Why do you write?
I do have a reason for the question ;-)
The other day, I was out with my friend, and eventually, I couldn’t help telling her about the original fic I am writing and that I hope to find a publisher for it. I also said that, if I don’t find one (which is the most likely option), I would publish it with my own money, for a few friends, (*cough* Maybe not my family!) and one or two others.
She looked at me as if I had suddenly grown two heads and asked my why I would do such a stupid thing, and I said, I want the damn story to be read, I want feedback, otherwise I wouldn’t have written it.
In reply, she called me an arrogant exhibitionist.
Well. That made me smile, because it is true, and it made me ponder. If the story ends up in my desktop drawer, I won’t bother writing the already planned and outlined sequel. I will solely stick to HP fanfiction, which I love to write, because there, I get reviews. I need feedback. I write for reviews. I want my stories to be read, no matter how silly/bad/cruel/pornographic they are, and now I wonder if you have the same motivation. Do you write for others, or do you write no matter if anyone reads your stuff or not? Someone I know writes 1000-pages-thick historic novels and won’t show them to anyone, not even hubby - I think she’s weird, my friend thinks she’s the true artist who doesn't want nor need feedback.
And therefore, I thought I’d pas the question on: why do you write? What’s your motivation, what triggers your ideas, what makes you happy when it comes to writing?
Feedback is appreciated ;-)
sam