Why do YOU write?

For the past four weeks, I have featured first-person essays by professional TV and film writers from the terrific Why We Write site (here). The site was started by Charles “Charlie” Craig and Thania St. John as a way to give writers a voice during the 2007–2008 WGA strike.

I found it fascinating to see the variety of reasons from all those writers. One common theme: They write because they have to.

How about you? Why do YOU write?

I encourage you to think about that question as there are times when we find ourselves up against it, wandering in the wilderness, or just plain worn out by our writing experience. Understanding what is at the core of your desire to be a professional writer can be the one thing that keeps you from giving up, that single aspect of who you are to which you cling in bad times. It can also be a shining light in the good times to help keep you focused and your priorities straight.

If you feel up to it, head to Comments and share your thoughts with your fellow writers here. Or if you are inspired to pen something longer, I’m happy to read your emails for possible publication here on GITS.

Why do you write? It’s a question worth pondering.

Thanks again to Charlie Craig and Thania St. John for giving an outlet to WGA members during the last strike and through their website providing a source of inspiration to countless writers.

I have asked Charlie to do a Q&A about Why We Write as well as his TV and film career, and he has kindly agreed. Look for that in the next few weeks.

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