Why writers write – and why do YOU write? This week at a writers’ workshop in downtown Boulder, CO a former English professor from the University of Colorado asked me why I think writers write.

His question sparked an interesting conversation that made me realize… you might want to be part of the conversation and share your opinion.

* * *

Why Writers Write – Introduction

I’m not a black and white thinker. Quite the opposite. So, when the good-looking and good-natured professor asked me why I think writers write… I answered in the way that I answer most questions.

I said, “It depends.”

That’s because, in my book, every writer is different.

Now, before I share my very long (and occasionally funny) list of reasons why writers write, let me tell you why this should be important to you. Understanding your purpose, motivation, or “mission” as a writer is critical for two reasons:

1. It makes your writing more focused and clear
2. It helps you stay inspired and consistently producing

If you don’t know why writers write (and, more specifically, why YOU write), your writing isn’t going to be as good as it could (should) be.

So, here’s a list of reasons why writers write. It’s not a complete list – that’s what I need you for. After you read the list (below) I hope you’ll tell me (and everyone else here on my blog) why YOU write. Maybe you’ve never thought about it, but I bet you have.

Either way, I’d love to hear your opinion…

* * *

Why Writers Write – The List

1. We think it’s going to be easier than it is
2. To communicate something
3. We love reading
4. To educate others
5. To entertain others
6. To entertain ourselves
7. We were inspired by another writer
8. To inspire others or to be inspired
9. We like the sound of our own voice
10. To connect with others
11. It feels powerful
12. The way it feels when you finish
13. There are too many drunk people at sporting events, so it’s better to stay home and write
14. To get a reaction when people read your work
15. The way people respond when you say you’re a writer
16. To be liked or loved
17. To solve a problem
18. To lead others
19. To start a movement
20. To change the world
21. To make money
22. To become famous
23. To impress someone
24. To leave a legacy
25. For enlightenment
26. For healing or therapy
27. To learn about something
28. To find clarity about something
29. We don’t know how to stop
30. It quiets the voices in our heads
31. It’s a better outlet than drugs or bungee jumping
32. Somebody once praised our writing
33. Loneliness
34. Boredom
35. We’re good at it
36. We want to be good at something
37. We’re not that good at anything else

* * *

Remember, this is only a partial list…
and I don’t want to know why writers write.

I want to know why YOU write.

So make sure you post a comment below!

– Mark
* * *

Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent