Why?

Sometimes the most obvious questions - the first principles type - can get overlooked, and this little rambling is an attempt to address one such omission.

I was privileged to be invited to the launch of a new Writers' Group this week, and one of the issues they wanted me to address was the very straightforward - why do I write?

Like many great questions, it's one of those which sounds simple but very much isn't.  It took a fair bit of thought to answer, but this is my approximate response.

Firstly, I suppose I find it a curious question.  It implies some sort of burden, even a chore, and for me writing is quite the opposite.  It started off as, and has always remained, primarily a hobby.  I love writing. Even as a kid I used to delight in making up stories and writing them down. I had many imaginary friends (some say I still do!)

I look forward to writing, to making my characters live, to capturing the world they know, to setting down the latest part of the story I'm working on.  I can't imagine a life without writing now.  It's that much of a delight.

On top of that, there's the ability to capture a thought, a feeling, a moment, an emotion, a situation in words.  You can make a statement and comment on life, positively or not, praise or have a dig, all in words.

It's also a great way of getting revenge on people, albeit in your mind.  When I'm inflicting harm upon a character, it is often a temptation too far not to think about someone you dislike very much!  I suppose it's therapeutic in that way, and far preferable to going out and doing it in real life.

And as for the joy of being published, I don't want to sound pompous here but now part of the pleasure of writing is the feedback I get from readers, telling me how they've enjoyed the latest tvdetective mystery, and wanting to know when the next will be arriving on the shelves.

For all those reasons, and many more besides, I write.  Which is just what I'm off to do some more of now, so please excuse me...

One final word for this blog, and it's a big thank you.  To the lovely people of the Rame Head Readers Group, and to Looe Library and its readers and staff, for making me so welcome when I came visiting last week.

There are plenty more events coming up this summer, including a Crime Readers Day in Bournemouth next Saturday (4th June), which I'm chairing (and doing one of my rambles too).  If you're interested in coming along, there are more details on the News and Events page - www.thetvdetective.com/news.html