As I was trying to think of a topic to write for this blog post, I came across an interesting list of questions on 40 Blog Post Ideas for Novelists, Poets, And Creative Writers. "What is your mission as a writer? What do you hope readers will take away from your work when they read it?"
We all have different reasons for writing, but our mission? Now that really makes you think. So, in no particular order, here are the reasons I write.
Mission 1: To Entertain/Escape
I love books. They make me laugh, cry, stay up way too late at night to find out what happens in the next chapter, and rage. They let me escape from life and get lost into another world where bills, mortgage, work, and adult responsibilities don't plague me. I want to create a world where people can immerse themselves and feel that same sort of escapism, especially if it's from trauma.
I grew up feeling pretty lonely. I had parents who worked, and I wasn't the most social kid, so I had a lot of time to be alone and think. Books became my way to deal with the loneliness. I could always rely on a new Jedi Apprentice to appear at Borders (when that was still in existence) each month. The characters in my fantasy and sci-fi worlds started to become my friends. And when something happened that made me upset or hurt me, I could dry my tears with the pages. I want my books to be that for other people so they have something that can comfort them, or entertain them, whatever they need.
Mission 2: To Inspire
I have a dream that one day a reader will come up to me and say, "You inspired me to write my own story." I'm not trying to be egotistical. I want readers to feel like they, too, can put their stories down on paper. I firmly believe that anyone can be a writer. Whether you roleplay, write fanfiction, poetry, short stories, novellas, novels, scripts, journals, blogs, random musings, etc...you're a writer. And if you have a story to tell, you should do that. I want readers to feel like they can come up to me to ask for advice and encouragement. I have plenty to give, because I want others to succeed as well. And I know that if one of my favorite authors told me, "I believe in you," it would have spurred me on to write even more. So, I want to be that for someone else.
Mission 3: To Be Inclusive
Whether it's The Purple Door District, or one of my other novels, I want my writing to be inclusive. I acknowledge the privilege that comes with being white. But I also know the struggles that come with being bisexual, morbidly obese, and a woman. I definitely do not know everyone's struggles, and I can't be the voice for other people who are discriminated or suppressed, but I can at least provide a space where many can feel included. I work with sensitivity readers so that when I write about folks outside of my scope, I don't come off as a racist jerk due to pure ignorance. I know I may not always get it right, but I do try to do my research, and I do my best to improve when I receive critique.
If I'd read more books with bisexual characters, I might have recognized my sexual identity sooner. If I'd had books with strong females instead of the damsels in distress, I might have realized earlier I can be the hero of my own story. So many books focus on white cis characters (generally male heroes), so how can people feel like they're included? I can't touch on everyone, but my mission is to include as many people as possible because that's our world! We're not just one gender or color. We're a plethora of incredible cultures, colors, and abilities. Everyone should be celebrated, not treated like they're "the other." So if you feel like you're missing from my book, tell me. I'll see what I can do.
Mission 4: To Write For Me
Just like other writers, I have my own stories I want to create. I see worlds and characters, and hear music in my head. I have far too many plot lines to work with, and I want to put them all down on paper...someday. Maybe when I become a full-time author I'll be able to indulge my muses.
Writing has been a part of my life since I was a little kid. One of my fondest memories is scribbling down a dragon story on notebook paper and watching my world, and characters come to life. I roleplayed on websites, and learned to develop my characters. I created fanfiction to show my love for Redwall, Harry Potter, and, yes, even My Little Pony, because it made me happy. When I hit a writer's block, I tend to crumble because I feel like I lose a part of myself. I can't do the thing I absolutely love because I'm stuck. Some people don't get it, and that's fine. My writing doesn't define me, but it does make me really happy. It's what I want to do, and I hope that one day it can become a full-time job.
Heh, I think all writers have that dream.
I guess, in a nutshell, my mission is to write for myself, inspire others, provide an escape, and be inclusive. Who knows, maybe as I become a more experienced writer, I'll realize I have even more missions.
What about you? What's your mission as a writer? Feel free to share below!