Many people have asked me, "Why do you write?" This question is invariably followed soon after by, "I'd love to write a book. I just never have the time."*
Sigh
I guess that's a common question and one I find hard to answer without sounding trite or deliberately...inscrutable.
The simple answer is, I write because I can't help it. It's something I have to do. It's something I have always done. Whether scribbling down conversation snippets, or a single-line idea, or an entire story; my notebooks are full of observations or scenarios that will probably never go anywhere, but I write them down because it's what I do.
As a child I would go to family gatherings and always bring a bag with me. Inside were notepads and books. Eventually, an adult would have to come find me for lunch or to sing happy birthday to someone. I would be in a corner or a back room reading. Sometimes, as was the case at my grandparent's small farm, I would be in some corner of the property unaware of time passing.
At family gatherings today, I still wander off to think or escape the chatter. Though my family will attest I am getting better at small talk. I last a lot longer at these things than I used to.
Nowadays with a full-time job and day-to-day responsibilities, I have to schedule my writing blocks. It's hard to do because when the Muse hits me over the head at work, I can't do a thing about it. The notebooks I carry around with me get a good workout on the train trip home, but when it comes to Sunday (writin' day!) the Muse is often having her own weekend off.
Still, I do it, because...it's what I do. Not sure what I’d be without it.
* Those of you who do want to write a book, go for it. Truly. I am not downplaying the writer who has a story inside yearning to get onto the page. But those who say they'd love to write a book (be an archaeologist, fly a plane, walk on the moon, etc.) make sure you're not just in love with the romantic ideal of writing a book. Sure there's red wine and a cosy study waiting for you, if that floats your boat. But there's also long hours (LONG) and most of that is you alone with your words, fighting to make them do what you want and constantly being surprised when they don't.
Just sayin'.