You read that right.
Today, I’m not asking for 1000 words of fiction.
I’m asking for a 1000 word essay (meaning, blog post).
And I want it on this subject:
WHY I WRITE.
That’s it. I wanna know why you write. What it is that makes you want to tell stories and write them down. What drives you? Something biographical? Something internal? Dig deep. Be thoughtful. Write it out like the bad-ass that you know you are.
The standard rules apply, otherwise:
Write it at your online space. Drop a link to it here in the comments.
Due in one week: 7/31.
Your time is now: tell us why you write.
gingerlovinmind says:
Here is why I write: http://wp.me/p3XcMi-f1
July 24, 2015 — 11:16 AM
AshleyKagaoan says:
Beautiful words. Thank you for sharing!
July 25, 2015 — 2:25 PM
gingerlovinmind says:
Thank you so much.
July 25, 2015 — 2:45 PM
C R Smith says:
That was extremely moving.
July 26, 2015 — 9:03 AM
M.A. Kropp says:
That was lovely.
July 26, 2015 — 6:57 PM
kathleea says:
Here’s my post: https://kathleensallen.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/why-i-write/
July 24, 2015 — 12:25 PM
J.T. Evans says:
Here’s my post on why I write! http://jtevans.net/2015/07/chuck-wendig-challenge-why-i-write/
July 24, 2015 — 12:36 PM
underastarlitsky says:
Thanks for the twist on today’s challenge, Chuck. It was refreshing (and cathartic really!). So, here’s my post, and my reasons, for Why I Write: https://underastarlitsky.wordpress.com Looking forward to reading everyone’s reasons!
July 24, 2015 — 1:01 PM
mannixk says:
Wanna know why I write? Here’s today’s answer: http://makesmesodigress.com/2015/07/24/why-i-write-todays-answer/
July 24, 2015 — 1:08 PM
T. Jane Berry says:
TL;DR: I have always been a writer because I cannot *not* write.
The nitty gritty details here:
http://blog.tjaneberry.com/2015/07/i-have-always-been-writer.html
July 24, 2015 — 1:29 PM
Sophie Giroir says:
I write because this…
https://lifeinmyshoesandsometimesout.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/why-i-write/
July 24, 2015 — 1:37 PM
Rick Cook Jr says:
Short and mildly insane.
http://panningforclouds.com/2015/07/24/why-i-write-a-response/
July 24, 2015 — 1:50 PM
mannixk says:
“There is a storm of crazy up there.” Love this.
July 24, 2015 — 2:15 PM
Rebecca Douglass says:
Excellent explanation. I like it.
July 29, 2015 — 1:03 PM
Fatma Alici says:
I was, probably, too honest. Oh well, here goes nothing.
http://www.fatmaalici.com/2015/07/24/why-do-i-write/
July 24, 2015 — 2:32 PM
Fatma Alici says:
(My post got caught in moderation. Not sure why, so here’s me attempting repost.)
A little to honest for my comfort. Probably a good thing.
http://www.fatmaalici.com/2015/07/24/why-do-i-write/
July 24, 2015 — 2:44 PM
parallaxduality says:
Here is mine. . .Very short and to the point.
http://dswilliams.com/2015/07/24/flash-fiction-july-24th-essay/
July 24, 2015 — 2:46 PM
Joelle Reizes says:
Why do I write? Because it makes me happy to do so. (A little crazy sometimes too…)
http://www.slipperywords.com/2015/07/why-do-i-write-challenge-from-chuck-wendig/
July 24, 2015 — 2:58 PM
writerchick says:
Short, not necessarily sweet and I’m not sure I answered your question. http://wp.me/p1saO-1gd
July 24, 2015 — 3:07 PM
alexharrow says:
Here’s my origin story of why I write: http://alexharrow.com/2015/07/24/why-i-write-an-origin-story/
Also, I needed that today. Thanks!
