I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked why I write. This question comes up so often that I’ve been thinking about why I write a lot lately. Authors spend hours alone writing. They miss out on a great many things in order to create stories for the world to enjoy. Literature (either fiction or non-fiction) is often, these days, seen as a commodity, something to be consumed and moved on from. This is not the case for other artforms. Writing and by extension writers are only as good as their last story and if you don’t have something shiny and to give consumers, they will find something else and move on, forgetting all about you and your works.
Obviously, this isn’t the case for all writers, some authors move on to be legends, were their works are taught in schools and studied in university. But for a vast majority of writers (as I would assume would be the same with other artists) few reach any kind of acclaim. Most authors barely make back their advance (assuming they received one) According to Indeed (March 2021) a fiction writer can make anywhere from $15,080 to $127,816 per year, depending on experience, the writing subject matter, contract terms and book sales.
That doesn’t sound too bad, right?
Well, I can assure you these number do not reflect reality. Not for me or any of the authors I’m familiar with. Few authors make a living off their writing most, if not all, have full-time or part-time jobs to put bread on the table. Some have a spouse that supports them and their writing dreams. Can an author make a decent living? Sure. Will it happen? If the stars align and the writer gets lucky; perhaps.
Why am I sharing all this with you?
Well, I decided to ask authors from all over the globe who write in many different genres; why they write. Here is what they said:
Richard May (United States) – I write because I want to communicate to the reader they are worth loving. I want to show them it’s possible anywhere, anytime.
R.L. Merrill (United States) - I write to bring people hope and make this world a better place. I write to honor the people I’ve crossed paths with in my life who have faced and overcome life-changing obstacles. And I write for myself, to help me continue learning and to find peace in my chaotic brain.
Glenn Quigley (Northern Ireland) - I've always created art. Whether it's through paint, or pencils, or pastels, I've always felt the urge to create. Writing allows me to do that in unique and engaging ways. It lets me create whole worlds in a few lines. As an artist, what could be better?
Jonathan Pongratz (United States) - I write because I want to share the dark stories that pop into my head with the world. I love to take an idea that may seem like it's been done before and corrupt it until it's something completely different, something harrowing and terrifying that keeps people at the edge of their seats. Sometimes the monsters win, and sometimes we're the real monsters.
K.S. Trenten (United States) - I write because I live for story. I don’t just want to experience them as a viewer or reader. I want to create them, weave tales of my own, inspire the kind of wonder in others stories inspire in me.
Randall Krzak (Scotland) - It wasn't until I was getting ready for early retirement when a longtime work colleague and friend suggested I try writing a novel. I had never thought of doing this, but I thought, why not? So I gave it a shot. He was right--it appears I have some semblance of ability in creating imaginary plots, although I do include as much realism as possible.
Hans M Hirschi (Sweden) - Why do I write? I think it’s because I have no say in the matter. I kind of have to. Plus, I’ve always missed the kind of stories I write when I was a “mere” reader, the mundane, ordinary people who just so happened to be like me and my family.
J. Scott Coatsworth (United States) - I write because I have to. Because there are stories inside me that want to come out. Because I am happier when I am writing and feel sad when I’m not. And because I read Lord of the Rings in third grade and said “I want to do that.”
Kevin Klehr (Australia)- I write because it's one of my favorite ways to express myself, sharing personal stories and the wisdom of friends obscured with speculative fiction. I also find it therapeutic, sorting through my life both past and present, reliving entertaining moments while resolving dramas with the help of my alter egos.
Barbara Russell (New Zealand) - I'm afraid I don't have a beautiful reason. I write because I like it.
Tim Walker (England) - I write about things that interest me, but as fiction. I've written historical fiction stories that reflect my interest in certain sites I've visited and periods, and a children's book series with my daughter, based on her interests and ideas. Structuring a story is a fun thing to do and it never ceases to amaze me how a story can take on a life of its own and lead me in unexpected directions.
Jane Jago (England) - I write because I don’t know how not to. It’s as natural as breathing.
Margena Holmes (United States) - I write because I have stories to tell and like Jane, I don't know how NOT to write (I've tried). I love creating worlds (even within our own) and telling the story.
W.C Quick (United States) - I write what I have always enjoyed reading, fantasy and science fiction. I prefer character driven stories, alternate reality fantasy and apocalyptic Sci-Fi with compassion and humor.
Aryl Arthur Shanti (United States) - I write because it's cheaper than therapy.
Becca Jones (United Kingdom) - I write because my head is full of stories, and I need somewhere to put them! I write all different formats, from novels to film scripts, and I love finding the best way to tell a tale. World building and character development is my favorite parts of the craft.
J.P. Jackson (Canada) - I write stories in order to explore my darker nature. Writing allows me to create fantasies where anything and everything can happen, and I get to choose whether or not the cops are involved.
Wayne Goodman (United States) - I like to tell stories, and, hopefully, stories that other people will find of interest.
As for me, I write because there are stories in me that need to be told. Stories that I didn’t get to read as a youth. I wanted to see myself in the stories I read, so I write. I hope with each story that people out there will find them and enjoy them seeing life from a different perspective and hopefully that new level of perspective will help to make the world a better place.
You can see, there are as many reasons for an author to write as there are authors. The important thing to take away here is that authors write for the love of the craft. So, when you pick up your favorite book, or when you wonder why an author is taking so long to come out with the next book in their series, remember they are creating a piece of art, something for the world to enjoy, and they are putting out a part of their soul for the world to view. Always try and show the authors you enjoy some love, be it a review, letting your friends and family know about their work, or simply sending the author a note letting them know that the story they created mattered to you.