Why even write?

[Neil]

I’ve been doing the internet interview thing again and recently I was asked something that I hadn’t been asked before. The questioned posed was; “What do you hope to achieve with your writing?”

I had to think about that one for a moment before I could offer a reasonable response. I’m actually not looking to achieve anything with my writing except to provide people with entertainment (an imaginary retreat from the real world). I’m not looking to win any big awards (though I’m not opposed). I don’t think I’m going to get rich from this (though that would be nice). And I’m not looking at my writing as a way to meet women (I’m married). So why exactly am I constantly in front of my keyboard tapping until carpel tunnel kicks in?

Simple, I’m addicted to storytelling.

I describe my books as quick, exciting, thought-provoking, powerful reads, devoid of mind-numbingly boring character details, but characters that will forever haunt your memory. My plots are both uniquely insightful and yet jarring at the same time.

I don’t think my books will ever hit the mainstream market but I could get a viral following of readers who want to experience the kinds of stories that stay with you long after finishing the final page. As one of my fans put it in an email to me; “I love your novels because I can read them in a few hours, which is good, because I can never put them down once I start one.”

Such high praise pinks my cheeks. The freedom of an author to write any type of novel they want without worrying if a certain publisher will accept the material is amazing. I will NEVER have a publisher or agent tell me to rewrite a novel again.

In my early, exciting days as a New York-agent-represented author I had several publishers tell me to take out what I thought were some of the best parts of my novels because they felt the scenes wouldn’t sell to the mainstream public. Well, guess what? I don’t want to sell to the mainstream public. I want to sell to people who are interested in reading something they’ve never read before, something that may touch them deeply or maybe scare the h*ll out of them. No boring, conventional, formulaic, mainstream stories here. Just a crazy, obsessed, introverted author airing out the over-cluttered attic of his mind.

To read more about me and my books please check out my blog: ALWAYS WRITING

Click here to read my blog!
http://www.neilostroff.blogspot.com

[Mercy]

Nice post Neil.

publishers don't always know what they are doing, tiffany reisz showed that when her best selling series was hard find to get a publisher and an editor who understood her story.

Also I believe many authors like you. We write for fun, for that thrill of having an amazing story that you wrote. It's a bit of a buzz.

[R.]

Neil, I agree with everything you just said. I started writing because I couldn't discuss books with any of my friends. They flat out told me they didn't read. I actually felt sorry for them because I couldn't imagine not being able to get into a good book and use my imagination. I knew what types of movies they liked to watch so I decided to write a short book for them to try. They all enjoyed it and wanted to read the next and the next. Now they read books on Amazon for enjoyment. I will continue to write, but they were the starting force for my inspiration. Though I get flack for my books being short and easy reads. I write for simple enjoyment and keep in mind my short read may be the first book a person had time to sit down and enjoy. I always appreciate your comments and posts because I know they are true to your heart. R. Holland

[Thomas]

That is a wonderful answer Neil.

I began writing because I had a story building in me for over twenty years. Many stories actually, but one that really drew my imagination. The writing fulfilled a need. It felt good to start getting it out, and even better to share it.

That story is out now and it has done nothing but feel good and spawn more story ideas in my mind.

What's more, the characters of those stories come alive inside. I draw them and paint them and they tell my more of their mysteries. I have been an artist all my life and the additional outlet of writing goes hand in hand with the visualization skills.

[Janelovering]

I write because I have to. Because the stories build up until they have to come out. But, unlike Neil, I actually enjoy having an editor and a publisher. They don't tell me what to write (nobody can tell me to do anything...) but they do stop me from being self-indulgent with my storylines and make sure that everything makes sense - I am seriously not the best person to know whether what I write is readable or not! I even enjoy the editing process, because I know it makes my books more readable. But I totally admire all those who go 'off the grid' and write only what their spirit dictates.

[Neil]

"I write because I have to" Great, Janelovering.

[[deleted user]]

I'll tell you one thing: that first post was some great self promotion. Where can I buy these books of yours? Could I get a link?

[Kelly]

I write because I don't want to work...I want to play.

[Neil]

Josiah, here's a link. There's also a link from my blog.

https://www.amazon.com/author/ndostroff

[Aaron]

Quite possibly the best expository on what should be the motivation for all writers. I am 100% with you.

[Justin]

Very nice post Neil, I totally agree. I like to think writing as not only as what I do but what I enjoy doing. You get fulfillment and satisfaction out of what you do as a writer and it's really not about the money or fame its about doing what makes you happy and appealing to readers. Write because you want to, write because your good at it, write because it just feels right.

[Jim]

Hi Neil
You are absolutely spot on. I like to tell stories, hopefully good stories, hopefully stories people will enjoy. Reading a good book can be, for me, almost like a holiday. A short break away from it all. And that's what I want to provide for other people.

[Neil]

Thank you all. Knowing I'm not alone in this writing quest helps quell the doubt-demons.

[T.C.]

I enjoyed your post and reading all the responses in this thread. I do believe that true writers write because they have a need to. You are so correct that all of the perks and recognition would be nice, but the simple fact is I write for the joy of it.
:)
Tammi
www.awritersdevotion.blogspot.com