Why do you write?

I wanted to elaborate a bit more on yesterday's post. While writing is a necessity for most of us, I was curious as to why you do it? Yes, we love it, but what is the driving force behind it?

I know I write because I love to create, and there's so much going on in my head that if I didn't put it down somewhere and get it out, I would go crazy. Most of my emotions go into my writing and the story sometimes takes a turn depending on how I'm feeling at the time (not that it's always a good thing). It's not only a great outlet, but also a form of escapism.

I write when I need a break from everyday complicity, when I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I want to think about something else, when I need to vent--the list goes on.

And lastly, yet probably the most obvious, although not everyone agrees...

I want to be published.

Plain and simple. I want to see my name and my words in print. Maybe it's the feat of overcoming that obstacle, chasing the white rabbit, obtaining that elusive goal, but I want it.

Now, of course, it's your turn: Why do you write?