by Pamela Gifford

Created on: November 03, 2008

Why do I write? I write for many reasons, I suppose, even though most people want one clear cut answer. But there is no one answer for me here. I have several reasons why I write, which I will provide details to below.

The first would have to be because I'm not an articulate person. I stumble on my words through speech. Writing my words instead gives me a focus that talking does not. It frustrates me that I can't say what I mean or make my words come through very clearly. Being charismatic is not something I'm good at, neither is spur of the moment, or improv, speaking. However, when I write, I become tuned in to the words and begin to state things in a manner I cannot do through speech. Perhaps it is social situations that I'm afraid of. I'm not sure. All I know is that when I write, a calmness comes over me unlike anything else I do.

The second reason would have to be because I'm addicted to it. I've come to realize recently that writing is like a drug. I have to write or I begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. I've tried to run from it many times throughout the years but it holds me in place until I cave in and do it.

The third reason? Therapy. Like I said above, writing has a calming effect on me. I don't know of anything else in my life that has this effect. If I'm angry or upset about something, sitting down and writing it out helps me to see why I feel the way I do. I've realized many things in my life through writing, why I am the way I am, why I act a certain way during tough situations, why I feel so strongly about various topics. It helps me find myself and once I have done that, I can continue on with my life with a new sense of well being.

The forth reason I write is for the sheer power of it. The power of the written word is like the sun coming up in the sky. The intensity of it is overwhelming sometimes. It can inspire people, it can make people laugh, it can change someone's life. Having that kind of power at my fingertips is, in one simple word, awesome. If I can touch someone through my written word, then I've done my duty.

The fifth reason, and I say this knowingly, is for fame and remembrance. Long after I am dead, my writings will live on for the world to see. Whether I reach the stars of fandom is something which remains to be seen. While there may be some writers that would scorn me for saying so, I do hope to make a great deal of money from my work one day. There aren't many writers, I don't think, that would disagree. However, for a writer to openly admit their aspirations of wanting to be rich and famous one day is a stigma among the trade. It doesn't lessen my talent in any form or fashion but instead keeps me treading on.

There you have it. That is why I write. Did you want a clear cut answer? Okay, for a penny's sake, I'll give you one...

I write because I have to.

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