Why You Need to Keep Writing

At a writing conference, an author asked attendees to think about why we write. He suggested that maybe we want our stories to bring children joy. Help our readers escape reality. Show children themselves reflected in literature. The list goes on!

But what is MY reason? First, I want to bring children joy through reading and spread kindness, but I also do it because writing makes me happy. It’s what I WANT to be doing. It’s what I NEED to be doing.

Now ask yourself why YOU write. Once you know what motivates you, write it on a note and post it in your work space, post it in your closets, and most importantly, remember it when you’re doubting yourself or wanting to give up. This pursuit of publication is not easy, and you will need to remind yourself now and then why this is 100% worth it… Because it is!

Now Tell Your Fears to BACK OFF
When I started writing years ago, there was a nagging fear. What if I’m never published? What if all this work is for nothing? Will I look back on these hours, days, weeks and years with regret? How devastating to waste so much of my life on a dream that never came true.

But I finally realized that I’m not writing to be published. I’m writing to be happy.

If I create stories that never find their way to library shelves, it will not have been a waste of time. Now believe me, that’s not easy to say. But I’m going to keep saying it until I 100% embrace it. Because writing has enriched my world, given me purpose, and made me happy.

​And THAT will never be a waste of time.