Fresh Fiction Blog | Linda Poitevin | The Four REAL Reasons Why Writers Write

Ask a dozen writers why they write, and chances are you'll get a dozen different answers in response. Dig deeply into the psyches of those writers, however, and I'm willing to bet you'll find they have more in common than they ever imagined...or were maybe willing to admit.

You see, whatever reason a writer thinks he/she writes, it's my humble opinion that the truth comes down to four key points:

1. Writing satisfies a writer's latent god-complexes and unspoken desires for world domination. In the space of a few keystrokes, entire universes can be created, destroyed, reborn. New planets, new realities, new towns, new lives...all are within our uncontested control. Mwahahaha! Oh, sorry...did I laugh that out loud? Ahem...

2. Writing allows writers to rid themselves of those really annoying people in their lives without the mess of actual murder—and without the inconvenience of a lengthy trial (or lengthier incarceration, for that matter). Irritating neighbor? Nagging mother-in-law? Whiny co-worker? Crotchety old uncle that no one likes? All gone...neatly, efficiently, and most satisfyingly. As an aside, if you happen to have a writer in the family or as a friend/neighbor/coworker...? Yeah, you might want to stay on his/her good side. Just sayin'. J

3. Writing is an escape. The most mundane and/or unpleasant task in the world is eased when you can escape into your imagination. Doing dishes/laundry/vacuuming or one of a gazillion other necessary tasks is soooo much easier when part of you is off battling a dragon, sipping wine on an Italian terrace, or soaring through the clouds on a private jet destined for (insert favorite location here). And that dull, mind-stultifying meeting or torturous annual family reunion? See point number 2 above. 'Nuff said. J

4. Writing gives writers the thrills and chills for which we don't necessarily have the nerve in real life. As exciting as it might be to engage in sword fights, scale impossible cliffs, face down horrible monsters that defy description, hurtle through city streets in high-speed car chases or participate in one of thousands of other heart-stopping adventures, the truth is that most of us know how painful injuries can be, and how long it takes to heal from them. Not to mention how permanent death really is (zombies aside, of course). We are quite happy, therefore, to live such adventures vicariously through our characters.

At this point, you may be noticing a common denominator among these four points—and you are absolutely right. Because truthfully? It all comes down to the power, people. The absolute power!

Now tell me...are you really surprised? ;)

One commenter will win a signed copy of the winner's choice of either SINS OF THE ANGELS or SINS OF THE SON, along with a Grigori Legacy tote bag (printed with both book covers).

The Gregori Legacy

Sins Of The Angels
Grigori Legacy
#1.0
October 2011

Sins Of The Son
Grigori Legacy
#2.0
April 2012

About the author

Linda Poitevin is the author of the dark urban fantasy series, The Grigori Legacy, from Ace/Roc Books. Linda lives near Ottawa, Canada’s capital, and in her other life is wife, mother, friend, gardener, coffee snob, freelance writer, and zookeeper of too many pets. Her website is at www.lindapoitevin.com and you can also connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Comments

You say their are 4 key reasons a writer writes. I say
whatever it takes, keep it up - I enjoy reading the fruits of
their labour, cheers Chris
(Chris Coulson 12:25pm June 24, 2012)

I would love to win your contest. Thanks for the chance.
(Amy Milne 12:56pm June 24, 2012)

I agree with every one of your reasons and I hope that I'll be able to
be just as good a writer as you someday. Thanks for the contest
opportunity! =)
(Samantha King 3:02am June 24, 2012)

Ok, when I logged in there were 4 comments posted! I made it number 5....yipes :)
(Darci Paice 3:26am June 24, 2012)

I love it those are really good reasons!!!
(Deborah Garcia 3:41am June 24, 2012)

I am just glad that so many write so that I can read.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:04am June 24, 2012)

Great post! What great points you make like the author rules the world, at least the one in his/her head.
(Maureen Emmons 6:14am June 24, 2012)

I enjoyed reading why it is that you write, and that you think other authors do the same. If you read Sue Grafton you will know that she spent hours thinking of ways to kill her ex-husband, but couldn't think of a way to do it without getting caught. So she wrote him into a book and killed him there (in self-defence). That was A Is For Alibi. She's most of the way down the alphabet in titles by now. Guess her ex isn't feeling too important and wealthy anymore.
Separately, how is you you feel so powerful when characters constantly go off on their own and surprise authors as they work?
(Clare O'Beara 6:19am June 24, 2012)

It's like you took these right out of my mind... Lol. Loved this post.
(Nacomy Blue 8:41am June 24, 2012)

Yes, I agree with number four....power. You truly have us in your complete power from page one to the last. Keep writing!

