The bloganuary prompt for today is:
Why do you write?
The simple answer is: Because I must.
When I was a child I used to describe my story ideas as if I were standing on a high mountain pass looking down into a valley. The pass was blocked, but I could peek through and watch what happened in the valley. The valley contained stories, but only I could see into the valley to discover them and write them down.
Now, I focus more on the unique perspective every single person brings to their writing. There are only so many plots, character types and scenarios, but we will always have new stories because no one has, or will ever, experience the world quite like you.
Reading books has helped me learn about life and make sense of it. Books have educated me, befriended me, comforted me, and entertained me.
I am full of story ideas, worlds and characters. I even have extremely vivid dreams that often contain full plot outlines. I need to write regularly to express these ideas.
Writing my own stories has also taught me a lot about life. Figuring out how and why my characters behave the way they do, and the mechanics of their worlds, has given me greater insight into the real world.
The more I write, the clearer it is what I like to read about and what I want to reflect in my stories. I hope readers will be entertained, and that maybe one of my books will be the friend, comforter or teacher that a reader needs at that time, like other books have been to me throughout my life.
When it comes to why I write this blog, it’s because I wanted a place where I could share my stories, information about my books, and post book reviews, author interviews and musings about writing. It’s turned out to be much more than that, because I’ve connected with some amazing bloggers who are the kindest, most supportive and interesting people.
Now that you’ve heard about my reasons, I’d love to know:
Iseult Murphy 
You have to get some of those pesky characters out of your system or Dead Jimmy might just try to get you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He would! Thanks, Herb 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, as a kid you were very insightful/mature! I was throwing snowballs and doing cannonballs off the high dive. I write because it’s a way to express myself both creatively (those are the horrible characters… yeah, the horrible ones) and philosophically (those are the beautiful, intelligent characters… yeah, let’s go with that).
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Priscilla. I was sick a lot as a child, so plenty of time to think up stories!
I love your reasons for writing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is a lovely and thoughtful reflection Iseult. I have no idea why I write! Not having been accepted ever by a publisher (except for a couple of poems) I sometimes get befuddled as to why I doing it at all! I guess I’m compulsive, obsessive, and stubborn (just the way I like it!)
LikeLiked by 3 people
Three great qualities! (That I share). I’m love your writing, Bruce, and I’m very glad that you share it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Because I enjoy it, because people have encouraged me all my life, and if I didn’t, the stress and stories would build up in me until I exploded. That’s why I write.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so glad you do, Rami (apart from reading your excellent stories, I wouldn’t like you to explode).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, especially since I would then take my true form and go on a rampage. You know, just because it’s expected of me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it would be expected, and fun too, but I’d rather read more of your stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate that. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, I can imagine you living or vacationing in a mountain– probably the Himalaya mountain range. That’s so beautiful. I bet one can feel transcended when one can stand near it …
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! That’s a beautiful thought. The Himalayas of the imagination. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your image of the valley and the pass. It’s almost like glimpsing the truth of existence and trying to piece it together. The urge to write is a strange compulsion, I guess, or maybe I should call it a gift. For me, it’s an overwhelming urge to tell stories that I want to share with others, and I’ve had the urge since I was five or six. Can’t stop now! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s beautiful. I hope you never stop! I want to read more of your stories. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazing that you sometimes have dreams, which contain full plot outlines. My dreams tend to make no sense at all! Since I am not a writer, I can’t really answer your question, but I like writing blog posts to connect with other bloggers, to structure my thoughts about a book and to improve my written English (I am not a native English speaker).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! It’s turned out very useful for writing stories!
I love your reasons for blogging. Your English is so impressive, I would never have known you weren’t a native speaker. I’m in awe of anyone who can structure their thoughts and write coherently in another language.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww thanks. I actually think writing blog posts has improved my written English.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writing is one of those things I do. It’s like when cowboys ride bulls, or derby drivers smash cars, except that the smashing cars and riding bulls is probably cooler.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think writing is the coolest, but I might be biased.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That or bull riding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The pen is mightier than the bull! I think that’s how the saying goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds right.
LikeLiked by 1 person