Why Do Writers Write?

Why do writers write?

Is it for fame?
Very few become “known.”

Is it for wealth?
Unless you’re J.K Rowling, Stephen King, or the newly acclaimed author of the Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer – you’ll probably never make a fortune. Most writers hold down other jobs in order to supplement their income.

Is it because of a deep-seeded need to leave a legacy? Possibly.

Then why?

After all . . . writers spend countless hours at their computers pouring out their stories, their thoughts, and their hearts . . . only to be often told their article or novel isn’t good enough, not marketable, or any number of reasons why the editor can’t or won’t publish the work.

Some deal with friends and family not understanding why they’d put so much time into a “hobby, or so much effort into something that doesn’t yield immediate financial rewards.

Ask any writer and they’ll tell you why.

It’s because we can’t not write.

It’s in our blood, our genetic make-up . . . our spiritual DNA.

I like how Diane Fromme - a writer in Fort Collins, Colorado - put it when she wrote a slogan for a bumper sticker.

Writer: One who brings life to words and words to life.

Why do writers write?

The truth is . . . deep down we have a desire to make a difference. We believe that if our stories – our words – can bring even one person to be:

touched

encouraged

inspired

brought to laughter

provoked to think about life and people differently

or given a reprieve from the day’s struggles

then we’ve done our job.

We’ve used our God-given gift and done what we’re called to do.

That’s why a writer writes.

Dawn