July 24, 2015 — 3:07 PM
Laura E. Price says:
Okay, here’s mine. (I like footnotes. Like, a lot.) https://seldnei.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/why-i-write-or-i-may-have-a-footnote-problem/
July 24, 2015 — 3:39 PM
jack lee taylor says:
Maybe not a great example of why I write, but I learned something about myself from writing it. Thanks for the challenge.
http://jackleetaylor.com/2015/07/24/playing-dodgeball-why-i-write/
July 24, 2015 — 3:43 PM
Lorin O. says:
I already had a post on my blog in answer to the question, so I’m sharing it. My answer’s still the same today!
http://freexp.squarespace.com/write-line/2013/2/5/ill-write-because.html
July 24, 2015 — 5:07 PM
cleefrost says:
My first memory of writing a story, and how over time, I came to find all the outcasts and rebel voices of women frequently overlooked or misrepresented in history: http://www.herravendomain.com/why-i-write/
July 24, 2015 — 5:56 PM
London Setterby (@LondonSetterby) says:
Okay, here’s mine 🙂 http://setterby.tumblr.com/post/124959559306/why-i-write
TL;DR “I hear you.”
Thank you for doing this! I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone’s entries.
July 24, 2015 — 8:24 PM
afternoonfiller says:
Ok, So this is why I write (I hope I’m not late!). I’m new to the whole writing community so I hope it’s ok. I’d just like to say I love this blog. You’ve made me feel less alone in the world. Thank you.
https://afternoonfiller.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/why-i-write/
July 24, 2015 — 8:57 PM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
You’ve definitely made it clear where the impetus of your writing came from. Thanks for sharing.
July 26, 2015 — 12:37 PM
Mozette says:
I started writing an origins story… but stopped and wrote the why, not where, as you asked:
http://youcantgoback-andotherimpossibilities.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/its-kinda-magic.html
July 24, 2015 — 8:58 PM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
Thanks for sharing. It is a kind of magic, isn’t it. I think the best writers are the ones not afraid to experiment and write whatever they want.
July 26, 2015 — 12:27 PM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
sorry, wrong post. reading while working. 🙂
July 26, 2015 — 12:35 PM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
Wow, I’m gonna stop now. wrong again. I humbly beg your forgiveness. The ‘magic’ response was the correct one.
July 26, 2015 — 12:36 PM
Mozette says:
Hey that’s okay… I’ve done that before… 😛
thank you for your wonderful comment. 😀 It takes other writers to know how one writer feels in their own mind (hope that makes sense).
July 27, 2015 — 7:57 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
You’ve definitely made it clear where the impetus of your writing came from. Thanks for sharing.
July 26, 2015 — 12:33 PM
gfirestorm says:
https://impulsedevice.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/why-i-write/
There it is. First time participating.
July 25, 2015 — 12:31 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
Writing is writing, right? I’ve written everything from Skyrim fanfiction to rants about driving. Never stop writing if that’s truly your impuse.
July 26, 2015 — 12:03 PM
Laurie Berke says:
Any way to submit if I don’t have a blog, or a website, or any of the things I probably should have?
July 25, 2015 — 12:53 AM
Beth says:
This is not a writing blog, except when it is. http://edgeofcenter.com/blog/2015/07/why-i-write/
July 25, 2015 — 2:44 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
It seems you share a lot with many great writers who find their voice in shouting through the pain doubt. Hope your support system is still as strong as it sounds like it was when you were younger. That always helps.
July 26, 2015 — 11:56 AM
Paige S. says:
Paragraph transitions may be a little rough, but it’s me! I keep falling off track, but I hop back on and try again!
https://pznb.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/prioritize-the-writing/
July 25, 2015 — 3:00 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
I liked following your writing journey back through time, I can even relate to some of it. As far as relying on writing for a living, that’s got to be one of the scariest deals for anyone. If someone reminded me I was relying on my brain exclusively for a living, I might just think twice. My wife definitely would.
July 26, 2015 — 11:50 AM
Catkins says:
Your essay made me cry a little bit. What you said to your husband struck me as the truest thing. “It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away.” I’m scared of dying, like most people, and of being forgotten, which is quite vain really. If I can bring just one story into the world that wasn’t here before then I’ve changed something and it’s enough to have changed just one small thing in the world. It’s enough.
July 25, 2015 — 3:50 AM
afternoonfiller says:
This reply is as touching as the work it was inspired by.
July 25, 2015 — 7:54 AM
gingerlovinmind says:
That sound you hear is my heart breaking.
