Why write? Is there a reason other then creativity that makes you itch to describe something with the written word? Are you inspired? Did something happen to make you pick up a pen or open a blank word document? Was it a sight, a dream, or a person that made you want to record things in writing so they will never be forgotten? Or did it sneak up on you unawares? Have you told stories since you were a child, or did something make you change? How does the desire to write affect you?

Why is it that we writers feel such a need to write? I wonder at it in myself. In day to day life I watch the seasons- and I write the descriptions of what I see in my mind, like a narrator does to their typist. When strife happens, I use words to describe the pain. Or with indescribable joy: I wish for a pen and paper to find letters and words to relate how I'm feeling. I am constantly trying to form my mind's images and emotions out of words.

Are our desires just to record things for our own benefit lest we forget, or do we wish to make the world feel how we do? Is it possible to find a reason why our minds continue to form words and descriptions for the things that affect us? Can we explain this uncanny desire; this urge to craft a masterpiece out of black and white? If anyone can, it's us!

So, why write?

Poetic thread, Busheh.

I can only speak for myself, but I write because it's how I express myself (as I also express myself with music). It's easy and simple for me to sit down and type up a story with a character that is feeling like I am, but not outright say that the character is feeling like I am. It's my way to relax at night when I can't sleep or to sort of forget everything when I'm having a bad day.

Some of my best stories come from those moments when I just pick up a pen and start scribbling, not caring about anything. I write for those moments.

I guess I can say those are also the reasons that I started writing in the first place. I loved words and I loved grammar, even more so, I loved taking words and stringing them together to make a story that teaches a lesson. At first it was just for fun, but as I grew older I began to like writing more and more and now it's more of a serious hobby, but it's still fun.

Bethany Faith

Thanks so much for sharing, Bethy!

I guess writing ourselves a character that feels similarly to how we do at times in life gives us (in an upside down - back to front kind of way) someone to identify with, or something to identify with us. Characters I feel the most for are ones who have gone through the same things I have.

I was the same. I always loved grammar in school, especially when I had to write essays or short stories, and I guess my desire to become an author has been built on that.

Still; as much as I love it, when I'm standing outside of an evening and I view a beautiful sunset, it irritates me that my mind goes, "Wow, that's awesome! I should write about that..." instead of just admiring it! Conversations in my head usually go:

Me: What a beautiful sunset. The clouds floating past catch the dying rays, causing the clouds to shine golden and pink...
Bush: Ugh, enough already! Can't you just look at it and admire it without trying to describe it?
Me: Oh yeah.
*both watch for a while*
Me: *muttering* As the sun sinks further the pink shades darken the clouds to a deeper violet... what's another word for "violet"?
Bush: You're doing it again!!!
Me: Oh! Yeah! Sorry!

And around, and around and around they go.

Haha, I used to be annoyed at myself for doing that, but now I just find it fun. It's sort of like how some people take photos, others paint, and someone else writes songs about sunsets...well, I write stories describing pretty sunsets. It's just another way to capture the moment.

Bethany Faith