Sometimes there is one answer to the question, other days the question is more of a negative, "Why am I writing?" This post is going to be short. No lessons, no advice to new writers. Not even an answer to the second question as to why I am still writing.
I could use the standard answer I've heard from writers which is, "Because I can't not write." But I won't.
And because I am also a reader, my hope is that by my writing, whoever reads it enjoys a respite from their own travails as they fly with dragons and sail with mages.
~till next time, Helen. And be sure to visit the other posts in the challenge to see how the authors answer the question, "Why I Write?"
I wish I could feel that writing was an escape from reality. I envy writers who can do that!
ReplyDeleteI figure if I can't escape into the story, then my readers can't. Of course, immersing myself is easier for me when its fantasy. No ties to the real world.
DeleteNo need to be elaborate, sometimes simple is best. Writing is like reading where it can be an escape. You can have things go a certain way when that's not how life is currently playing out. This week's posts have been interesting. So many different reasons got us to the same point.
ReplyDeletelove your point that a good book doesn't have to mirror life. Set up a round of Happy endings for everyone.
DeleteI love both reading to escape or escaping in my writing.
ReplyDeleteI think if the world is real enough for me it is for my readers. And you made the turnabout point to which I heartily agree. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteIt really IS fun to enter new worlds through our writing!
ReplyDeleteI know I'll never get to the stars, fly with bomber crews of 12 O'clock High or ride the desert dunes with the Rat Patrol, but I can in my dreams. Travel without the hassel.
DeleteI remember a time when I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted to be....ballet dancer, nurse, vet, archaeologist....well now I can be whatever I want, and live vicariously through my characters!
ReplyDeleteAirplane pilot, starship engineer, archaeologist, computer designer, astronaut. Studied for one, worked as another, worked on battlefield and history house digs. The one thing I didn't want to be as a historian and author. School turned me off on writing. Fate takes strange twists as for many years I've been both. Now to decide a career for my characters. Your ideas sound good.
DeleteGreat answer. I think from now on when I get to write, I'm going to remind myself that it's a chance to escape the realities of my world for another, more magical, one.
ReplyDeletethank you. glad you stopped by.
DeleteI like your approach: writing as an adventure.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you said you didn't want to go with the 'cliche' answer when I thought your response was the cliche so I avoided it in my post! Lol. Regardless, it is extremely true on my end as well, that to write is a means of escape from the everyday madness that is my real life. It is probably the most rewarding reason for writing! (and reading)
ReplyDeleteYes! Reading has always allowed me to live vicariously, so I can see where living the fantasy is a big part of the allure of writing. I never thought of it like that. :)
ReplyDeleteOver the years a number of authors have told me how through their characters they are able to do things they would not normally, or act in ways that isn't in their nature. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI love the escape from reality that writing and reading provides.
ReplyDeleteI think too often as writers we focus on our craft, on creating the book. We forget that we are readers also and lose the joy escaping into a good book provides.
DeleteI'm in agreement that reading AND writing is a wonderful escape. Both have gotten me through some tough times.
ReplyDelete