Why DO People Write Anyway?

Ask that question to 100 writer's,  and I'm sure you'll get that many different answers, as writing truly is a personal form of self-expression at its core.  And I'm sure each and every piece is unique for the author in it's own way, as well.  Of course I can only speculate, as I've only published one book so far.  

My memoir, The Gifted Ones, started out solely as a selfish way to deal with unfinished business concerning my deceased mother.  Writing, I found, truly is a great therapeutic tool - just as my art is when I need to express myself - writing can be just as healing and expressive, maybe even more so -  in a more direct manner.
 
I found out just how healing writing truly was as I was spewing out the words that needed to be bled from my soul.  During this purging release, I realized IF and WHEN those words ever became an organized work,  there were really only three people for which I wrote my words for, and only three that truly needed to read them. 

*First, and foremost - myself.  I needed this outlet to purge my pent up anger and frustration for my mother, family, society as a whole.  I needed to see my story in black & white, so I could justify my actions, and confirm I was not crazy or wrong at all.
*Second - my husband.  We had been together for well over a decade at the time, and this was the only snippet of my life he knew nothing about - the missing puzzle piece.  Not that I didn't want to tell him, mind you, as I have never been ashamed or embarrassed of my story - or hid anything from him.  No, it was more out of respect for him, as he does not like to hear of any past relationships- quite the jealous guy I have here, turns out.  But I knew deep in my heart to love me wholly, is to know me wholly - even if it might bruise his ego a tad.  It was time he knew my past and how I became who I am today.
*Third - the 'other-half' in my book - my first love - Selina.  I realized after she left and we went our separate ways, she never really heard 'my side' of the story, or probably never realized the impact her short presence in my life truly made.  I deeply wanted to reconnect with her and make sure she knew just what she had meant to me, and how I didn't hold a grudge or any ill feelings whatsoever, in fact, quite the opposite.

It took about two years, but I am happy to say I accomplished my main goals.  My husband accepted my story with grace and total acceptance. He had always loved me unconditionally, and this 'surprise' certainly did not change that - if anything it brought us closer.  To understand someone's past is to know them at their core, and who wouldn't welcome that in a partner? 
I've also since reconnected with Selina - making this project more than worth it.  She is, and will always remain my BFF - I can't imagine my life without her in it now.  We shared a special time that can never be denied.  And deep down we both know we are still 'gifted' as we share our special soul-sister bond, hopefully till the day one of us takes our last breath.
And lastly...myself. To say this book changed my life would be an understatement.  It has aligned me with myself, my environment, and those around me who truly matter - allowing  me to discover my purpose in life - and that purpose, I believe, is to live an authentic life, living each day being true to who I really am, and also to spread the message from which my story was born from - the message of acceptance.  It truly is what drives me to push and promote my book on a daily basis. 

I personally didn't write to become famous, make a living, or get rich.  I wrote because I HAD to,  and now I realize I HAVE to share my story, as that is my true purpose for publishing.  As they say, if reading my words can help one person or open a closed-mind, then I've done my job. 

And THAT  is why 'I' write. 

Thank you for stopping by, and if you'd like to check out exactly what I speak of - my synopsis and purchase links are all above! 
And again, thank you for supporting indie authors & artists! 
Make it an awesome day!