So recently, I was tagged in a Why I Write chain by Emily Hawker, one of the bloggers in our Writers Reveal circle. Now I have to answer a handful of questions on – you guessed it – why I write. Sounds simple enough. Thanks for tagging me, Emily! Here goes nothing!

Why do I write?

I’ve already covered this question pretty thoroughly in one of my very first blog posts. There are several reasons I write, but they all trace back to one major point. In a nutshell, I write because writing makes me happy. It’s my calling, the air I breathe, the practice that gives my life purpose. It’s the one thing I feel with every last fiber of my being that I was meant to do. I’m not a writer because I write; I write because I am a writer.

What am I working on?

Right now, I’m mostly working on this blog and, if they count, academic papers for grad school. I also have plans to compile some short stories for self-publication, as well as devote more time to those sci-fi/fantasy novels that have been bouncing around in my mind for a few years now.

How does my writing differ from others in my genre?

To answer this question, I’d first need to identify my “genre”. Generally speaking, though, I prefer to write stories based on the tons of research I like do on subjects that interest me. In fantasy, much of my writing has roots in ancient mythology, as I mostly write magical creatures based on the mythical beasts I used to read about all the time as a kid. In science fiction, I like to write based on the real scientific subjects I’ve studied in college as a Biology major. And in romance, most of the love relationships I write about start out as friendships, because I’ve learned from my parents’ relationship and personal experience that love based on friendship is the best kind of love. All these practices may not make my writing better than that of other writers, but they certainly make it mine!

Why do I write what I do?

I like to try my hand at as many different styles and genres as I can, but I do have my favorites. I write fantasy and science fiction because they’re a great escape from the confines of reality. I write romance because one of my favorite themes in fiction and in real life is love, and I enjoy expressing my idealistic views on the subject through storytelling. And I write poetry because it’s an excellent emotional outlet.

How does my writing process work?

I don’t really have a set process when it comes to writing, but I suppose it consists of a lot of daydreaming. For most of my work, ideas usually come to me during my idle thinking, and the ones I like best get written down and eventually become the flash fiction stories and poems I share online. As for longer works such as short stories and novels, I spend a significant amount of time planning them in my head before I even write the first word. I focus on telling a good story during the writing stage, and I put equal effort into editing so as to satisfy my high standards for technique. In the end, what I’m (hopefully) left with are stories that I can be proud to present to the world. Though my processes differ from each other, what all my works have in common is that I pour my heart and soul into every word I write. Writing is my ultimate passion, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Passing the Torch

Now I’m supposed to tag three people to answer the same questions on why they write. For this chain, I choose Vanessa Levin-Pompetzki, Beth Teliho and Inion N. Mathair (which technically makes four people, but two of them write for the same blog!). Can’t wait to read about why you all write! Good luck, ladies!