My Twitter feed has been sprinkled today with people explaining why they write. After a bit of exploration, I discovered that today is the National Day on Writing.
So here’s my answer: I write because a torrent of thoughts surges through my mind. Words on the screen are shiny bits of debris I pluck from the waters as they rage past.
What about you? Why do you write?
Nagoonberry 
October 20, 2011 at 12:49 pm
because otherwise I am drowning in thoughts. I write to make sense of them and connect with like-thinkers. And sometimes with unlike-thinkers 🙂
October 20, 2011 at 1:42 pm
For me, connecting with the unlike thinkers makes the torrent of thoughts move even faster–increasing the fear of drowning! Absolutely worth doing, though.
October 20, 2011 at 4:06 pm
I write because I want to communicate and connect with others, but I don’t know how to talk. I fumble and flounder, get shy, manage to side-step my point entirely, and end up preferring to listen. Listening is still good for getting to know others, but not so great for them getting to know me. I need time to linger over my words, taste them with consideration, before sending them out into the world!
October 21, 2011 at 10:41 pm
So you’re not wordy in person? I used to be much quieter, but in the last few years I’ve gotten really chatty. Glad you’re writing–wouldn’t want to miss “hearing” your voice.
November 7, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Speaking of missing “hearing” someone’s voice… You doing okay up there, Heather? Seems like it’s been a while.
I hear Southcentral’s bracing for an especially nasty storm late this week. My good thoughts to you and Liesl… Buckle up, and take good care of each other.
October 20, 2011 at 4:22 pm
I write because if I don’t get my thoughts down on paper/keyboard I’ll go crazy at night when I’m trying to sleep because my head won’t shut up.
October 21, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Sounds like a consistent theme–so many thoughts in our heads!