Why do I write?

I guess it's a question that most authors ask themselves, especially when facing the daunting task of crafting the next novel—or revising their first shitty draft (mine are very shitty). After all, writing is hard work, and without a strong sense of purpose, it's easy to lose your way.

Personally, I have numerous reasons.

Creativity

First and foremost, I love the creativity of writing. It's a thrill to conjure entire worlds, populate them with complex characters, and weave intricate plots that keep readers turning pages. It's like being a master puppeteer, orchestrating a grand performance where every word counts and every clue matters.

Legacy

I also write because I want to leave something behind.

I’m a big fan of the podcast “The Creative Penn.” This podcast is all about self-publishing, and Joanna Penn (the podcaster) is so inspiring. She has a quote that really speaks to me: “I measure my life by what I create.” I completely stand by that. Each book I write is a piece of myself that I leave behind. My novels will hopefully still be here long after I’m gone, waiting to be discovered by new generations of readers. It's a humbling and inspiring thought that keeps me typing away, even on the toughest days.

Making a difference

Through my stories, I can explore complex themes, illuminate chosen issues, and perhaps even change a reader's perspective. Novels aren't just whodunits, fantasy tales, or rom-coms; they're a lens through which we can examine the human condition, challenge assumptions, and inspire empathy. I like this quote by Epictetus (Greek Stoic philosopher): "Books are the training weights of the mind." Reading is my favorite kind of training!

Love of storytelling

Of course, it's not all lofty goals and deep meanings. I write because I'm utterly in love with the storytelling process. There's magic in watching a narrative unfold, in experiencing those moments when characters take on lives of their own and the plot twists in unexpected ways. It's a journey of discovery.

Words are my jam

Then there's the simple fact that words are my jam. I relish the challenge of finding the perfect phrase, of crafting sentences that sing and paragraphs that resonate. Language is a playground, and as a writer, I get to swing on the monkey bars of metaphor and slide down the alliteration slide daily.

Entertainment

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I write to entertain. There's no greater joy than knowing that my words have provided an escape, a thrill, or a moment of pure enjoyment for someone else.

So there you have it—the reasons behind my writing addiction. It's a complex cocktail of creativity, legacy, impact, storytelling passion, word-love, and the desire to entertain. These threads bind me to my craft, push me through writer's block, and propel me toward that satisfying moment when I type "The End."

What drives you in your pursuits?