Top 10 Reasons I Write

I originally started a post on Top 10 Reasons to Get Up in the Morning, but after struggling to even come up with one–and considering “because I have to” really isn’t that good of a reason–I switched to writing.

I started writing my first novel when I was 13. I look back on my first chapter and shudder, but the point is I kept writing. Yes, there were periods of time when I was unable to write due to life and such, but I always returned. I HAD to return to writing, which leads me to my first reason I write.

1. I have to write. There is no choice in the matter. Writing is like breathing.

2. Ideas are like chiggers to me. They get inside and niggle around until there is nothing left to do but get them out. Although, I’m thankful to have never experienced chiggers firsthand.

3. How else am I to show off my spectacular vocabulary and grasp of the English language?

4. I love reading and am constantly finding myself inspired by words. Growing up, my mom took my sister and I to the public library once a week and we would check out our weekly limit of books. When I would finish a book, I was always adding my own chapters or characters to continue the story. It’s only natural that would turn into writing my own books.

5. Imagination is something I am in constant supply of and think it should be encouraged in others. I am saddened by the lack of imagination in many of the younger generations today. I hate to blame video games, because my own imagination is often sparked by the few that I play–with the glaring exception of Tetris as I have never played a game of Tetris and then written a story about the nefarious world of stacking blocks in lines of 4–however, it seems people are too willing to have entertainment just handed to them instead of creating their own.

6. I want to have people read my books and feel the same way I do when I read an amazing story.

7. Writing allows me a tax write off for my pen and notebook fetish.

8. I consider myself a very creative person, however, I can’t draw to save my life. Seriously. I’ve had people not know what my stick figures are. You do NOT want me on your team for Pictionary. I can’t paint either, unless you count Paint By Numbers. I’m really good at those–when I’m not busy knocking the turpentine all over the painting and the wooden table underneath. Sorry, mom. Which leaves my creative outlet as the one thing I can do, write.

9. How else am I going to pay for my muscle car collection?

10. I have so many worlds and characters talking in my head that if I wasn’t a writer, I’m sure I’d be institutionalized or at least heavily medicated. *glances around furtively* Uh-oh. Didn’t the men in the white coats get the memo? I’m a writer! The voices are okay. GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!!!