Why do I write?

I think every writer, published or not gets asked this question. Why do you write? Especially when you're not published, and people often wonder why you spend hours clicking away at your keyboard, rambling to yourself about plots, and if you're like me, talking to people about your characters as if they are real people.

There are of course, scientific explanations. Right versus Left brained people, ideas of mental stability versus those who are firmly rooted in the mundane world. How crazy do you have to be after all to pursue a dream?

I find the personal explanations are much more important. Every writer out there has their own reasons. I write because I believe that there are stories in this world that are meant to be told. I write because I fear that if I were to deny the creativity within my mind, no matter what others think of it, that would be true madness. I write because writing gives me an outlet to feel emotions openly that would often times be hidden from the world. It's safer sometimes to allow a character to feel the pain and joy of the world and allow that release through them, especially the darker, uglier side of emotions. I write because I dream. I write because one day, when I have children, I want to be able to tell them that I followed my dream, no matter where it takes me. I write because I enjoy it, because nurturing a fresh new story idea makes me feel alive.

So why do you write? I'm interested to know. Please feel free to post a response.