Why Do People Write?

Well, I can't speak for others, but I write when I have a strong desire to share a thought or a hard-learned lesson. I know some people dream of writing the GAN (Great American Novel) and I applaud them. I'm on the mailing lists of some women who have become very successful novelists.
But it's hard work, dealing with publicity, contracts and the pressure to keep producing. I don't see myself chasng that particular rainbow, though you never know. P.D.James is still going strong (90 now??) and she started writing in her 40's.
All I know for sure is that I'll keep writing articles and maybe a short story here and there and let the chips fall where they may.

When Do Other Writers Get Their Ideas?

...I get mine just as I'm ready to fall asleep! Two nights ago, for example, I was beginning to doze off when I had a light bulb moment about where to send both an article and a short story I'd written some time ago.
I didn't have a notepad and pen on my nightstand so I made a mental note about it and went to sleep. Surprisingly, the next day I actually remembered what I'd come up with and wrote down my thoughts and questions.
Now to do the research - though not until after the New Year. No one in publishing works during the winter holidays.

New Blog...New Start!

A week ago I was told that a short piece I wrote was going to be published in my High School alumni magazine. I was surprised, because even though I thought it was good, I'm never that confident about my work.
In that article I shared my memories of being a member of the Class of 1966 of Christ the King High School. We were the first graduating class, and it seems that my words struck a chord as I reminisced.
I'm finally beginning to realize that my primary writing focus should probably be nonfiction. The few times I've been published over the past 9 years it's always been in nonfiction.
The passion for whatever topic I'm addressing obviously comes through in what I write, so why fight it?