why we write

It's funny, I'm often asked why I write?  It gets back to people not seeing it as a regular 'job' and therefore not understanding why I'd spend so much time doing it.

This question used to frustrate me.  One, it made me feel like they thought I was wasting time and two, because I didn't know myself, I couldn't give them an answer.

Writing is an art form, and all artists create out of passion, not gain.  So for people who aren't artists, this can be difficult to understand. 

Writers write because they have to.  If I kept all of it up in my head I'd go insane.  My mind never shuts off, I have a steady stream of thoughts, ideas, monologue going all day.  I write to process all that and give it an outlet.  Sometimes it's good, often it's just a relief to get it out.  I write like I breathe, it's a reflex and a must.  That could sound like I don't enjoy it.  I love it! I wouldn't want to do anything else, but it is a necessity for me.

I guess the only way to describe it to someone who hasn't experienced that need is to say - imagine your own hobby and then picture being obsessed with it, it takes over you mind constantly and then imagine being told you couldn't do it anymore. 

I've been writing 'obsessively' since I was ten-years-old.  I also read 'obsessively' too.  They go hand in hand, and whether you realise it or not, you are actually learning the craft.  The more you read, the more the natural setup, dialogue, structure etc. gets into your subconscious and the more fluent your own writing becomes.

I read, on average, a book and script a week, depending on my time and whether it's a series or not.  I will devour a series more quickly because I want to know the ending.  Likewise, when I write, the primary motivation for me is to get to the end.  I want to see how it plays out, so my first draft I tend to write in marathon sittings until I get it all out.  Then I'll take my time rewriting.

So, back to the question.  Why do we write?  I've told you why I write, now, why do you write?  When you understand your own reasons and motivations and accept them, you'll be less bothered about what people think, because at the end of the day as long as you understand yourself, what's it matter?

Happy writing ;)
Emma