WHAT'S THE FREAKIN' POINT?

[Vuligora]

So, you're five years old and all your little frinds are like "I'm gonna be a singer!"
Or your five, and because you are a boy, all your friends are like "I'm gonna be an army guy!" And your like, "Yeah me too...."
Until that fateful day your watching army people discussinbg war plans on TV or singing songs written by the Hilary Duff of when ever you were six or seven and suddenly realize... "This is the most boring stuff in the world. Why on earth would I want to spend my time doing this?"
Suddenly, it is clear! The tree is actually a base for aliens (sci-fi people), that moster under the bed will tear your bones apart (horror) and that door, you know the one, will open onto an imaginary world of dragons where the king will personally ask you to fight off an evil knight....with the help of your barbie knights of course, everyone else is busy playing softball (fantasy).
What is the point of it all? I guess I'm sort of asking, why do you write, but I'm not asking for the obvious answer!I.e. I like my cool world. No! I'm asking for the themes that you feel the need to express to the world! The overriding power that says, "I must write cannot stop!" The reason you are up at two am, insisting that people do not need to sleep to live. What idiot made up that rule anyway? Sleep? Who needs sleep?
Or is it simply becaus you have all these original worlds. I think it's deeper. I think it is the meaning behind the world, the passion of the characters, and the need to express our ideas about the world with our officially burnt out fingers! Yessnessss! So, what themes bleed your soul out onto the page and deduct ten years off of your life because you refuse to sleep. Come on...I know you got um'.

[veinglory]

I'm a hack. If I have something unique and powerful to say I haven't found it yet. I just find it not unpleasant to write about love and sex and enjoy banking the checques.

[CaroGirl]

I write because I have stuff in my head that keeps bugging me until I put it down on paper (or, in my case, into the computer). I also really enjoy words and the way they fit together and trying to think up new ways to say things. I can't claim to have received a pay cheque for any of that, mind you, but a gal can dream, right?

[pandora9]

I no longer believe there is a point. In my writing I still love dark, intense, complex dynamics within a strong story framework (the hungry ghosts of my past, no doubt). But in the end, meaning itself is a "moveable feast" within the infinite diversity of creativity. I play with meaning, but I don't take it seriously. The Dream is dreaming... so dream on and let the words flow. To entertain is more than enough. To chill to the bone, or tickle the heart into tears, it's fun!

[AOD23]

I write because I have idea's and stories to tell, and no other ways of doing so that actually get them across the way I intend. I've tried to write a song or well...ok geuss thats the only thing I tried, and I sucked at it...writing from what I'm told, I'm decent at..and when I'm done its gotten across...so geuss thats why.

[Vuligora]

To chill to the bone, or tickle the heart into tears, it's fun!

That is meaning and that is purpose! Why does the reader cry? What emotions have you hit? Ah, the beauty of the ineviable truths we hit! Muhahaha.

[Danger Jane]

I write because I love to. It makes me happy to have a story nagging at the back of my head and it makes me happy to write that story and it makes me happy to edit it. I like to play with words and people and situations.

[Akuma]

I write because I feel it is what I was born to do.

And if some unhealthy fantasies of "makin' it big" accompany this, well, those better not get in the way!

[brokenfingers]

I guess it depends on the person.

I don't write for me at all. I write to entertain. I have stories in my head that I want others to know about, worlds I've created that I wish for others to venture in also.

Depending on the story, I want them to laugh, smile, think, wonder, be scared, or just say at the end of it all - hmmm, that was pretty cool.

Mine is more of a compulsion to entertain than a compulsion to write. I'm afraid I'm not one of those "I need to write in order to live" types.

There are many things I enjoy doing - and entertaining people, whether through the written word or just storytelling among friends is but one of them.

[KTC]

I write because I'm crazy and writing relieves the crazy enough to help me forge forward. I write to hold on to the tenacious grasp I have on the nothing that eats away at my edges.

[Akuma]

I write because I'm crazy and writing relieves the crazy enough to help me forge forward. I write to hold on to the tenacious grasp I have on the nothing that eats away at my edges.

Really? I write because it makes me crazy!

