Why Women Write: Part One of Two

We asked, “Why do you write?” To persuade? To inform? To change the world?

In 1946, George Orwell wrote an essay called, “Why I Write.” This popular piece explained who he was, and why he decided to become a writer. What were his motives? What were his desires?

We at Women Writers, Women Books, however, wanted to know about you. Why do you write? What unique experiences have shaped your want, or rather, your need to write? What pushes you to pick up your pen or your laptop and get to work?

And so we asked, “Why do you write?”

And you responded.

The answers were varied. Some write because it’s their job. Some write because there is something inside of them that makes it impossible not to. Some write to make the universe make a little bit more sense. Some write for comfort.

To seek sense in the nonsense. The world confuses and fascinates me. Writing is both cathartic and exploratory. Natalie Lucas

Others call writing an addiction.

…I write for my ownself because it helps me to destress,i love to write i feel good after i write,i like to write stories..i have written few and i am still writing! I write just for myself! Tanya Jain

At first, I had a story in my head that needed to come out. Now, I’m addicted. I can’t not write! Kristi Lloyd

Some write because they can’t not write.

I’m an artist but one day an idea formed that I couldn’t paint. I tried to ignore it until I couldn’t sleep for thinking about it. Once I started to write I couldn’t stop, wanting to keep going until I’d finished. And then, of course, I’d made a hash of it, new ideas forming, new ways of organising it, new characters clamouring to be included. I think it’s almost done, three years and twenty-ish redrafts on. Ele Nash

I write because I have to – it’s in me. I was born this way and I can’t describe it any differently. When a story’s under my skin I am possessed by it until I have written it, in whatever form. That said what I write, I am very aware is not neutral. At its core, is the story. I do believe literature is as important, or as unimportant, as a human life. It should take the chance to hold the mirror up to society. There’s no reason it can’t be an amazingly good read at the same time! Rosemary A Johns

I write because I can’t seem to stop myself. I write to learn, to express, to reflect, to communicate. I’ve done it for so long that it’s an integral part of who I am. Rebecca

Because when I’m not writing it down on paper or typing it up, I’m writing in my head (at its worst when I’m trying to go to sleep but keeping myself awake with a story; at its best in a shower or when new ideas strike when I’m out and about). I don’t have a greater reason than that, just that I have to. Pax Asteriae

I write because Writing is my Voice. A voice which is constantly whirling inside me and struggling to come out. Rajani Arya

To have fun.

Because I need to express myself creatively. Also it’s so much fun creating a story. Libby 

To inspire.

I write to inspire others to fully embrace and pursue their fullest potential. My goal is to catapult others in desiring to transform from living an ordinary life to an extraordinary one! I love to share my own daily struggles in life to let others know that they are not alone on their journey and they can have hope for a brighter future. Lisa

I write to inspire others that they are never alone in their struggles, whatever they may be. Theresa Gober

To be recognized.

I write because I love to write and to be creative. I like being able to put down words in a way that will have an effect on the reader. I want to move them, make them laugh, inspire them, make them think. I like the challenge of writing something very short but complete, flash fiction. I write because I want to be read. So I suppose you could say I want to be recognised as a writer. I am not young (60) but I hope there is still plenty of time to fulfil those literary ambitions that I have, a novel, a prizewinning short story, a play, lots of flash, some poetry a screenplay….have I forgotten anything? Ninette Hartley

To make others laugh.

As a TV writer for Mary Tyler Moore, Cosby, Lily Tomlin specials, My Sister Sam, and many others, I write to impart my opinions and to make you laugh so hard that you don’t notice I slipped in my philosophy of life. Karyl Miller

Sometimes people tell me that my writing makes them laugh. Which is the best reason of all. Denise

As a calling.

I write because it’s what I’m supposed to do. Now I’ve found my outlet I’m embracing it. Struggling, but embracing. Artycappuccino

You know that smell a new or old book has when it is opened? Sticking my nose deep into the margin and just inhaling…I love that. I remember reading my first, thick novel when I was a young girl. It left me breathless — as though my world ended when the story came to a close. Since that moment, I have wanted to leave someone breathless. I write because I want someone to experience what I experienced. I want to share the lives of my characters and have them touch someone deeply. Cry when they experience sadness. Laugh when they experience joy. Awaken when they experience clarity. Rachel Karp

View part two.

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First of all, I want to thank all of you that commented on this post and shared your thoughts and experiences with us. We couldn’t have done this without you.

Second, if your thoughts were not included in this post, do not fear – there will be more posts that ask for your responses. Comment on the post (not on Twitter!) to make your thoughts heard.

And, finally, if you have a blog/website/social media link that you would like connected to your name in this post, email me at rachellewis@booksbywomen.org with “WHY I WRITE” in the subject line and your name and link in the body of the email.

 

Tags: the power of writing, why I write, why women write

Category: Being a Writer, Contemporary Women Writers, Women Writers