Why Do We Write?

Why do you/we write?

That is the most asked question I’ve been, well, asked. (Aside from what’s my real job, but that’s a post for another day. lol) It just kinda struck me how I see this so often and wondered, “Are authors really that fascinating?”

The truth is, at least to me, a resounding, “Yes!” I’m the kind of person that loves to learn everything I can about people and their work. What’s more fascinating than feeling as though you connect with someone else, even if it’s just through a simple thing like a similar thought or belief?

I had that moment when I read Stephen King’s On Writing. More than anything, learning that he’s mostly a pantser and likes to start with placing a character in a situation and let them work their way out. Until then I felt like a freak with everyone telling me I needed to do outlines so I know what happens on page 30 and page 173 and so on. If nothing else, knowing that’s how he writes vindicated me to myself and boosted my confidence to new levels.

You never know when something will click with another published or aspiring author, and I think it’s for that reason I decided to write this post.

One of the things I’ve learned over the years is we all do things for different reasons when it comes to writing. Believe it or not, that’s not something that was apparent to me early on.

My reason is simple: Escapism.

Growing up, I was the quiet kid with few friends so I always had my nose buried in a book. Anything from Treasure Island to Star Trek was a fixture in my backpack. It was fun to escape into the different worlds and forget my troubles (Usually homework and tests).

When I started writing I didn’t have anything more in mind than to share my ideas with my friends. It was one of them that told be I should write a book. I was hesitant at first, but after a couple of weeks of him berating me to do something with my talent ( I never looked at it that way) I gave in and started writing Call of Poseidon.

One of the ways he convinced me was by saying how he lost himself in my stories. That’s when it struck me. My goal became to simply entertain and offer others the same escapism as I enjoyed as a kid and, hopefully, make a living at it. Over the last few years I can’t explain the wonderful feeling I get when someone tells me they love this story or that one. Each time I feel like I achieved my goal.

How about you? Do you want to change the world? Rule the world? Or just entertain the masses with your stories? I’d love to hear from you guys. 🙂

 

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