writing. The idea of not writing is just painful to me.

Even if the bombs fell, and I was one of the huddled survivors, living in a sewer with five extra arms from the radiation, I'd still write.

It's hard to explain my love of writing...I'm thinking because my mind finds connections in things and I like finding connections in things. I'll throw things in the air. Romance, best friend from high school, writing, whatever the word is, I love connect it and, not just connecting it, but also making it a good, sound, honest connection.

And finding these connections makes me giggle with glee.

And then there is the time where you phase out and the words come fast and long, and then you blink...and you read what you've written and think: I wrote this?

Writing, for me, is something I can not live without. It's like an idea spittoon...but less gross. If I didn't have writing, I'm sure my head would explode, as the ideas would pack up too much.

It's not an escape. My life is happy, and I have so many other ways to get out. Easier ways too. I can just boot up Fallout and spend time picking through irradiated nuclear wastelands. I can grab the Eyre Affair and laugh myself silly for a few hours. I can hop on my bike ride till I'm tired. I can listen to Tom Leaher sing the greatest satire this world has ever seen.

But writing...writing is the one that sticks, you know. Some day, the lyrics will be old, the game will be predictable and the book will be memorized.

But writing will always be there.

Why?

I write for money, I write because it's something I do well, and I write because I enjoy the process of writing. It's a package deal. Take away any one of these things and I'd find some other way of filling my hours.

I started writing out of boredom from staying home. I was raising my kids, but I was still left with a sense of non-accomplishment. Sure, the house was clean (WAS, not anymore), the kids were thriving (that's still true), but where was I in all of that? What happened to the girl?

So I decided to do some self-analysis, figure out why I was so deflated, what I could do within the limits of the lifestyle I'd chosen to boost my self-esteem and energy and joy of life. It turned out that expressing myself creativly did wonders, even though my watercolors kinda sucked. I ended up taking a creative writing class, sold two of the short pieces I wrote for it, really liked that feeling, so I kept at it.

I guess that's the long way of saying I write so I won't go insane.

I write because it's fun. I write because I like being creative. I write because I like making up stories, characters, etc. I write because I love it.

And yeah, there's also a hope of publication in there as well.

It is an intellectual challenge driven by creativity, shaped by somewhat fluid guidelines (what publishers will buy), requiring mastery of technique while allowing extreme innovation. And it has a potential payoff that can be emotionally satisfying, financially rewarding, or both.

And, you thought I was going to say that my muse won't NOT let me write... (this is an exact quote I read somewhere. Sorry, I can't remember who said it, but the person wasn't a professional writer)

JoNightshade said:

Writing isn't easy. So here's a question. Why do you do it? What makes it worthwhile for you? What are your motivations?

It's the only way I can make the little men go away who live in the walls. LOL!! Hey, I'm a writer; what do you expect?

I write b/c I love making up stories. I can be whomever or whatever I want. I can be the hero, the villian, the damsel in distress.

Do you do it for money or fame (or for the hope of it)?

I'd like to be a full time writer when I grow up. I don't care about the fame, but the money, yes. Have to pay off the morgage and all. Don't want to live in a box writing stories all day. That would really get me in the funny farm.

Do you do it because you want to have an effect on others' lives?

I'd like folks to enjoy the story.

Do you do it to escape your boring, everyday life?

Ya caught me!! Actually, my life is boring, so it's nice to slip away.

Do you do it because you have multiple personalities and numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5 need a constructive way to express themselves? (Please seek medical help.)

I have 6, do I still need help??

I'm sure all of us have a combination of many reasons. But what are your major motivators?

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See above. YOu hit the nail on the head. i have to go now. My personalities are fighting and it gets kinda rough.

kim

I write because I'm unable to not write. It's a part of my life and has been since I was 11 years old. I think the money will be an even bigger incentive to continue writing, if I ever get a book published. But honestly, I can't see myself not writing. It's so much a part of me that I cannot bring myself to stop.

I write because I love it. I love the emotions, the highs and lows. I love the way the characters lead me and know where the story is going.

I write because when I don't, I feel more stressed and out of sorts.

I don't need fame, but I do want to be published and have someone else see a version of what I have written. I want to make someone else (many someones I hope) feel something.

If my thoughts came to me more spontaneously and in a more organized fashion, I'd love to be a stand up comedian. But alas, I'm the one that always comes up with that perfecty witty response an hour after the moment has passed.

With writing I can take days, weeks, months to come up with the perfect lines. I write to entertain, to make people laugh, think, feel, and laugh some more.

Nicole

I write because the story won't stop poppin' into my head until I put it on paper. After that I write because the characters drives me. And after that I write because I'm so far in I can't turn back; I have to reach the ending. Then, It starts all over again.

JoNightshade said:

Writing isn't easy.

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Isn't it?

I've never found it difficult. In fact it's the easiest thing in the world for me because it's what I'm meant to do.

All writers are vain, selfish, and lazy, and at the very bottom of their motives there lies a mystery. Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist or understand. For all one knows that demon is simply the same instinct that makes a baby squall for attention.

--George Orwell

scarletpeaches said:

Isn't it?

I've never found it difficult. In fact it's the easiest thing in the world for me because it's what I'm meant to do.

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That sums up what I said quite effectivly. It just feels right.

I write because I'm lousy at keeping secrets.

I write because I have stories to tell.

I write because I feel like I have to, like it's something that's a part of me. I'm good at it, and I make money from it.

It's like having a special talent that maybe lots of people have, but fewer people are motivated enough to make something of it. Like a carpenter who builds things on the side. Or an office worker who sings in a club.

I wanted to write a book, so I picked a topic that was interesting to me then researched and wrote about it. Then did two more.

Now I'm writing fiction. I'm writing it because I have a story to tell that I'd like for others to enjoy. And if my time gets paid for by book sales, then that's great.

Writing takes priority over other things I'd like to do. I'd love to play video games, watch movies, shoot pool every night or even learn to play piano.

But I'm writing instead.

allen

I write because the other 2300 people in my head MAKE me.

I write because, if I didn't, the Muse would stop visiting my dreams. That sounds like some kind of romantic notion, but it's not. I've tried it. It made sleeping suck.

I write because, like Ms. Parker said "I hate writing, but I love having written."

I write because, every rare now and again, something flows out of my head, and down through my fingers onto the screen that makes my mind go "holy crap, that was GOOD."

Why do I write? There's absolutely nothing on TV.

Okay, seriously: Because I love books, I love to read, and there are stories in me that want to be told.

Writing is free, and therapy is not.

Legionsynch said:

Writing is free, and therapy is not.

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Good point.

I write because it makes me happy, even when I'm losing sleep over it. I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

It would be great to get paid for it, but even if I knew that was never going to happen I think I'd probably still write.