Why Do We Write?

Why do authors write? There are probably several dozen answers. Here are some I've heard:

1. I can't help myself. (That's me)
2. To make money. (Poor soul unless he/she is like Nora Roberts et al)
3. So I can work at home in sweats. (Merline Lovelace once said that and I agree)
4. Because I have stories to tell and want people to read them. (Me again)
5. Writing is a form of immortality. (Oh, yeah?)

Most of us no doubt have multiple reasons for writing books, novellas, and short stories. Sure, I'd like to make money, who wouldn't? But that's not my primary motivation--which is really good, because I'm not making much here. But I want to tell all these stories collecting in my mind. In fact, all these people in my head need to be written down or they'll just keep hammering at me to do so. Writers understand this--we have to write! If possible, I want people to read my stories. One step further, hopefully readers will enjoy my various tales and be happy they read them--and want to buy my next book. See, this leads to the miniscule amount of money I'll make for each sale.

Okay, I also love the working at home in sweats, no pantyhose, no dress shoes, no makeup aspect, too. Who wouldn't love that aspect, especially is you've had a job that required dressing up? No transportation problems, no special work wardrobe, cut the cost of cosmetics, no business lunches or dinners--already my income has increased. Of course all bets are off for booksignings or presentations, but those are only a few compared to daily writing.

Immortality? Sure, print books are supposed to be a form of immortality. Shakespeare and other masters prove that. Truly I doubt the stories in mass market and e-books will be immortal, but I suppose there's always a possibility. Certainly I have authors whose books I save to reread. How that will translate to e-books is anyone's guess. How many books can an e-reader hold? Is there a way to transfer them to a CD Rom or something to store them for future reference? I don't have an e-reader yet, (it's high on my want list) so I don't understand all the functions.

How about you? Do you reread your favorite books? Why do you write?

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