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.
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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:
- It makes your writing more focused and clear
- 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…
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Why Writers Write – The List
- We think it’s going to be easier than it is
- To communicate something
- We love reading
- To educate others
- To entertain others
- To entertain ourselves
- We were inspired by another writer
- To inspire others or to be inspired
- We like the sound of our own voice
- To connect with others
- It feels powerful
- The way it feels when you finish
- There are too many drunk people at sporting events, so it’s better to stay home and write
- To get a reaction when people read your work
- The way people respond when you say you’re a writer
- To be liked or loved
- To solve a problem
- To lead others
- To start a movement
- To change the world
- To make money
- To become famous
- To impress someone
- To leave a legacy
- For enlightenment
- For healing or therapy
- To learn about something
- To find clarity about something
- We don’t know how to stop
- It quiets the voices in our heads
- It’s a better outlet than drugs or bungee jumping
- Somebody once praised our writing
- Loneliness
- Boredom
- We’re good at it
- We want to be good at something
- We’re not that good at anything else
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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
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Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
I wrote my first novel because I thought honestly that I have something to tell the world about which most people haven’t thought cogently or consciously and I sincerely felt my thoughts might trigger their imagination towards finding solutions to our existence.
I (want to) write each novel/work for a different purpose…clear, specific and that which elicits sacred responses.
Hi Gopal, thank you for posting… that’s a wonderful reason to write.
Wishing you much success!
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I think I have something to donate to others. I want to give and make a difference.
I think my wriiting may be entertaining. It might be educational. Lastly it might be a
legacy-that I left the world a better place in a small way.
Love it…
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I write because I don’t know what else to do and writing seems to be a good idea, or the only idea.
Hi Rajeev, perfectly valid… and that’s why I started writing… many many years ago. 😉
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I write because I can. On a good day, the process is remarkably validating.
Hi Edie, I love it… that’s where all great writing starts!
If I can help you with anything, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Happy New Year!!!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark,
At first I thought the question was an easy one to answer but as sit in front of my computer writing this the truth is; I have no idea why I write. When I get an idea for a story it’s not like I have to get it down on paper it’s more like I must and that feeling burns inside me until the story is finished. Then as soon as it’s finished and edited I feel a temporary sense of euphoria then plan the next one.
Interesting question – wish I could answer it better. | Why Writers Write
I believe your answer is quite simple. You write… because you can’t sleep! Just kidding, although it’s 3 am where I am here in the Denver area. 🙂 By the way, there are no right or wrong answers to some of these questions that I raise. So no worries. Based on your response, I think you might be clearer about your motivation than you realize. I’m glad I got you thinking. Just don’t think too hard. 🙂 Mark | Why Writers Write
Initially, I became a writer to be seen and heard. Over the years, writing has taken on a larger dimension than the self. Today I also write as a means of expressing my love and gratitude to my family, friends, and countrymen for the stories they have blessed me with, stories that have made the story of my own life worth telling. Because of them, I persevere.
Hi Rafaelito, thank you for sharing that, there are many reasons to write and your reasons are really good ones.
All my best, and enjoy your day,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark,
Good reasons to write. My prime reason is therapy/healing . It’s an outlet, a way of escape. When you write fiction, you can be anyone, go any where, do anything and it’s a great feeling. My problems, worries and even joys becomes someone elses and I can communicate it through stories anyway I want to. I do like the response I get when I say I’m a writer. I do hope to make money. 🙂 I enjoy entertaining people with my stories. Creativity and imagination is a beautiful gift! 🙂 | Why Writers Write
Hi Sabrena, beautifully stated. And I believe that’s the formula for success… writing first from a place of passion or meaning, and then trying to be conscious enough of your target market and the publishing industry to create a commercial work. Thanks for posting. Always good to see you here. Mark | Why Writers Write
