What motivates you to write?

[Deleted member 68927]

So, what motivates you to write? What makes you give up hours of your life towards writing? How do you kick yourself in gear when it comes time for editing? Just curious.

 

[TheEldritchGod]

Dopamine.
Did you just assume I was alive?
Ketamine, the pumpkin spice of pharmaceuticals

 

[NotaNuffian]

... I waste my office time to write. So there's that.

 

[Corty]

Readers feedback.

 

[Ilikewaterkusa]

So, what motivates you to write? What makes you give up hours of your life towards writing? How do you kick yourself in gear when it comes time for editing? Just curious.

Reformed Orthodox Rabbi Bill Clinton. I want to be a better Pokemon trainer than him

 

[Gryphon]

I just genuinely enjoy the stories I write. Hell, even the stories I might never finish or get to writing, I enjoy them. If people enjoy my writing I see that as a plus. If people hate it for specific reasons, and if those reasons are justified, then its great because that means I can improve myself.

 

[J_Chemist]

A funky mix, I guess.

• I get enjoyment out of putting "pen to paper" (though it's all digital now). I really like letting my imagination go and creating scenes with words. It's kind of satisfying. If I find a song that tickles my brain in just the right way at the same time, it's euphoric. Almost better than procreating.
  
  
• I like hearing other people enjoy my work. A simple "TFTC" brings a smile to my face. Knowing that there's around ~400 or so people waiting for me to post a chapter is honestly unbelievable. Especially when I think my writing is pretty shitty compared to other people. This number is also rather demotivating at times, so it's a double-edged sword. I do put a lot of effort into it (as we all do), so sometimes I do get bummed when I find myself comparing my stats to others.
  
  
• After reading other stories, watching anime and movies and other works of digital media, I really get this itch to experience that sort of stuff. While I obviously can't go out and slay monsters, dungeon crawl, or do great feats (probably could but it all costs money, effort, and time), I find that writing allows me to kind of decompress those urges. I live vicariously through my characters. Not as self-inserts, as those are dumb, but by giving them opportunities to do things that I cannot. They are my children, after all, and watching them achieve great feats brings a smile to my face.
  
  
• I would say I also enjoy hearing from people and getting their opinions about my work but over time, I've lost that desire. I hate asking for reviews or opinions because I don't want to make someone read my story unnaturally or come to find out it wasn't their cup of tea in the first place. Now I've asked them to grind through my slog of a novel, knowing they won't like it anyways. Some may be able to give good feedback where others will just say "yea, no thanks. wasn't my kinda thing."
  
  Both are valid, but again I hate accidentally causing someone to do something they dislike. I'd rather be able to offer a story that suits their tastes, even if it's not my story. But! Because of me no longer doing this, it allows me to enjoy those casual reviews and comments even better. Good and bad, as for whatever reason the Commenter/Reviewer made their own self-conscious decision to read and put effort into reviewing/commenting on my book. Of course, if it's a bad review/comment, I make sure it's actually relevant before I give it any actual attention.

Just a few reasons for my own motivation. There are a few others but they're more personal.

 

[Syringe]

Sincerely because it's calming and enjoyable. Addictive as well. It's kind of like seeing the stuff in your head come to life. You sort of 'live' the moment of your characters as you write (in the same manner as you read, except you have more control) and I really love that. Especially for characters you care about, and you wanna see them evolve.

Even better when you get feedback of people similarly looking forward to your story or theory crafting. That's one of the best motivators for a writer.

 

[georgelee5786]

The joy of telling a story

 

[Deleted member 54065]

So, what motivates you to write?

I want to tell a story. That's it.

What makes you give up hours of your life towards writing?

Like everyone else, I got lots of ideas in mind, frustrations in what I read, and characters coming to 'life' whenever I'm in deep thought. So I want to write about them.

As for the hours I give? It's my passion. Writing is something I'm willing to pursue, beyond the monetary compensation, popularity and even as I'm being dissed and pushed down, especially when my genre is the subject of hatred of others.

How do you kick yourself in gear when it comes time for editing? Just curious.

I always make sure that I don't bring out 'trash' stories, at least in my standards. Not only does it affects my story itself, it will also pull me down, should I let my laziness take over me.

Nevertheless, still, for editions, I try to limit it. Normally, I got three editions after I completed a manuscript. First, for the plot holes and inconsistencies. Second, for grammar, spelling and word mistakes. Third, a repeat check of both.

Then there's also the beta-readers to assist me (my journalist brother and a friend). It's not a sure way of a 100% error-free work, but at least the story is readable and events, logical.

And yes, I avoid rewrites unless the errors are blatant. I try to stand with what I've written.

 

[Rhaps]

I write for myself for most of the time, it's just what make me happy. I don't need many people reading my stories..I don't view myself as a good author by any means, just someone who enjoys creating stories and show who may be interested what I love doing the most.

 

[ThrillingHuman]

I'm like a kettle. When I boil over with some emotion or idea, it boils over and I write. Then the kettle cools off and I stop.

 

[Bobple]

Simply reading, the more I read, the more I want to write.

After that it's also the desire to complete what I've writing. Which is hard when my brain wants to start writing different ideas.

How do you kick yourself in gear when it comes time for editing?

...ehhhh. Editing. It make's me sick.
I'm really bad at editing, and every time I do it, no matter how many times I check the chapter I realised I've missed something.

 

[APieceOfRock]

Number go up = dopamine = happy = write = number go up = dopamine = happy = write = number go up = dopamine = happy = write = number go up = dopamine = happy = write = number go up = dopamine = happy = write = number go up = dopamine = happy = write = number go up

 

[TheEldritchGod]

Reformed Orthodox Rabbi Bill Clinton. I want to be a better Pokemon trainer than him

He truly is an inspiration to us all. Never met a trainer who could capture a Pokémon just by using guilt alone before I met him, and I doubt I will ever again.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

Money.

 

[TheEldritchGod]

I'm like a kettle. When I boil over with some emotion or idea, it boils over and I write. Then the kettle cools off and I stop.

I'm a little kettle, short and stout.
Here is my handle and here is the other handle.

...

I am a poorly made kettle.

 

[Empyrea]

Free therapy through my own patented mix of trauma dumping and power fantasy.

 

[gaylolis]

One thing was due to learning an important lesson in my life and I feel like sharing it to everyone. It helps me understand things better.

It's also a way to open up and heal myself.

Maybe a way to ask questions and answer them as well.

I don't exactly make writing as my life anymore, but it's an important part that makes me what I am.

 

[lumiel]

Pretty much just like everyone else, sometimes there's a plot going on without any brakes inside my head. So maybe it will be cool if I share it with everyone.