[sunandshadow]

The themes that really compel me to write about them are: loneliness, love, sex, fear of commitment, being open-minded/resisting prejudice and preconception, learning more about your inner self, creative and physical fertility, and "different personalities require different ways of life to be happy".

[victoria.goddard]

I recently discovered that most of my characters have some sort of secret life, sometimes known to the others but oftentimes very much . . . secret. All three of the stories in the works involve it one way or another. Somthing in me is obviously quite concerned with this!

[janetbellinger]

I seem to have written about altruism, several times. Also, I like playing with words in poems, or writing about nature

[Branwyn]

I write because I want to educate, to dispel certain stereotypes, if I can entertain at the same time, all the better.

[Jamesaritchie]

Why does there have to be a point? I'm not at all big on such things as "I have to write, or I'll die." That's pure bull.

I write because: 1. I enjoy it. Life is way the heck too short to waste doing things you don't enjoy.

2. I'm good at it. I've been a selling writer since I wrote my first story. Life is also too short to waste it by doing things you're lousy at, especially when there's always something pretty much anyone is good at.

3. I make money from writing. Making money is nice. It means I can spend my time doing this thing I enjoy, and this thing I'm good at.

4. Being a writer means being my own boss. Of all the nice things about writing, this is one of the gold star perks. Life is also way the heck too short to spend it being told what to do and when to do it by some idiot you don't even like.

5. I like books. Been reading them nearly all my life. So I may as well make a few of my own.

6. Writing beats the holy heck out of shoveling coal, baling hay, wading an icy stream, or getting shot at, all of which I've spent too much time doing.

[Tish Davidson]

I write because it is a more satisfying way of earning a living than any other work I have ever done. I like the precision of finding the right words, whether I am writing a corporate annual report, a textbook, or fiction.

[PastMidnight]

I write because, like acting, its a way for me to create characters different from me and situations that I would never experience in real life. I also write because I enjoy it, because I think I'm good at it, and because I think that the research and writing keep me on my toes intellectually.

[zornhau]

Wish fulfillment, and because I like the process of writing and the buzz of creativity.

The obsessions change over time. Currently, I'm interested in masculinity, and the conflict between our modern ideals, and those of the heroes of the past whom we respect.

[KTC]

Really? I write because it makes me crazy!

Then perhaps I should be an unwriter?

[cwfgal]

Like many others, I write because I love doing it and I've made enough money at it that I don't feel like it's a total waste of time to indulge myself in the craft even when I'm not making money from it.

But I also do it because I am fascinated with language and words, and the way they work. I love the act of constructing a sentence, of building a story, of creating characters, of hunting for the best combination of words, flow, style, plot, etc. so that I can intrigue and entertain someone else. I love to take the building blocks of language and play with them, rearrange them, try new things with them.

Many of my friends don't understand it when I tell them I love words. "What's to love?" most of them ask. "Words are words." But to me they are something more. I can't fully explain it, but I can certainly feel it.

Beth

[Vuligora]

I have to write or I'll die.

[sunandshadow]

Many of my friends don't understand it when I tell them I love words. "What's to love?" most of them ask. "Words are words." But to me they are something more. I can't fully explain it, but I can certainly feel it.

Beth

:e2fairy:Words are magic.

[Sage]

What else am I going to do with my overactive imagination?

[Akuma]

Then perhaps I should be an unwriter?

Oh, posh. I believe this thread itself proves that we all have our reasons, right?

[MMWyrm]

I didn't write for a long time as life buffeted me around. I just started again last year and it has fulfilled me immensily.

I write fantasy, and I think the main reason I find it so fulfilling is because I don't like reality very much. Writing allows me to suspend reality whenever I want. And the thought that I can drag others into my fantasy gives me a perverse sense of glee.

[omega12596]

I write because...

because I can. Because I'm good at it. Because it keeps me sane. Because I get paid to do it and I don't have to pay a sitter, too. Because I love it. Because I hate it. Because it stresses me out. Because it's rewarding.

I don't do it because I have to, but because I want to. And the minute it becomes a 'job', and the joy of doing it disappears, I'll quit.