I love words. They’re edible, crunchable, palatable, digestible, soothing, satisfying, delicious and tempting. They’re like food, but better as they cost me nothing to savor. It’s a Peter Pan Syndrome, I guess. I can chew them like a peanutbutter sandwich with its gritty nutty paste and oozing, sweet syrup of the blackberry jam between spongy freshness of whole-grain bread or linger over them like shimmering port sipped from an exquisite cut-glass snifter with bitter chocolate mint on the side | Why Writers Write
Hi Pogo, when I starting read your post (too fast) I mis-read the word “digestible” as “disgusting.” Made me laugh and think about the fact that gross and macabre words and imagery can be equally “savory.” Your post also inspired me (just now) to pour myself a little cognac and light a candle as I keep enjoying (and responding to) delicious comments like yours. Thanx for posting. 🙂 Mark | Why Writers Write
i think you bring out the best of my writing. You know “disgusting” is actually a pivotal word and could have changed everything and opened a whole new stream of thought and it would have been more like Virgina Woolf who liked balancing everything neatly. It’s also a bit like the wonderful passage in “Nausea” that i treasure where Sartre balances the beauty of paper fragments with the sordid that he plucks from the trash and dog-poop. So let’s revise with your misreading:
I love words. next: | Why Writers Write
I love words. They’re edible, crunchable, palatable, disgusting and revolting. Smooth as mint juleps on sultry days served with airy sugar wafers and odorous as sulfur fumes belching form smokestacks that smother the world in toxicity. Environmentally friendly they make happy tummies, but antagonize them and they become cancerous hostile enemies that destroy from within with every breath. | Why Writers Write
You saying that I bring out the best in your writing… a great compliment. When it comes to my “mis-reading” and your previous reply, perhaps we might just say that… to love words, is to love them all? Like learning to appreciate the “flaws” of a good friend or our beloved? I wonder, do I say stranger things when I’ve stayed up too late, or gotten up too early? Maybe I shouldn’t try to philosophize, or write, before my first cup of coffee. Good to see you pogo. 🙂 Mark | Why Writers Write
Why I write: I love reading, to entertain, to create a moment, inspired by other writer(s), it feels good, because there are too many drunk people at bars and sporting events so I’d rather stay home and write, sheer escape for ME as well as my readers, I love to make stuff up and, MOST of all, if I don’t write, I annoy the hell out of my friends with these really long, long FaceBook posts and/or emails. Cheers~! | Why Writers Write
Wow, how could I forget “Because I like to make stuff up”? I never would have thought of the last one about writing to avoid annoying people with long Facebook posts and/or emails. That’s awesome. But you did leave one thing out, dear Lois. You write NOVELS because you’re awesome at it. I guess it probably wouldn’t have been polite for you to say so. But I can. 😉 Mark | Wry Writers Write
HI Mark!
I write because this is the way of allowing my audience to be whomever they want to be. I mean, I create a world allowing the reader to escape temporarily from the pressures of their everyday life, and dive, head-first, in a world of intrigue, suspense, fantasy, romance-whatever falls within the realms of their desires. If I can do this for the reader, then I have fulfilled my purpose for putting in all the dedicated hours that I spend in front of my laptop. | Why Writers Write
Hi Juanita, those are the words of a successful (or soon-to-be-successful) author… constantly conscious or your reader, not just attached to your own ideas/agenda. Bravo. Mark 🙂 | Why Writers Write
I love the sound of words. Putting words together is like composing music to create a mood. | Why Writers Write
Hi Rinda, seeing your words on my blog is music to my eyes. Warm wishes. Mark | Why Writers Write
I wish I had seen this last week before I got into a debate rabid writer who went to the Van Gogh School for sanity. If you want the messy details, read
http://laura-moe.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-disturbing-comedy-of-writing-life.html?m=1
Van (Gogh is one of my favorites, though. You and Ingrid are beautiful. | Why Writers Write
Hi Laura, I left a comment on your blog… Regarding the beauty comment you made, it’s all Ingrid. The closer I stand to her, the better I look. 😉 Mark | Why Writers Write
Why Writers Write: Every writer, regardless of genre, comes to life when a voice from the ether of silence whispers, “I need you.” Some writers hear a phrase or see a billboard and ask: “How can I utilize that in my next editorial piece?” A child screams with joy or fear and we ask why? Some of us read a book and steal (all right, borrow) a phrase or a character trait. We wrestle with a word until it either floats away or comes fully to form.