Patricia Pascale
(Patricia (Pat) Pascale 9:05am June 24, 2012)

Glad you're all enjoying the post -- I had great fun writing
it. :) To answer your question, Clare, it's true...there are
some days where my characters are only too happy to remind me
who wields the REAL power, lol! Still...the illusion is nice.
:)
(Linda Poitevin 9:13am June 24, 2012)

Linda,
Reading is my escape so I'm glad some authors write to escape!
Crossing fingers!
(Tobi Helton 9:22am June 24, 2012)

Whatever the reasons you have...please keep writing...the faster the better!!! HA Thanks
(Bonnie Capuano 9:28am June 24, 2012)

Great post. I love to read, hope I win the contest.
(Wilma Frana 10:27am June 24, 2012)

There are times when I imagine people who I know are the characters in books, specially when they are disposed of. I love to read.
(Pat Freely 11:29am June 24, 2012)

I'm not surprised--how great to be fully in charge of an entire world! =)
(Kathleen Conner 11:34am June 24, 2012)

Part of me is surprised at the control aspect of your reason for writing but
then again it is not all that strange when you think about it. We all need an
outlet and if you are a talented writer it is an excellent and harmless way of
venting!
(Liesl Lane 1:07pm June 24, 2012)

Sounds like you use that power to entertain us readers so more
power to you ;)
(Ilona Fenton 1:25pm June 24, 2012)

I've always thought as much - I'd like to write some people out myself.
(Beth Elder 1:31pm June 24, 2012)

Great list, makes me look at some authors differently now.
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 1:51pm June 24, 2012)

Hope to win these great reads as they sound fantastic!!
(Shirley Sego 1:53pm June 24, 2012)

Love that there are so many talented writers out there that share their worlds and characters with us...
(Colleen Conklin 2:07pm June 24, 2012)

number 2 is the best reason ever.. lol.. i would love to hear about some of those annoying killed offs..
(Alaina Armbruster 2:12pm June 24, 2012)

I am no angel but a DEVIL DOG because I want not one, but both Sins of The Angel & Sins of The Son to read, from that singular Mistress of Enchantment: Linda Poitevin!
(Nina Crespi 2:42pm June 24, 2012)

Surprised, not in the least. You write what you see in your head and we as readers eat it up. Thanks for the stories and the enjoyment.
(Maude Allen 3:25pm June 24, 2012)

Enjoyed your blog. I'll never be a writer, but do enjoy a good read.
(Sheila True 3:32pm June 24, 2012)

I enjoyed reading your list about all your reasons for writing. Would love to win and read one of your books!
(Linda Luinstra 3:44pm June 24, 2012)

Your 4 reasons to be a writer sound great, especially the Mwahahahahah...You've got that sinister world domination laugh going on!
(Catherine Lee 3:58pm June 24, 2012)

Loving all the comments, everyone! Thank you so much for
taking the time to read my post -- and for those of you who
might be wondering about me, rest assured that this really was
a tongue-in-cheek piece. Honest. I swear. ;)
(Linda Poitevin 5:47pm June 24, 2012)

You can say the same with readers. I read to escape and imagine a life that is not my own - way better with super powers!
(MaryAnne Banks 6:10pm June 24, 2012)

I'm glad writing is an escape for you, so reading can be mine!
(Bethany Cardone 9:17pm June 24, 2012)

I believe that you hit the nail on the head with your remarks, because I've always wanted to write a book!! I'd love to tell you which category I fall under, but you're going to have to guess!! lol I would love to read your book, since I think that we have the same mind-set, so I know I would adore your book!! I apologize for not being familiar with you, but I've been out of the reading loop for a while, and have some catching up to do!! Good luck with your future writing, although I don't think you're going to have any problems!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:56pm June 24, 2012)

You have a great sense of humor, but there may be more truth than humor in your reasons that writers write. LOL
(Gladys Paradowski 11:06pm June 24, 2012)

Fun list. :) Yeah... I know a few people I could definitely write into a
story... >;)
Thanks for the contest!
(Debbie Burdeen 10:38am June 25, 2012)

very interesting read; thanks for the draw:)
(Barbara Studer 3:35pm June 25, 2012)

They sound totally reasonable to me. Interesting thank you.
(Mary Preston 9:09pm June 25, 2012)

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