[Zolah]

Why do I write?

I'll tell you why: I can't help myself! I used to say I could quit anytime I wanted, but it's a lie, a terrible lie - I can't stop. I don't even want to. This obsession is my reason for living. My name is Zolah and I NEED HELP!

[RobertS]

I've asked myself that a lot lately. I think it has to do, in part, with masochism.

[RGame]

I used to write a short story, usually sci-fi or horror or some kind of Twilight Zone type of story, whenever I thought I had a cool idea, not really caring or thinking too much about the characters until I was writing it. Over the past couple years I started writing, and reading, a lot of stories about misfits, losers and obsessive types, usually in a satiric or partly humorous story.

Those are the characters that interest me now, and I think reading Internet forums (not this one) had a lot to do with that. I don't find myself trying to think up sci-fi ideas anymore, but basing any story ideas I get on that type of quirky character. So I suppose my new theme is those characters and the way they interact with the normal world.

[SeanDSchaffer]

That's a good question. I sometimes wonder why I sit at an old beat-up 1926 Underwood typewriter, putting to paper my thoughts as my rear end goes numb on the stool I'm sitting on. I also wonder why I continually endure the Writer's Block that so many writers suffer at times, trying to find things to write other than how my day is going.

Well, I think the point to my continuing love of the written word, and of putting the pen to paper, if you will, is that I simply love it.

I like to write whatever kind of fiction comes to mind. I don't really have a plan behind why I do it; I just enjoy the writing and write for the purpose of living a life that would otherwise be drab and boring.

Sure, I'd like to someday make it big, as I'm sure many writers would like to do. But whatever happens in that sense, I will most likely continue writing because I love to write.

Pure and simple, that's the point to my writing. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I just enjoy it too much to not do it.

[Jamesaritchie]

That's a good question. I sometimes wonder why I sit at an old beat-up 1926 Underwood typewriter, putting to paper my thoughts as my rear end goes numb on the stool I'm sitting on. I also wonder why I continually endure the Writer's Block that so many writers suffer at times, trying to find things to write other than how my day is going.

Well, I think the point to my continuing love of the written word, and of putting the pen to paper, if you will, is that I simply love it.

I like to write whatever kind of fiction comes to mind. I don't really have a plan behind why I do it; I just enjoy the writing and write for the purpose of living a life that would otherwise be drab and boring.

Sure, I'd like to someday make it big, as I'm sure many writers would like to do. But whatever happens in that sense, I will most likely continue writing because I love to write.

Pure and simple, that's the point to my writing. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I just enjoy it too much to not do it.

I envy you the 1926 Underwood. Mine is a 1949 Royal Easy Touch. I'd rather have an Underwood, but this one would haunt me if I traded it in.

[billz015]

I write because it keeps me occupied. If I weren't writing I could be sitting around playing video games, I could be a couch potato, or I could be wasting my time doing something stupid with my friends. None of those activities appeal to me much, and I'd rather be obsessing over what's going to happen to my characters than obsessing over how I'm going to beat a video game, or how some stupid TV show.

[SeanDSchaffer]

I envy you the 1926 Underwood. Mine is a 1949 Royal Easy Touch. I'd rather have an Underwood, but this one would haunt me if I traded it in.


You could probably get one cheap over at eBay. But even so, a Royal is a pretty nice machine. If I'm not mistaken, Royal owns the design rights to the old Underwoods, ever since they took over Olivetti (for those who don't know, Olivetti and Underwood merged in the 1950's.)

My Underwood is a good machine, James, although I would very much like to get it back into perfect working order, if I ever can. The bell assembly is broken, and needs to be replaced. Also, there is a lot of bare metal (cast iron on the frame) that will need to be repainted. Does anyone know where I can get a good set of decals for the front? I know what it used to say, but it doesn't say it anymore. It's mostly rubbed off now.

The machine is a Standard No. 3, with a 12" carriage and a cast iron frame. I got it because my grandmother had one, and because my grandmother's machine was the most reliable typewriter I have ever used. Aside from the bell assembly not working, mine measures up pretty good to Grandma's old machine.

