Why I Write

And Why Writing Matters

I write because I believe I was born to do it.

Hard to prove. Equally hard to disprove. Kinda like the existence of God. 

I write because I enjoy entertaining people.

When someone smiles or laughs or cries, or feels something beyond the usual dull gray tedium of modern living, it's worth it. That means something to me.

I write because I think the general purpose of everyone's life is to help the Universe fully experience itself.

With enough books, you can live a thousand lives. What would the purpose of consciousness be, if not to give the Universe one small piece of further awareness? A writer is in a unique position to do so. (Yes I know just how flaky that sounds. Whatever.)

I write to honor my father.

My dad was recently killed by an incompetent driver while riding his motorcycle. During one of the last conversations we had, he encouraged me to keep writing, no matter what.

I will, Dad.

I write because someone out there will be having a shitty day, pick up one of my books, and then have a less shitty day.

When I was younger, I used to think writing fiction wasn't that "important" in the grand scheme of things. I thought engineers and doctors and lawyers did more important things for society. But I was wrong. Storytelling is just as important as any other profession out there. And more important than most. Just ask the guy reading a book on the subway. Or the widow trying to escape from her mourning. Or a future president, holed up in a library somewhere, staying out of trouble. They'll tell you.

I write because this is America, damn it, and I can.

Too many people don't share of their talents in a more public way in this country. Guess it's easier to just shut up and go to work. Gone are the days of campfires, but we still have our freedom. Use it! 

I write because I'll meet people--cool fascinating people with interesting addictions--that I wouldn't meet otherwise.

There's a stereotype about writers being, for the most part, outsiders, addicts, and all around crazy people. It's true. Though I do not personally use drugs and my current level of alcohol consumption is very low, the "outsider / crazy" label fits perfectly.

I write because it's the only thing I'd do full-time even if I didn't get paid.

Point in case: I'm not getting paid now. 

I write. 

Period.