Why Create?

Why?

Whatever passion it is that you pursue, why do you do it? What is it that makes you come back to that thing day after day? What drives the longing?

And what will motivate you to see your passion grow?

Thank you to Jason Brick and the inspiring talk he gave at the Surrey International Writers' Conference this year. His talk "It's not a Book, it's a Business," challenged me to reframe the way I think about writing. I'm mean, I know why I write. I write because:

• of the dopamine hit I get placing one thoughtful word after another. :D
• I have core values of compassion, restoration, and self-care that I want to share with those around me.
• To encourage other creators
• To entertain
• To give hope for the future in a time of unrest

These things are the reasons why I will always write. As long as I have the breath to speak, I want to be a storyteller and to speak creative encouragement into people's lives. The place where I get stuck is that second question, 'what will motivate you to see your passion grow'?

Because the idea of writing for money doesn't get me up in the morning. It just isn't the thing that puts me in the chair in front of my computer.

• But it would be nice to keep flexible hours and be present for my family.
• I wouldn't mind bringing in a paycheck through writing so I can support my family doing something I love.
• It would be great if I could hire a housekeeper to help me out with household chores, so I can focus on turning this part-time hobby into a full-time job.

Ah ha. That's it. That's the one. :) All altruism aside, it would be a dream to make enough money to hire a housekeeper. So I can write even more because it's just so darn fun.

So I'm here this morning. To encourage you to grow and think creatively. To challenge you to discover what your motivation is behind the creative act. And because one day...

I'd like to wash fewer dishes. 😆