I think writing is a need in the form of a want that begins the journey. And, it is the creative, in all its forms, that force us to declare: “Here I go!” I love this last phrase because I never know where “…go” will take me. That path is the responsibility of the words swirling and forming in my head that direct my fingers onto a keyboard. | Why Writers Write
Hi Janet, be careful who you tell that there are voices in your head whispering to you. ;o Just kidding. So many wonderful things in your comment. I think my favorite is what you said about “writing is a need in the form of a want.” Thanks for sharing your inspiration and poetry with me and everyone else here. And keep writing. This is your year. 🙂 Mark | Why Writers Write
Many of the reasons listed apply to me but when I distill it down to the most basic driving force, it is more than just a desire for me, it is a need. Even when I’m not writing, I’m thinking about some aspect of it. I’ve even had dreams about writing. I also love the feeling of creating it gives me. My writing is an attempt to paint a picture that immerses my readers and evokes their emotions. | Why Writers Write
Hi Carol! I like your description. My dreams about writing are usually nightmares. It’s me editing the same phrase or sentence, again and again and again… until I wake up with a headache. 🙂 Maybe I’m not loving my writing enough when I’m awake, and that’s seeping into my dreams. Freud? Jung? Is there anyone out there that can help me? Anyway, good to see you on my blog Carol. Hope to see you again soon. Until then, I’m sending you well wishes for a wonderful weekend. Mark | Why Writers Write
I can relate to many items on your list of why writers write. I started writing because of number 32-my mom praised a poem I wrote in fifth grade. I KEEP writing because of number 30-it quiets the voices. When asked, I usually phrase it this way: If I didn’t write, my head would blow up.
Thank you again, Mark, for a wonderful, encouraging article!
Mary Ellen Martin | Why Writers Write
Hi Mary Ellen! Good to see your comment… but please don’t let your head blow up. The bit about your mom praising you made me think of another item for the list. This one is personal but you can generalize and make it work for you. It’s the opposite of praise. One of the things that probably inspired me to write more (even though it’s counter-intuitive) is the English teacher who gave me a D- on my paper based on my interpretation of a poem. I’ll show him. 🙂 Mark | Why Writers Write
I think I can identify with many of those 37 reasons above 🙂 | Why Writers Write
Hi Celeste! Just saw your comment and thought I’d say hi. 🙂 Mark | Why Writers Write
I looked over the list and found that #3 Love to read and # 30 it quiets the voices in my head, would be two of my comments. I also like weaving a story out of something I have experienced. I like knowing the one little thread holding the story together. It is great fun! | Why Writers Write
Reading is essential for writing. I’ve never met a decent writer who didn’t read a lot. | Why Writers Write
Why do I write? Because my head hasn’t got any more room for the characters who play in the empty space between my ears. I have to let them out to relieve pressure. 😀 | Why Writers Write
Hi Glynis, I love it. It’s much healthier to get the characters inside your head… OUTSIDE of your head, on paper. Otherwise it can get a little crowded in there. 🙂 Darn, why didn’t I think of that one? That’s a great one. Mark | Why Writers Write
🙂 LOL, thanks!| Why Writers Write
Obsession. After well over forty-thousand hours of writing, it’s impossible to not write, to not want the goal you set out to accomplish become real. So you write. You query. You accept the rejection process. And then you get up the next day and start all over again. And then you make yourself feel better by glorifying the art and the drama, but it really is an obsession when you can’t not write. And the glorious feelings of acceptance and publication cannot be denied. Because it does happen! | Why Writers Write
Wow… such a “dark” word, obsession… feels so impulsive, dangerous, and out of control… when I know you’re a spiritual, character-centered guy. 😉 Hmm. Maybe your writer is your “wild side.” 🙂 I wonder if anyone has ever explored the possibility of “writing as a disease.” Maybe there’s some kind of medicine or cure for it? Oh, there is. It’s called publication. Nah, that doesn’t fix it. Just makes it “worse.” Here’s to you, Mr. Tom… one of the dedicated ones. Mark | Why Writers Write
I write to inspire, to educate, to entertain. To change the world, to cause a movement, to heal people… and because I have words / thoughts / ideas inside of me to share. That’s the main reason. I write because it is who I am | Why Writers Write
Hi B, just saw your comment and wanted to wish you a wonderful weekend. Thanks for posting and I hope your agent search is going well. Mark | Why Writers Write
Letters together make words that convey meaning that the letters themselves don’t possess.
Words together convey meaning that the individual words themselves don’t possess.
The sound and rhythm of words, sentences and stories add colour, light, tone, feeling and convey yet more meaning.
Writing, for me, is about employing words to convey experiences beyond words….. I love the infinite puzzle of conveying something beyond words, through them! | Why Writers Write
Hi Lesley, thank you for taking time out to share your “poetry” with me and everyone else here. Your words together make meaning out of the morning that would have been for me empty otherwise. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂 Mark | Why Writers Write