WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO by Kathy Ivan

You're a writer. Why do you do it?

Is it for fame?

Money?

Prestige?

I love to tell stories but I'm not good at doing it face-to-face. If I know you, I can pretty much talk your ears off on just about any topic. I'll tell you all about the books I'm working on, what I've finished, and even stories I want to write but haven't had the time. If I don't know you . . . I'm a virtual clam. Hard to pry two words out of me, much less have me tell you an entire story.

But I can write it down.

I'm free to tell you (the reader, somebody I've never met) everything that makes a story complete and whole. I'll tell you about the main character, who he or she is, what they do for a living, and why they're driven or compelled to solve the mystery. I can expound about the villain, why he or she is mean, horrible and unrepentantly evil and gleefully relate all the dastardly things they do to make the hero and heroine's lives a continual nightmare.

There may be fights, car chases, or bombings. There will definitely be romance, falling in love and probably some sexy times along the way before the end of the book.

I can guarantee a happily ever after. How? Because I get to tell the story my way, in my words, just the way I want it. Isn't that why we write?

I got a letter from someone I don't know. In it they said: I read both of your books this weekend and I am impressed. I don't usually read romantic books, but I totally enjoyed them. Your characters were charming and really came to life for me. Thank you for entertaining me!

They were entertained! As a storyteller, there's no greater compliment. And when all the smoke has cleared and the final "the end" has been written, isn't that why we do what we do?