Why am I a writer?

So many people have asked me that question, among many others: Why do you enjoy writing? Why do you pursue this as a career when it's hardly as successful as being a nurse?

My answer is simple: writing is my passion.

Writing is a form of art. My fingers are the brush that paints wonderful imagery for observers and readers. Writing isn't just putting words together and making it sound believable. It's a form of expression, and I do not take that lightly.

I read stories to escape reality. I write stories to create realities.

Have you ever read a story that captured you so fully, that you forget that you're reading? That, for a moment, you actually believe that you are living in the reality that has been brought to life on the pages that you hold in your hand?

That is why I write.

Have you ever connected really well to a character in a story? Whether it be in a T.V. show, novel, short story, or even a poem? Have you ever seen yourself in a fictional character and it made you take a step back and look at your life? Your person?

That is why I write.

Writing is what I live for. It's the reason I go to school. It's the reason why I've listened to so many people tell me "You'll never be a writer." It's the reason that my heart beats and my blood runs through my veins.

And if you don't have that kind of passion for whatever you're pursuing, you're not pursuing what you should be.

For my fellow writers, here are some words of advice.

Never give up. I've had people tear up my stories, figuratively and literally, and when I thought I should just pursue another career, I stopped and realized something. I was put on this earth to write, and there's nothing else I'd rather do. Writing gives me hope. Writing saves me from myself when I want to hug a bottle of Johnny Walker at three in the morning. Writing is my way of spreading inspiration to others who need it. I know I have a gift in writing, and I won't let others convince me otherwise. As my favorite author, L.J. Smith, once told me: Us writers have to stick together.

So back to the question that started this: why am I a writer?

Why is my aunt a nurse? Why is my uncle a police officer? Why is anyone doing what they do?

I'll tell you why. Because when we find our life's purpose, we don't just sit back and give up because it's difficult and because it doesn't always help pay the bills. We do it because it drives us. It motivates us to be better people. Whether the person reading this is a nurse or a mechanic, if you're doing what you love, then forget everyone else. Life is too short to worry about what others think and its WAY too short to let their worrying affect you.

I am a writer because I love bringing characters to life and connecting to the readers. I want to reach out through my book, and be able to grab their shoulder and make them feel something. Something miraculous.

I'm a writer because that's what I was put on this earth to do.

What about you?