Why do authors write? A question with many answers. Some writers use the craft to explore the What Ifs of life. Others find writing a cathartic way to release their struggles. Still others have ideas dying to escape their brains and writing opens the hatch. There are more answers, but for this writer, the answer is a combination of all three.

Stories take root from experience, people, observations, and thoughts. Sometimes an event grips me and makes me want to share or explore. People fascinate me and bits of them might shape one character. Their actions and consequences become a storyline, and their internal conflict sets up themes. One of my stories explores the difficulties I've witnessed in my own community regarding the love/hate relationship with tourism. Another novel in the works is based on a life experience of someone I've never met (while I was a teacher) whose life was altered by a tragedy caused by her own actions. Still a third story is based on my mother's heavy charm bracelet, one that I assumed was meant for my dress-up needs as a child. And yet another novel takes its storyworld from the culture in which I once lived: Appalachia.

I write to explore, express, impress, and impact. There's nothing better than hearing someone retell a story I wrote, resonate with a character I invented, or connect with a problem my protagonist faced. So, do I write just to find applause? No, but I do hope to find readers. I'm a happy woman when I create a story that has a strong beginning, a solid middle, and a satisfying end. But I'd be lying if I denied the afterglow that comes with publication. And the thrill of a personal response. When a reader's eyes shine with pleasure or a reviewer calls me "talented," or a book club asks for me to appear, I grow a few inches taller (and I love that since I'm barely 5' 2").

So while many motivations exist for authors to metaphorically put pen to paper, they're rooted in the same concept: need. We're more complete people when words form sentences and sentences form paragraphs and paragraphs form stories. And for me, I love helping fellow writers do the same.

Whether you're an aspiring writer, a debut novelist, or an experienced author, I'd love to hear why you write, too. Shoot me an email with your thoughts.