Why do I write?
I write because a very long time ago, I discovered the hidden worlds of stories I’d feign illness to stay home from school to immerse myself in. As I read their words, I wanted to someday be like those authors who took me places I could only imagine existed.
Arthur Conan Doyle, Hammond Innes, Alistair Maclean, Franklin W. Dixon, Clair Bee, and Carolyn Keene were responsible for my faking that sore throat so many times. And I’ve often rationalized my dishonesty by telling myself that I probably learned more at home, cuddled up with a Hardy Boys book, then in that dreaded math class at school!
I write because there has always been a desire within to create some of my own stories—ones that others would like to read. And I would like to think that there might be, somewhere, an impressionable young person who’d rather skip school and stay home because he/she simply couldn’t wait to see how my tale would all turn out!
I write because there’s the need to shape and mold things with this strange and wonderful language of ours. I find many rewards when I’m able to piece together some thoughts that stretch my mind, my memories, and my path ahead.
I write because I also believe that all of the experiences I’ve accumulated through my many years are waiting to be shared through writing about them. For as long as I can remember, I’ve romanticized about sitting at a keyboard and pounding out my thoughts and ideas and bringing to life all of the things I’ve been through—from young days to the present.
I often question just how many of these experiences are of interest only to me, the writer, and not to others out there who couldn’t care less about any of it? I suppose that’s the chance all writers take when they sit down and begin the journey that is writing.
I write because that journey is not an easy one, either, but well worth all of the ups and downs and pitfalls endured along the way once the end is reached.
I doubt, though, that the end is really ever reached. Once we think we’re done, we’re really only beginning. It’s on to the next thing. And because there’s always that chance to start something that will turn out OK, I relish the challenges and the ups and downs and pitfalls once more. I like beginnings!
Down Many Roads... 
I’m with you on the math, Mark! I’d take Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys over Algebra anytime. This might sound like an odd reason, but I write to relax. For me, it’s a great stress reliever. Write on, my friend!
Yep, writing is one of the best stress relievers I know of. And thank you for backing me up on the math thing! 🙂
Old enough to remember the well written word and grammar.
Thank you, Poor Robert!
As a mathematician I have to disagree with some of your post. I do enjoy a book that makes me feel like I’m hiding behind a rock or tree watching the story unfold as if I’m there. Many a book has done that for me, weather it be non fiction, fiction sci-fi or whatever.
Thanks, John. Nothing against math people (my best friend taught math for 35 years!), it’s just the subject that I always dreaded. Anyway, I’m glad you checked in. 🙂