Novel in a Year Exercise 2

1.3.2011, Novel in a Year Exercise 2: Write down, in plain English, clearly and concisely, why you want to write a novel – not why you want to be a writer, but why, specifically, a novelist.  Be simple and honest about it.  "I want to write a novel because…" I was shocked to realize, upon reading the instructions for this exercise, that I had actually never once considered the WHY behind my insatiable desire to write, and my long-held dream of actually publishing a novel that would someday see the light of a shelf in a physical bookstore.  When I thought about it, I realized I have just always been writing.  Like literally, as far back as I can remember, I have been making up stories and writing them down… or as was the case when I was very small, drawing them.  🙂  I used to think my real "writing phase" began when I was 14, when I actually committed to a very very long scifi story, but that's not true at all.  My "writing phase" started before the distant point my memories can currently reach back to.  That's crazy.  I never really gave it much thought, but writing has seriously been a part of my life, FOREVER.  😛 But… WHY?!?! After some time of serious contemplation, I found the following answers: I want to write a novel because, first and foremost, I love having control of a whole world of characters, and to create people and a story for that world.  This has always been the driving force behind my writing, I think.  And to put down on paper, where other people can see, the little stories and characters that pop into my head sometimes.  Also, I am fascinated by the writing process, and how it seems every author has certain things in common with one another during the process.  I enjoy applying all the new things I learn to my writing and seeing how it changes over the years.  Fanfiction has shown me another reason for writing a novel – the feedback.  It is addicting and thrilling to hear what other people think of your writing (especially when it is good feedback, lol).  It is extremely rewarding to hear that readers feel the emotions of the characters and care about them enough to write you emails pleading for more, even better to hear that readers get teary-eyed and goosebumpy during the appropriate scenes in any given story.  Just FABULOUS.  I want to give other people stories that they enjoy!!  And lastly, of course, I want to write a novel because it is a way for me to possibly make some money off of something I love doing so very much.  That is why, if I cannot get a mainstream publisher to accept my books, I plan to self-publish.  Other people can still get to them that way, and if I make more than I paid to publish, great.  If not, at least they are still available in print, which is the more important goal, I think.  😉