Why Do You Write?

This is a perennial of the message boards. It is also one of the most important questions you will ever ask yourself.

From a male perspective?

To get laid? Nope, ain't going to happen. You're in a Nightclub and say you are a writer? Blank stares. Most people don't know what writers are or do. Actresses will zero in on the director or male lead, not you.

Because I like doing it as a hobby? Good luck with that. It will remain a hobby.

Because I need to? Yep.

From a male perspective, where constant rejection is not looked upon with great affection, where else is there an industry where emotion plays a key part and where so many intelligent males strive to make a go of it? Ballet dancing aside.

The ''Need'' is the key to why you keep doing it. If you can temper that need and talent with commercial realities the chances are you can become an 'A' lister.

To reach those dizzy heights you have the great opportunity to listen to the writing ''STARS' who actually post. Like John August or Terry Rossio or John Rogers and many others. Listen to people who are not yet household names but are a suit saying yes away from being so like Will Dixon, or Bill Martell or Dennis McGrath or Jane Espenson and many others. People who know what they are talking about. They've been in the trenches. Their advice is far more valuable than the latest guru with not much in the way of credits. And their advice wouldn't have been available before the advent of blogging. Get down on your knees and thank whatever deity you believe in for the internet. I do.

Write because you need to. But recognise not everyone wants to hear what you have to say. And that's okay.

And that brings us to the female perspective........lol