Why Do You Write?

I spent the past week at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference (WIFYR).  It put me on a rollercoaster of emotions.  Being around so many fabulous published and pre-published authors made me feel inferior at times.  

Several presenters asked the following question: Why do you write?  I thought it would be interesting to find out why everyone writes.  I admit this is somewhat selfish of me because I really could use the inspiration right now (but I doubt I'm the only one who could be lifted up from other people's examples).

Here's my answer to the question: Why do you write?  I write because: 

• I have stories to tell.
• I like the sense of accomplishment I feel after finishing a first draft.
• It's a rush of excitement when characters or scenes write themselves.
• When I'm not writing, I can't stop thinking about my characters.
• Even though it's hard at times, I really enjoy writing. 

So now it's your turn: Why do you write?

Right of Passage

On every agent/editor blog or website I see lately, they post a disclaimer that if you don't hear from them, consider yourself rejected. Whatever happened to the rejection letters sent in the mail?

I remember going to a presentation by author Shannon Hale a few years ago where she talked to teachers in Jordan School District. She showed off her rejection letters, yards and yards of letters that she'd laminated together into one long row of papers.

Stephen King, in his book On Writing, talks about how he used to post his rejections on his wall until he ran out of room and had to find something larger to hold them all.

Am I going to miss out on this particular right of passage? I'm pragmatic enough that I expect rejection. But I was really looking forward to celebrating my first rejection letter. Am I out of luck? I guess I'll have to find another reason to celebrate.