Why write?

I once wrote the words 'I do not write because I must. I write because I can.'

Like being able to whistle, or sing, or do cartwheels, it was fun to do for its own sake, and a pleasure to share with others.

I've done it so often, and for so long, I've become a bit of a word junkie; I get irritable and out-of-sorts when I'm not writing and am only at peace when I am. I don't dwell too much on the why – it feels good, it's not illegal, so why not?

I am fascinated, though, by what motivates others t...