Saturday, June 2, 2012

Why do you write?

Quick question for you today, writer friends:

Why do you write?

I'm writing an article for a start-up magazine my brother is involved with. He's asked me to write about writing, and more specifically (in his words):

Why do you do it? Where is the magic? Is it the science of the plot? Is it falling for a character? Is it being able to create a world? Write something that might inspire a potential writer to try their hand.
Make it less about the nuts and bolts and more about the inspiration of why you chose writing - or writing chose you - as a passion.


Well, I know why I write, but I'm interested to know what's going on with you. What is it that grabs hold of you and pulls words from your brain to the page? 


5 comments:

  1. I could write a book about why I write. I always think of Anne Lamott's quote: "let's not forget the dogs, the dogs in their pen who will surely hurtle and snarl their way out if you ever stopped writing, because writing is, for some of us, the latch that keeps those crazy ravenous dogs contained."

    The simplest way I can put it? I write because it's the only way I can commune with my soul.

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    1. Great quote, Holly. But I think your own words are just as brilliant. ;)

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  2. I write 'cause I love it! I know that sounds simple, but it's also true. I guess I love to create characters who are going to have great stories to tell (or I think they're great). And to see them triumph in the end is what I love. Then again, sometimes my characters don't have very nice times.

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    1. Great answer, Trisha. This is why I write too. :)

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  3. My characters. Some of them come alive and demand that I write their story. There's a certain magic to getting to know them. :-)

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