Why I Write?

The idea of becoming an author or to write a book usually starts from the idea of the book, not from answering the “Why?”. Although the idea is your primary key to writing it, the “why” gets you going through the process. Here’s my experience so far. Once I started writing I realized that it is hard work which has to be done even when not feeling like it. Knowing the techniques of writing and reading other authors will help with getting the lines on the paper but they rarely get me off the couch or out of my smartphone. For that, I need to remind myself why am I doing this.

Amongst all the reasons people decide to write, these three are mine.

To work independently

There aren’t many jobs in the world offering a chance to work completely alone and with as little human interaction as possible. I have been working with people most of my career, making me dependent on relationships with them and only succeeding through their output. After burning out at work, I decided I needed to develop skills sufficient enough to allow myself more me-time in the future. The idea of not being dependent on jobs requiring a lot of interactions with others is the most freeing feeling I have ever felt!

The independence of writing a book alone allows me to work not only on my own schedule but also from any part of the world. This, of course, means I have to have enough discipline to keep working since I answer to no one and have no other deadlines but the ones I decide to have. This is why it is important to write down why am I doing this and keep reminding them to myself.

To calm my inner world

My mind has always been very active, constantly analyzing myself in the situations and running through thousands of scenarios of different outcomes, just in case. This gets especially overwhelming when I’m feeling anxious about something, flooding me with thoughts and trapping me in my head. After each writing session I feel much more at ease. I can let my mind wander wherever it wants without me feeling guilty, instead, creating wonderful scenarios and making me feel productive. The little wins and the silence in my head make such a huge difference in my wellbeing, making this “Why?” the most important one for me.

To build a passive revenue stream

Once the book is published and with the help of marketing, the time put inside it will start to earn back. I feel this is one of the most unpopular expectation that book authors name, since you should be just happy to express yourself or enhance the culture. But no work should be expected to be free. Writing a book is hard work and takes a lot of self-discipline, courage and hours to do. Also, publishing a book is not free - you need to hire a book editor, pay for the cover and social media campaigns. So yeah, I’m expecting this project to at least earn itself even and then some.

What are your “Why's"?

My experience is mine only. It is nice to hope someone finds inspiration in them but most important is that you dig into yourself and really be honest when doing that.

• Is it the injustice you want to bring to light and finally condemn the bad guys?
• Is it a hint of fame you seek or acknowledgment?
• Do you just want to belong in the community of creators, authors?
• Do the stories live in your head and just take up too much space unless you get them out?

Whatever it is, it’s yours! You don’t have to share these with anyone but it makes a whole lot of difference if you know them and keep them in handy. This is what gets you going on the harder days and makes you pick up your work after a longer pause.

It is definetly worth a try.

- Jete