Stories can provide refuge, offer hope, provide respite. They have for more more than once. You’re right…a story can change everything. So can a kind word; thank you for yours.
July 25, 2015 — 2:50 PM
the story hive says:
Why I write: https://thestoryhive.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/a-record-keeper/
July 25, 2015 — 3:59 AM
the story hive says:
hmmm… moderation? https://thestoryhive.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/a-record-keeper/
July 25, 2015 — 4:32 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
Sounds like art to me. I think all writing is art whether it presents itself as that or not. Like paintings, people will see what they want and get from it what they bring into it. Keep it up. If you’re like me it’s the only thing keeping the Ordinary Job from driving me crazy.
July 26, 2015 — 11:42 AM
RAFinley says:
Here’s mine, in which it may appear that I’ve got some sort of magic doorway in my mind and that I believe story makes me do things. (This may or may not be true. Are you coming to take me away? Ah, well then, I’m fine, really.)
[There is no RAFinley, only Zuul.]
No, really. I’m fine. It’s late—super early here—that’s all.
Look at that! *points to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, drops link, and runs*
http://rafinley.blogspot.com/2015/07/flash-fiction-challenge-why-i-write.html
July 25, 2015 — 7:19 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
Defintiely sounds like it’s in your blood. That’s the best feeling.
July 26, 2015 — 11:32 AM
rafinley says:
I’ve switched my site to a different provider. Here’s the new link: http://rafinleybooks.com/2015/07/25/flash-fiction-challenge-why-i-write/
October 19, 2015 — 8:43 PM
percykerry923 says:
Here’s my essay on why I write:
http://thecrimocopoiea.blogspot.in/2015/07/why-i-write-short-essay.html
July 25, 2015 — 9:37 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
Sounds like you’ve truly embraced writing in yor life and made it work for you. Nice.
July 26, 2015 — 11:25 AM
percykerry923 says:
Thank you Scott 🙂
July 27, 2015 — 11:55 AM
Mark Matthews says:
Why I Write
http://www.markmatthewsauthor.com/p/milk-blood-that-is-name-of-my-next-book.html
I modified it a bit, as arrogant asses such as myself tend to do.
July 25, 2015 — 9:51 AM
mannixk says:
Excellent. Honest, and something I’m pretty sure every writer can relate to…especially fellow dark-yet-giddy arrogant asses.
July 25, 2015 — 11:56 AM
T Hammond says:
Great post Mark. I’m not a fan of the horror genre (I enjoy my sleep), but you have an excellent style I can definitely appreciate.
July 28, 2015 — 11:11 AM
Mark Matthews says:
Why I Write
http://www.markmatthewsauthor.com/p/milk-blood-that-is-name-of-my-next-book.html
July 25, 2015 — 9:57 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
That’s great you were able to find an outlet for your fears. Too many people succumb to their fears, real or otherwise and never become who they really are.
July 26, 2015 — 10:23 AM
cincan19 says:
Thanks for the challenge, Chuck! Here’s mine: https://cincan19.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/why-i-write/
July 25, 2015 — 11:34 AM
Scott A. Bullard (@writingbull) says:
Nice. Good luck with NaNoWriMo, too. I’m there every year as well, though I’ve only won once.
July 26, 2015 — 10:19 AM
Jocelyn says:
I write because…https://52lettersinthealphabet.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/why-do-i-write/
July 25, 2015 — 1:11 PM
writesprite says:
Darn I miss my email! I am so far behind but this one caught my eye while looking for yet another work project on my have-to-do list. Grrr… But, I have a relief project now. My blogs are all so dead so I could use a post. How do I make that fit? Hmmm… Got it! Wish me luck on sneaking my time away from the time thieves so I can do what I love!
July 25, 2015 — 3:44 PM
Katherine Hetzel says:
Interesting challenge, Chuck – gave me an opportunity to look back at how words have always been part of my life, and why that means I still write now…
http://squidgesscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/why-i-write.html
July 25, 2015 — 5:35 PM
Carl says:
Why I write:
Because.
I owe you 999 words. Would you like those in articles or adjectives? Oh, I know…
*starts shoveling curse words into wheelbarrow*
July 25, 2015 — 7:13 PM