[davids]

Just thought I would take this opportunity to post for the first time. Why did I write a novel? Or anyone? I was on tour for the millionth time and as usual when not performing was completely bored. So---thought I would see if I could write a book-just for the hell of it-to see if i could successfully complete another artistic endeavor-did just that and of course let all of my intelletual friends read it-never thought of publishing so of course the pleasure I had in simply writing from the beginning to the end was enough and of course once again no ego involved until the considering started-that is to say-is it good enough? That is when my problem with writing began. As long as I wrote for the pleasure of writing my delicate egocentristic nature was not at all threatened-now that I have an agent and am waiting for rejection-well-that is another long story. Anyway I write and write and write and am less bored. Of course all of my literary friends were insanely jealous because they felt it terribly unfair that one such as myself who was successful in one artistic endeavor could in fact write a brilliant literary master work. No I did not pay them to say that but nevertheless they now all hate me-just kidding-apparently-at least to them and an agent they may have a point-let us see if they are right and I will in the meantime just keep at my other artistic-money wise-success oriented quest for ego gratification-that is why I write if anyone or you is remotely interested-just for the hell of it. Hope you just keep on writing cause that's the beauty of it-just the writing-do it for you and for me because the creating is the key until the ego grabs hold of us and puts the old question mark in our guts-is it good enough or is it not-who cares-just keep writing. This is my first post-hope you are all well and happy and creating something for yourself that is important to you and the results? Who cares-ego get thee hence!

[Thekherham]

I write because I have so many stories and so much poetry in my head that if I don't put it down on paper or save it to the computer, it's going to explode (my head, I mean).

[Chickenchargrill]

I write for therapy. My husband didn't realise how strange the goings on in my head were, until I started to write again :P

[Shadow_Ferret]

Theme? I need a theme?

[A.REX]

I asked myself that question last month when I said, "to hell with it."

Since then I've upgraded my T.V. , Cleaned the garage (my wife is still literally shocked) , took a vacation, landscaped the yard, and started boxing again.

I've written some really great stuff. 5 finished novels that have done well in contests and my critique groups love, but if no one is going to see it besides me, I'd almost rather burn it secretly in the backyard, than cast my pearls before swine.
When I pick up newly published books I often wonder WTF is going on in NY, NY. Do they even care anymore? or is it all who you know, and who knows you, just like Hollywood and the studios. Are the Publishers 'sell outs'? Is raw talent passed over for the paint by numbers tried and true??? I just don't know anymore.

Why I really write? Its my own personal escape from this f'up reality of life and memories that burden me daily. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Cynical maybe; ma thinks so!

[dantem42]

I asked myself that question last month when I said, "to hell with it."

Since then I've upgraded my T.V. , Cleaned the garage (my wife is still literally shocked) , took a vacation, landscaped the yard, and started boxing again.

I've written some really great stuff. 5 finished novels that have done well in contests and my critique groups love, but if no one is going to see it besides me, I'd almost rather burn it secretly in the backyard, than cast my pearls before swine.
When I pick up newly published books I often wonder WTF is going on in NY, NY. Do they even care anymore? or is it all who you know, and who knows you, just like Hollywood and the studios. Are the Publishers 'sell outs'? Is raw talent passed over for the paint by numbers tried and true??? I just don't know anymore.

Why I really write? Its my own personal escape from this f'up reality of life and memories that burden me daily. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Cynical maybe; ma thinks so!

Trying to get a handle on your logic. On the one hand, you sniff at "casting pearls before swine." On the other hand, you wonder WTF is going on in New York. As someone once pithily observed about the Pope on the question of birth control, "He no playa da game, he no makea da rules."

Have you busted your *** to get an agent? If not (meaning something like a couple hundred queries if necessary), then get your stuff out there if you think it's better than what you see. If it genuinely is, then there is an agent out there (and there are truly some great ones along with the hacks) who will recognize it. He may know an editor who isn't just interested in the next Da Vinci Code lookalike. Look especially for a five or ten books published in the last few years that you admire, and find out who agented them. Tell them that's why you're approaching them. They'll listen if you've got the right stuff in your query letter.