Why I Write

At the risk of being overly opinionated at 4:30 am, it's hard for me to agree with anyone who creates art solely for mass approval. I write books, articles, and blog posts because I believe in what I'm writing. I derive an immense internal satisfaction from good prose and have for years.

In the din of our times, it's easy for things to get lost in a near-constant stream of information. We just don't have time to read everything that we'd like.

Yet, on occasion, you reach someone with your words--and it feels great.

This happened to me this morning with Wayne Hurlbert's review of my book.

Do I need constant validation? No, and I never have. At the same time, though, it's just an amazing feeling when something that you created finds an appreciative audience, no matter how large. I suspect that musicians, actors, artists, and other writers feel the same way.

By the way, I'll be appearing on Wayne's show tonight.

What makes you create?