It seems like such a pointless waste of energy, doesn’t it? Countless hours spent reading, researching, and procrastinating in order to plot out a fictional word that no one cares about. Except of course, you.
The reason I write is simple. Michael Jackson once said he was all filled up with music. I understand that statement, as does most every writer. I’m all filled up with stories. There are invisible people screaming at me in my head to type out their stories. They range from fairies to freedom fighters and all are vying for my attention.
In order to have some peace, I have to write. If I don’t, the voices get louder and more muddled as time goes on. They don’t just invade my waking thoughts though. They also like to attack me in my dreams. I can’t tell you how many stories I have written in my sleep. Thankfully I have been able to write some of them down upon waking, but like most, I forget almost all of my dreams as soon as my eyes open. Sad, really.
I don’t write because I think I will be rich and famous. The rich part would be nice, but fame? Bleh. I’m a very private person, so I cannot begin to imagine what Anne Rice or Stephenie Meyer have gone through. I don’t write because I want to show off my elite skills. I don’t have any.
In fact, when I began writing my debut novel, Ashes to Ashes, I had to learn all over again. The last writing class I attended was in High School – almost thirty years ago. Boy have times changed! I mean when I was in school adverbs were great! Dialogue tags were a must! Telling a story was perfect. Nowadays it’s – adverbs are bad, purple prose is bad, dialogue tags are bad, show don’t tell and the list goes on and on. Made my head hurt. Still does!
I don’t write for anyone but me. Sure, I’d love to have an audience one day, but for now, I write the books that are in my head. I entertain myself with my own words and characters.
Why do you write? Tell me in comments!
KM
Author KMSlemons 