Why Do Writers Write?

I don’t why other writers write, but I can tell you why I do. Once, I started on this path, I found I couldn’t quit, and I tried. Every time I received a rejection letter from submitting my work to an editor or agent, I wanted to crawl into bed and pull the covers over my head. Always, I promised myself I would never write another word.

After a month, two, or three, I would start writing all over again, and then I became a contest junkie. At first my scores were low, then they started edging up and I would think I’m on my way. The last contest I entered, I received three good scores and one really bad one, and that was the last time I entered a contest. It’s depressing to get a rejection letter, but it’s equally so when you fail in a contest. Sometimes the judge tells you why, and if the other judges do not say the same thing you’re wondering who is right. Each and every time, I’ve wanted to quit, but I can’t.

Peter De Vries:
“I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is the paperwork.”

Love is too strong a word for me to use. I really have a love-hate relationship with writing. I can’t stop writing. When my writing is going smoothly I love it, but when it’s not I hate it.

Many writers think they’re going to make big bucks. What they don’t seem to know, but soon learn is that it may take years to get published, and then it takes a long time to build your readership. Most quit when they learn they can’t just sit down, write a book and sell it.

Frank Herbert:
Money to a writer is time to write.

The only reason I write is because I can’t stop. Money isn’t a motive, or I would have stopped long ago as I haven’t made any yet.

Laurel Goodman:
If they didn’t pay me, I’d do it for nothing.

Fortunately for me, I’m retired and receiving a pension and social security, and my husband is, too. For that reason I do not have to make a living writing, but it would sure be nice to make some money for so much effort.

Irving Wallace:
Even if I could not earn a penny from my writing, I would earn my livelihood at something else and continue to write at night.

I spent many years writing while I worked for a major airline. It wasn’t easy, but I still finished several books.

Louis Untermeyer:
Write out of love; write out of instinct; write out of reason. But always for money.

Why do you write? I’ll look forward to hearing from you.

Have a good week.

Sandy