An old typewriter I found in an attic.

My post called Why write? sparked some thoughtful and inspiring responses from fellow bloggers. I’m truly grateful to everyone who’s shared their reflections so far.

These stories deserve a post of their own, so here it is, the “Why we write” entry. I’ve also included one of my favorite quotes from each post.

Have you written your own “Why I write” piece and want to be featured here? Feel free to get in touch.

Because I love sharing stuff and I need to clean my mind. Batuhan

It serves a need in me, and for others, at times. Randal

I enjoy being able to share information on whatever I’m interested in. Lou Plummer

…the lack of rules means I can write with no pressure. I can simply write for myself. Cole

I’ve always appreciated how blogging forces me to think more deeply. Ben Tsai

I write because it keeps me sane and because it helps me connect with others. Brandon

At the end of the day, I just want to write. No specific reasons, or many reasons rolled up into one. That’s all. JCProbably

To declutter my brain is what I think of first. Aryar

I write the books I wanted to see and needed to read when I was coming of age — especially those with LGBT characters and situations. Kerri Ann

I haven’t stopped writing and have never looked back from that very early age after being encouraged by my parents to dream. Alexandra

I think the simplest answer is that writing is where thinking actually happens. Jaemez

Writing helps me figure out who I am and what I am thinking, a space for me to be, to think. James

...to record the important moments of my life, to reflect on and process my emotions and thoughts, and package it all into a little time capsule for future me. Just another internet nook

Writing lots, seen or unseen, unlocks feedback loops, cycles of revolutions that provide insight and perspective, you become more competent. Ian

It’s a way to make sense of the world around us and our place in it. Aiyna

Oftentimes, when I just write, I come up with even more ideas, arguments, whatever to support my initial thesis. Dominik Hofer

I write so that other people no longer have to think, “Am I the only one?” Katrina de Friess

I don’t write as therapy per se, but I’m finding it benefits my wellbeing anyway, as I process what I think and how I feel about a whole range of experiences and ideas. Melinda Tognini

Writing is a way of saying thank you to all the other writers out there. Daniel Szpisjak

Writing is a way to touch people’s hearts and let them know they are not alone. Lorraine Lundqvist

There is a part of me that wants to be loved [….] There is a certain hubris to the act of creation [….] I tell myself that everyone is like this and that most just won’t admit to it… Forrest

I write for myself to understand. I write for my future self to remember. And I write when the words are too heavy to hold onto. Courtney

Writing helps me sort through the constant tornado in my head and by putting this tornado to “paper“, it calms me down in a way. Artemis