Why Be A Writer? - writercize #76

Interestingly enough, the question Why Write?, theme of a one day blogfest hosted by Kayeleen Hamblin, was the title of my very first blog post here at writercize.  

Here is one passage from that entry:  I write because it challenges my mind and makes me feel, in my own small way, powerful.  Control over what I can communicate to the world is an incredible tool.  Writing forces me to reflect in ways that spoken dialogue does not permit, allows me to sift through information and pick out the interesting bits that turn my brain on.  I write because it calms and soothes me, because it makes me curious, because I feel accomplished when I read over a statement and know I am connecting.

Since I don't want to just cheat and repeat, I've decided to alter the question slightly and post that as today's writercize.

writercize:  Why do you choose to be a writer?  

Click "read more" to see writercizer sample response about how writing allows me to combine several interests into one flexible career path.  

Note: Those involved in the blogfest, please provide a link to your Why Write? post in the comment form.  All other faithful readers, I would love to see your reasons for writing!

writercizer response:

There are a lot of things in life that I really love.  I really love to study, research, learn, listen to people's stories.  I really love to express curiosity and dig deep.  I really, really love when a concept clicks and I am able to make connections between centuries, industries or nations to see the fluidity of the world, whether I am looking into political history, literature, celebrity, music or fashion.  And I especially love being able to create order out of chaos of information in my head and break it down to teach someone.

I also love freedom and flexibility.  I want to spend endless time with my family.  I want to dedicate time and energy to friends and family who visit from out of town, unencumbered by a nine to five.  I want to be able to spend weeks away on vacation without having to ask permission to go away.  I want to create stories, help others exercise their voice and understand its power, and report on the complex world that I see. 

I want to dive into strangers' psyches and get lost for a few hours in a daydream.  I want to set words to life - explain, delineate, express, create, invent, observe, debate.  I want to inspire people to think.  This is why I write.  And why it feels so right.