Why Do You Write?

A number of people who follow this blog not only enjoy reading, but also write. In general, I’m finding that a good number of the people who participate in online reading groups are also writers. Some are published writers; some, freelance writers; some, indie writers; some, aspiring writers. Most of us are some combination of those.

This led me to ask a fundamental question. I’ve always assumed I knew the answer. But after considering it, now I’m thinking I’ve probably assumed too much.

The question is: Why do you write? Not just what do you hope to achieve in your writing career? But what does writing do for you? And why is that important to you?

Many writers, for example, say they’re trying to “get published.” I don’t know why they’d want that, however. In most cases, when you “get published,” you get it alright. “It” being much more work and very little money. The vast majority of titles published by third-party publishers never sell enough copies to make back the publisher’s investment.

But maybe you want to get published to satisfy a different need. Maybe you want to see your name in print. Or to be a part of the “published” insider’s club. But is that why you write? Just to be part of an insider’s club?

Or are there other reasons?

• Do you write in order to express your passion?
• Do you write in order to expand your mind and grow as a person?
• Do you write in order to give enjoyment to others?
• Do you write in order to connect with other writers?
• Do you write in order to make a difference in the world?
• Do you write for the fame?
• Do you write for the money?

Me, I write, because I have passions, and I want to share my passion; because I enjoy stories, and I want to share that enjoyment; and because I want to make a difference. And because I want to become famous (which isn’t working).

(By the way, there’s no money in writing fiction.)

If you consider yourself a writer, why do you write? If you would like to consider yourself a writer, why do you write?

-TimK