I Want to Write a Book, and Here’s Why
December 12, 2007 · Written by Melissa Donovan
A few days ago, Anne Wayman of The Golden Pencil asked, “Why Do You Want To Write A Book?” While commenting on the post, I started thinking about all of the reasons I want to write a book. What is it that drives us to do what we love? What moves us to reach for certain goals? No person can answer such questions for another, but I can share my own desires and the motivations behind them with you.
Legacy
I would like to leave something here on earth that will be around long after I’m gone. I believe that throughout the course of our lives, we gain wisdom and knowledge (at least I certainly hope so), and writing a book presents a unique opportunity to share such knowledge with others. Fiction writing goes a step further because it has a special ability to capture the essence of humanity and the human experience in an engaging and creative manner.
Ideas
I have so many ideas for books, both fiction and non-fiction, that it would be a waste to never see them realized (in print). Interestingly enough, this is also one of the reasons I haven’t written a book yet; I have so many ideas that I tend to jump from one to the next without finishing. I am constantly barraged by characters, plot ideas, and scenes. I think it would be a shame to keep them all to myself, because some of them are actually pretty good.
Wisdom and Experience
I think going through the process of writing a book, from start to finish, will be a wonderful and enlightening experience. I also feel that there is much wisdom to be gained from that process. Exploring characters, for example, will certainly lead to greater understanding of human psychology and relationships. Any non-fiction project is sure to increase expertise and knowledge about the topic at hand.
Career
I’d like to have my own career, which means I won’t be dependent on some company to see to it that I have a job and steady paycheck. I’ve worked for two start-ups that went under, and while I’d probably join a start-up again if I ever had to take another day job, I very much prefer bearing the responsibility for my own financial fate. I also like being my own boss. Can I take a vacation? Why of course you can! How about a raise? Most definitely! It’s pretty nice. Now, if I can turn freelancing and blogging into becoming a published author, that will be some career!
A Story to Tell and a Message to Spread (Expression)
I have a story to tell, several of them actually. Some of my stories are just glimpses into the reality that we all know. Other stories contain cleverly woven messages or ideas about the workings of our world and the threats and dangers that we may (or may not) someday face. In general, writing allows us to express ourselves, our stories, and our ideas. Writing a book, to me, is a huge accomplishment in self-expression.
Creativity and Accomplishment
Speaking of accomplishment, having a book published is an enormous one. Writing the book is an achievement in its own right. Getting it published means that someone out there believes in your work, and feels it’s worthy of an audience and has the potential to make money. It’s not always desirable to connect creativity with money because the two are often at odds with each other, but it’s a wonderful thing to make a living doing something you love!
Fantasy
Most of my book projects are in the science-fiction and fantasy genres. What other medium allows you to fly a dragon, soar through outer space, or blink through time? Writing opens up new worlds, and it’s a way that you can create worlds of your very own. I love that! Sure, video games and movies let you escape into strange fantasy worlds, too, but you don’t get to create those worlds and all the people and creatures that live in them!
It’s What I’m Good At
Writing is what I’m good at. So good, in fact, that I know the previous sentence does not adhere to the rules of proper English. I have a knack for written communication, a passion for reading, and a voracious appetite for all things word and grammar related. I even like styling and formatting written content.
I Think I Should Listen to My Mom
She’s been saying it for years: you should be a writer. Shortly after I started freelancing and blogging, she said, I always knew you’d be a writer; I just had this feeling. She went on to explain that she thought I’d be writing books, not copy and web entries. My mom is wise when it comes to things like this, so I’m pretty sure I should heed her advice, and that’s exactly what I intend to do!
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Those are all great reasons for wanting to write a book. Leaving a legacy is a big one, even though few will admit it. It’s human nature to seek out immortality; whether it’s having lots of offspring, diving into a religion, or even writing a book! Literary figures (or anyone who has written a lot in his/her lifetime) are usually the ones that get remembered the most.
Ideas are another big one, at least for me. When I get a great idea for a novel or story, I get excited and want to write it down immediately. Of course, ideas are also my curse, as I have given up on many story ideas to pursue a new, better one (those never seem work out either).
Great post!
Wow! I can relate to ALL of your “Why I write”’s. Well, except the ‘good at’ part. I’m still learning. I love language. I guess that counts for something.
If you’re determined to begin a book and see it through to the end you need to raise the stakes and make it a significant, timed goal. I’m with you through it if you need company and accountability! I keep stalling on my own WIP so it’s nice to share the novel-writing experience with others. Especially since we both love the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre.
I must say, Melissa, that your mom sounds just like mine! I wonder if they’re related…
Seriously, my mom has said the same exact words to me!
I want to write my book(s) for many of the same reasons as you. Only I’m not the Sci-Fi/Fantasy type. I long to inspire and encourage…
Amazing post! Very inspiring… I enjoyed it very much!
Smiles,
Michele
LOL — When I told my mom I wanted to be a writer, her response was always “Can you make a decent living doing that?” I think she wanted me to do something nice and “practical” like be a bookkeeper. The only downside to being a bookkeeper (which I actually did earlier in my career) was that every workday made me want to slit my own wrists. Other than that, it was great.
I like your list, Melissa. I would add another, sort of related item: I have some ideas that are just too big to properly unpack in less than 100 pages.
Great reasons M… go for it!
There are many good reasons to write a book, you’re right.
As far as publication is concerned, self-publishing is something I thought was a fool’s errand until I read the eBook
‘203 Things I’ve Learned about Writing, Marketing and Selling Books’, downloadable at
hellomynameisscott.com
He makes a good case that unless you’re Stephen King or Malcolm Gladwell you aren’t going to make money selling through book shops - publishers only put effort into marketing bestseller-types. Amazon and your own website are the answer, he says.
All excellent reasons, and I’d like to add one more:
Because you have to.
Because the characters are so compelling, the ideas so insistent, the lure of “making it happen” so burns through our body, we surrender, and we HAVE TO.
That’s why I’m writing MY two books (one fiction, one non-fiction,) anyway
I want to write a book because I can’t NOT write. Actually I’ve already written two and am working on a third. One found an agent but not a publisher. I’ve been advised to re-write some parts and hopefully I’ll get around to that one day. In the meantime, the stories arrive in part or in full in my head and I put them down on paper to make room for other stuff!
Funny, you should say… “Make room for other stuff!!!” I have to write to be sane. Everything gets jumbled up and starts to hurt, and then I write it down, boom, it gets roomy in there again.
This is a great post. I found the link on Anne Wayman’s blog, The Golden Pencil. I write my blog because I have a passion for the hiring and career niche. Most people who know me don’t understand it, but I stopped trying to explain it and just write - for me and my audience.
I just started my book last night. I am excited. It is a goal of mine for 2008 to complete the book. I do believe I have a publisher for the book, so I don’t have to self-publish. Anyway, I am glad I found your post. I will be linking back in the early part of January!
Do your thing girl and write those books!
Darlene
Interview Guru
http://www.interviewchatter.com/
I tell a great story but as an editor I suck
I have a great support group in my friends and family but I cant let go of my secrets and dont really know what to do with what I have .
How do you get past the fear?
thanks, scared