Why Do We Write?

[DavidDvorkin]

This is my contribution to an old discussion:

http://www.dvorkin.com/essays/whywewrite_d.html

I gave a short talk about this to a local Mensa chapter, and afterwards I realized that I had much more to say. So, having my own Web site, I said it.

My wife was inspired to write on the same subject from her somewhat different point of view. When she's finished her essay, I'll post it, as well, so that we'll a nice contrast and balance on the site.

[Ivan Sputnik]

1. Nice essay

Here are a couple of quotes that I like on this subject:

"You know what it is to have a fixed idea, for instance when a man keeps on thinking about the same thing day and night, about... let us say, the moon. Well, I, too, have a kind of moon of my own. I'm obsessed day and night by one thought: I must write, I must write, I just must..."

--Trigorin, in Anton Chehov's The Seagull

"You ask me why I spend my life writing?
Do I find entertainment?
Is it worthwhile?
Above all, does it pay?
If not, then, is there a reason?...
I write only because
There is a voice within me
That will not be still."

--Sylvia Plath

[DavidDvorkin]

2. Those are good

Other writers understand that drive, but trying to explain it to, say, parents . . .