Let's get this out of the way before anything else. This is a serious question, a question you as a writer need to have an answer for, and not a flippant one either.

Why do you write?

That's a daunting question, isn't it? Your answer should not be "Because I can" or "why is this even a question?" or "why not?" No...those answers aren't good enough, and I apologize if that comes off as harsh. However, let me elaborate on why these answers aren't going to cut it.

Whatever you're writing, be it non-fiction, fanfiction, regular fiction, there are going to be moments when someone criticizes you. There are going to be well-meaning people with good intentions that will tell you honestly that they don't like your story. There will be moments, days, weeks, and longer that you're going to question your own writing. You'll hate it, your inner critic is going to scream at you and tell that everything you ever come up with is garbage. There will be so many times writer's block gets in the way of your willpower and ambition.

But you need to have a damn good answer to "Why do you write?" if you want to overcome those problems and roadblocks! "Because I can" is not going to help motivate yourself when you are sitting in front of your computer banging your fist against the desk because you want to gouge your eyes out rather than edit another sentence. "Why not?" is not going to help you want to keep writing when someone is being a little too harsh in their criticism of your stories. So...

Why do you write?

Let me offer up a few reasons for why I write. Maybe you might resonate with these or maybe not so much. Regardless, this list isn't the only reasons. You will find your own reasons, similar or not, but find your reasons.

I. I Write for Myself

It's true, and I believe that every writer should write for his or herself. You have to love it more than it drives you crazy. You have to, otherwise...why write?

I write because it helps me relieve stress, especially when I journal every day.

I write because I love the act of creating something with my own hands. That's what humans are meant for! We create such beautiful things in this world. Writing is its own art in and of itself.

I write because for some strange reason, it help my sense of self-worth. I am proud of what I write and because I can call it mine. Sure, in fanfiction the characters aren't my own, the setting and world aren't my own, but the story I've created has my own flair to it, my creative spin to it. When people enjoy what I write, it boosts my self-esteem too. Do I rely on that solely to feel good about myself? No, of course not, but it's nice to know that what I create beings joy to others too.

I write because it cures my loneliness. Don't get me wrong, I love my alone time to write, but there are some days when it feels a little empty in my little apartment and writing not only takes my mind off it, but I feel connected to my characters.

I write to help me deal with my past, my flaws, and my issues. A lot of writing is drawing from your own experiences. Some of my one shots are directly inspired by my life that I live or how I view the world. Sometimes, I write and noticed themes between character relationships between several stories and I realize...that my subconscious is telling me I have an "issue" with my own relationships.

II. I Write for Other People

C'mon, I mean...in the grand scheme of things, why else would I write and publish it? It's because I want the world to see what I've created! I have this crazy idea and I want to bring it to life so that others can enjoy my crazy idea with me.

I write for others because it makes them happy too, because I've written something that means something to me, and I want others to know what I've learned, what I've felt. As long as one person gets me, then it was a good thing to write.

Not only that, sometimes I literally only write for others. Reader inserts are purely for the enjoyment of the audience and when I ask for suggestions, I know that I'm making someone else happy by making their idea/world/story tangible. I live for comments on my stories like "Oh my gosh, this is exactly how I imagined (insert character) to be and I would SOOO act like this" or similar to that.

III. I Write for Release

This is an offshoot of the first reason, but it's true. I write because I have this insatiable need to get an idea out of my head. I will be in the shower, eating dinner, watching a show...and ideas will spring forth. I have to get them on paper (or into a computer). Writing helps me process my thoughts, writing helps me see things deep inside me from a different perspective.

Writing is certainly my release. I can just let things go, even for a little bit, when I write. And that's a beautiful feeling!

I get to record my thoughts, events, and new mental discoveries this way and look back on them. For example, when I look back on my old fanfics, I see how much I've grown as a person and what was important to me back then.

IV. I Write for Fun

Guess what? It's totally okay to write for fun! And honestly, that's what fanfictions writers are doing anyways. We're having fun. We don't expect to make money off it and we aren't trying to. We just want others to have as much fun reading our insane ideas as much as we enjoy writing them down.

I write for fun! I love creating dumb stories about Levi, Jean, and G-Dragon falling in love with girls *cough cough* MEEE, I mean...what? Writing little stories about romance is entertaining to me, especially seeing reactions for the die hard fangirls.

You don't need to do it for some higher purpose either. I mean like...I don't know, "I write because what I write will help save the endangered species of monkeys in..." blah blah blah. You know? You can just write because you want to.

I know to some of you, you're probably thinking that this is a no brainer. However, you'd be surprised how many freelance writers out there are excellent writers but the hate doing it...and that's just lame if you ask me.

Just do you, baby boo.

There are plenty of other reasons to write and why you want to be a writer/author, but those are just a few of mine.

For the record, whoever even asks you the question "why do you write?" does not necessarily need an answer. Just as long as you have an answer for yourself. You owe them nothing.

Anyway, keep writing. Do it for you. Do it for others. Do it for whatever reason you want. As long as writing makes you happy and you are proud to do it (most of the time), then you are a writer. Even if you're not seasoned yet, you're still a writer.

GOOD LUCK!