Why do we write? This is a question all writers have probably asked themselves at some point in their lives. It might be asked out of curiosity, or as a desperate, give-me-a-reason-to-stay cry for answers.

But regardless of the context, it’s an intriguing question on many levels. Why do we as humans feel the need to put markings on paper? What has drawn us back to the pen time and time again throughout the ages? And, more personally, why do we as individual writers write? Why do we devote a portion of our lives—and ourselves—to mere ink and parchment?

There are, of course, the more material answers. We write to earn money, to see our name on a book cover, to feel more “successful,” or even just because we enjoy writing.

Then there are the answers that go a bit deeper. Writing connects people in a unique way (whether that be the writers themselves or the readers), and it can also help us to make sense of the world. Sometimes, I will unintentionally unravel one of life’s problems while writing, and the act of writing can often be a stress reliever (though just as often it is a stress-giver).

We also might write to express ourselves. I find it hard to put my thoughts and emotions into something like a diary, but many times my characters will take on different personality traits, struggles, or experiences that mirror my own life.

Writing can even help us to express our more subconscious thoughts. While most of my characters aren’t extremely similar to me, many of them represent the person I want to be in some area (like a role model). Others might portray some of my weaknesses or fears—the person I could have a tendency to become.

This pattern of who I am, who I want to be, and who I don’t want to be manifests itself quite a bit in my writing. Of course, not every character will relate to me in every way, but usually there is at least one thing that I will have in common with each character.

Another reason we might write is to fill a need we see in society. One of the purposes of my writing is to provide audiences with clean, good quality, YA fiction. This is because, as a reader myself, I could see the lack of these kinds of books.

Then there are the two primary reasons to write. The first one is worded beautifully in this quote:

“The writer of books and short stories has a field before her which, followed in the right direction, can do much good in the world—but which, followed in another direction, will add only to the curse that is already in the world. The wrong kind of stories are better never written.”

– Beautiful Girlhood, by Mabel Hale

We as writers have an amazing opportunity to impact the world around us. Our choice is whether or not to use this skill for good. Our goal should be to craft books that will show the truth we want to share with others in this world.

Let’s be honest… we don’t need any more trashy books in this world. So while there will never be a perfect book (besides the Bible, of course), we should strive to be the best writers we can be.

As Christians, we should always be seeking to better the world through the light of God’s Word. Because of this, it makes sense that our books would include this. Our faith is for every area of life, not just for church.

Writers are always encouraged to write what they’re passionate about. And what more could a Christian be passionate about than Jesus Himself? So use your writing to spread the gospel to the lost, and to spread encouragement and challenges to other believers.

And the last—and most important—reason to write is simply put in this verse:

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

− 1 Corinthians 10:31

While I’m sure we all hope that we will sell a lot of books, make money, etc., that shouldn’t be our priority. Whether we sell a thousand copies or one, if we truly strove to glorify God in our work, He will be glorified. It’s not about the numbers, it’s about doing what God called you to do.

If nothing else, let that be your motivation. Even if you never get published, even if it only sells a few copies, even if some reviewer on Amazon rips your book to pieces, you can be satisfied knowing that you did your best… and, in that, you glorified God.

So, why do you write? What set you on the path you’re on now, and what motivates you to keep going when you struggle to find the words? If you don’t have a reason, I would encourage you to find one… and make sure that it’s a worthy one.

What motivates you to write? Comment your answer below!