Why Do I Write?

As this is, or was supposed to be a writing blog, maybe it's time I actually made a post about writing. Alright... Maybe I've made a few posts that were writing-related... But it feels like it's been a while. (To be honest, it's been a while since I've written any posts). Hence this one.

So, people seem to love the question "what made you want to be a writer?" or some variation of it. And my answer is generally "I've just always loved to write; ever since first or second grade even." But that's a cop-out. I've never put much thought into my answer as I didn't care. I like to write. I'm a writer. That's good enough, right? Well, I decided today that, no; it's not good enough. I want to answer this question for myself. Why, when I have done almost no writing in the past few months, do I love writing? Why do I call myself a writer still? Sure, I have one finished manuscript, but I'm not nearly as ready to publish as I thought I was. And while I wait on that, I should be writing more! I have a score of ideas that are simply waiting for me to stop messing around, stop plotting, stop coming up with new ideas, stop procrastinating, and simply write them! But why? Back to the original question, what made me want to be a writer in the first place?

And I have an answer...I think. Yes, I have always loved writing, and yes, it's the only thing that's ever really stuck with me, but why? My answer isn't that "I love to write". If that were true, I wouldn't go through such long periods of not writing. My answer is that I have so many stories to be told. Stories that I love, stories that I've created with characters that are dear to me. I feel like I know each and every character. They're "my loves". And the stories playing in my head are special to me.

I'm not sure that's the best answer in the world (or the best worded), but it's my answer. Take it or leave it, so to speak.

I'll hopefully be more consistent with the blog posts (I know, I say that every time, but I have a tiny bit of a game plan this time). BUT if you have any suggestions for what I should write about, let me know! Comment or email me. (:

Until next time, my friends!