by Linda O Johnston
As I’ve said before, writers write. But why?
I’m sure we each have our own reasons for wanting to write and to get our work out there in various ways for others to read.
Sometimes it’s because we have things to say that we want the world to know about, right, you writers out there? That’s one reason I write. Anything good about dogs is best for me.
But why else do I write?
Well, it’s who I am. I started writing as a child. I even had a story about a couple of kids who got together to travel to see the world. My mother saved what I wrote, and I think I have a copy—although I’d have to hunt around to find it.
And after? For one thing, I loved my English classes, learning spelling and grammar and how to write. I still have an affection for grammar, although it’s changed over the years. Who would have thought that?
In high school, I got into advanced English. And then, when I went to undergraduate school at Penn State, I majored in journalism with an advertising option. That helped since I also did some writing and editing for my dad, who had an advertising and public relations agency, and I eventually became his employee. Before I became full-time there, I wrote articles for a small newspaper, making use of my undergraduate degree in journalism. But while I worked for my dad, I met the guy who became my husband and he got me interested in law school. And yes, although that involved a lot of reading and studying of law cases, there was writing involved there too.
When I eventually started practicing law, I did write some legal briefs, then became a transactional attorney. And I’ve always said that contracts are just another form of fiction!
As I practiced law and before, I also started writing actual fiction, and started getting it published–including winning the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for the best first short story of the year for my first published story—and so it continued.
Why? Because I loved it. Still do. I like trying different forms of fiction, though now I’m concentrating on romantic suspense and mystery.
How about you? How and why did you start writing? Did you always like it? Do you like it now?
Write on!
The Writers in Residence 
well, here is why I write… I want to share things I know and have learned. Sometimes it’s to educate, and other times to help others cheer up and even laugh!
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Enjoyable reasons, Jackie! And laughing always works well.
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There are as many stories about why we write as there are writers. But aren’t they interesting. And we can use our journey in our writing because it adds to the story we’re telling. We can tell about our passions like your love of dogs or about current events or past history as long as it tells that story. Ain’t it great!
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I obviously love it, Gayle! And each of us of course has a very different story, despite the results–writing and sometimes publishing–being the same!
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Even as a child, I had a strong sense of justice and crime fiction appealed to me. I wrote Nancy Drew-type stories in grammar school, but didn’t write in earnest for several decades. My strong sense of justice prevails. Plus I love solving puzzles and exploring relationships.
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Definitely a wonderful reason to be writing, Maggie. I always enjoy it when justice prevails, in real life and in stories. Puzzles and relationships are definitely worthwhile too.
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I think, like our fellow bloggers, I have a need to write…. kinda like breathing, for me! My writer’s mind never seems to switch off. I want to share ideas, thoughts and ideas. Even if it doesn’t always get put on a page – I am writing in my head…
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Keeping our minds active by thinking and plotting even when not writing is an excellent way to live, Rosemary. I certainly enjoy it!
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Since childhood I’ve needed a creative outlet – without one I’d shrivel up and implode. I switched between writing and art over the years, but ultimately chose writing when I couldn’t find art classes that meshed with my schedule. Now I’m experimenting with photography as well as writing. I like to tell stories, whether with words or pictures.
Have a good summer and continued healing.
Miriam
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