Ten Reasons to Write

This list was originally intended as a kind of antidote to my recent Ten Reasons Not To Write. But it’s turned out to be rather more than that.

Ten Reasons to Write not only outlines the various stimuli that motivate the average writer, but also offers useful clues about which particular genre said writer is best suited to. I’ve compiled the list using the very latest scientific and statistical techniques, and I am totally confident of its value as an essential tool for all writers, large and small. I cannot, however, be held responsible for any injuries sustained while using it.

I Write Because …

1. It transports me to other worlds – Science Fiction
2. I love it when the prose wraps me up in its strong muscular arms – Romance
3. The words are worms in my head and if I don’t let them out they will devour my brain from the inside with their tiny whirring teeth – Horror
4. It makes me laugh – Comedy
5. I want to win a major award and sell up to ten copies of my book in hardback – Literary Fiction
6. I’m desperate to find out whodunnit – Crime
7. The voices tell me to – Psychological Thriller
8. I like putting my characters in jeopardy – Adventure
9. The main reason is … wait, I’ll tell you in a minute – Suspense
10. I want to sell millions and make lots and lots of money – Fantasy

Now that I’ve compiled it, I have a nagging feeling this list is incomplete. If any of you lovely people want to add to it, feel add a comment below. But remember, I’ve already reserved a spot for the one I missed. It happens to be the best reason to write of all:

I write because I just can’t stop.