I write fiction; if you write non-fiction, most of what I’m going to say won’t apply to you. Why do you write? I’m sure you’ve been asked that question. You’ve probably given an answer. I have—more than one—but those were quasi-truths. At the time, my answers were valid. I just hadn’t put enough thought into the question.
These things I’ve always known:
- I don’t write because I have to. Writing is not the reason for my existence. Nor do I need to support myself.
- I don’t write because I have some great message for the world.
- I don’t write because I think I’m a better writer than 90% of those published.
So, why do I write?
- I do write to entertain myself.
- I do write because I like playing with words. Seriously.
- I do write to clear some of these stories out of my head.
But, for me, the real question is why do I write what I write? Why are all my stories character-driven? Why are they all set in the real world (or real world plus a supernatural element)? Why are they mostly dark?
What the heck am I trying to work out?!
That’s what it comes down to for me. I write because I’m trying to figure out something. I’m searching for an answer. Maybe more than one. Probably more than one. Or am I just trying to discover the questions? I might not be ready for the answers yet. Hmmm … I must keep writing.
So, tell me—really—why do you write?
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