Why I Write?

Why I write? I was sharing my query with an editor the other day and she asked me this question. And it got me thinking. Why do I write?

The last week has been painful. I’ve been reading a number of books and the angst in them drove me up the wall. I cried all week and couldn’t believe how grief and separation hurt me. I honestly believe books should be labeled HEA or non-HEA.

I for one read because I like happy endings, the main characters should triumph. Because life is sad enough as it is. It’s also made me vow to never read said authors again. I don’t like being played as a reader or being tricked, so that’s that. No more crying over book characters!

It also got me thinking why I write? Could I write a book that would make someone hurt so bad? Could I create such damaged people that there was no redemption and hope in them?

Why I write?

I write because its what I wanted to do. My dream.  As I’ve grown in writing and after 5 years of being at it, for the first time can call myself a ‘proper’ author. Now, I write because I want to entertain and maybe for the next five years, I’ll want to entertain, inform and teach.

When I wanted to simply be published, I was submitting for every journal, every competition and press that was free. That’s why you see I’ve got speculative fiction, literary shorts, fantasy shorts, and romance. And like a headless chicken I was all over the place.

Now as I define why I write, I realize that I can’t be writing everything. I’ve definitely started taking notice of my voice, my style, my brand (I still don’t have one) and the books I’m writing. I’m not writing as furiously. The last five months, I’ve written till my eyes were red, every vacant moment at it,  and with four books (shorts and novellas) slated for this year, which I’m not sure will be out in time, I’m exhausted. Happy exhausted.

Painting Kuwait Violet’s proofread has just been completed. The second draft of Ten Reminders for the Grieving Christian is ready and is quite messy with red ink all over. I’ve submitted the copy-edit for Starting Over in Roane’s Fall Anthology. Wish Upon A Bollywood Star’s cover is being created as we speak. A Maiden Innings final edit is done. And the second book in the sports series will be edited. Its good to be busy and keep writing but I’m good tired in a way.

There’s also a whole bunch of other things happening. I’m pitching new work for the next year and we’re considering the audiobook version for Ten Reminders for the Single Christian Woman. Hectic.

But my books are all part of my effort to entertain, feel good books that are hopeful and cheery. That love is perennial and people can choose to love and live. I thought of writing angst and once I read other books, decided I wanted to infuse joy and make laughter part of my books. No sad stuff from me! Light will shine over darkness, good conquers evil and love is perennial. I’m such a romantic!

Why do you write? Does it dictate the kind of books you write? Do you write to shock or entertain? And while we’re at it, what’s the cure for book grief? Is there is such a thing?