Creative Writing Crash Course Lesson I: Understanding Your Creative Why
- Bair Klos
- Mar 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Introduction: Why Your "Why" Matters
Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about what drives you to tell stories.
Your motivation shapes the types of stories you tell and helps you stay inspired even when doubt creeps in. Knowing your why is what separates writers who write from those who want to write. It keeps you going when self-doubt, perfectionism, or writer’s block try to stop you.
Think of your "why" as your "creative compass"—it points you in the direction of the stories you’re meant to tell. Without it, it’s easy to lose momentum or second-guess your work. But when you’re clear on why you write, you’ll find the confidence to push forward, even when the words don’t come easily.
This lesson will help you uncover your personal creative why, explore how motivations evolve, and guide you through a reflective exercise to solidify your purpose as a writer. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what fuels your storytelling and how to harness it.
My Personal Story: From Doodles to Dedication
I’ve always been a storyteller. Before I could even write my ABCs, I would sneak into my mother’s purse, steal her notebooks, and draw in the back pages. Eventually, I learned to just ask her for her notebooks instead of take them (then she got me notebooks of my own), but regardless, since I couldn’t write words, I would dictate the stories to her and she would write down who the characters were, what they were doing, and what was happening in their world.
As I got older, my love of drawing shifted into a love of daydreaming and, eventually, writing. It was in 5th grade when a classmate’s older sister came in for show-and-tell and proudly showed off the book she had published. I thought that was the most amazing thing ever! And I was immediately inspired to do the same. I started writing my own stories just for fun, but it wasn’t until middle school that I started considering creative writing—novel writing—as a potential career.
When I was 14, I had a realization: This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
It was during that period when life starts shifting—when you start figuring out who you are and what you want.
I loved how stories and books made me feel seen, understood, and less alone—and I wanted to do the same for others. I wanted to write stories that also made people feel seen and understood, encouraged, and that would make an impact. Even though I have a “classic adult job,” writing is still my first love—my passion, my dedication, and the thing I will always return to.
My why has changed over time. When I was younger, I wrote because it was fun! Now, my why has deepened to: “Because stories matter. Storytelling is innately human, and I want to make an impact on the world.” While my original why was about making people feel comforted, seen, and understood, it has now expanded to encompass exploring different perspectives, pushing boundaries, and even challenging the status quo.
Takeaway: Your why isn’t static. It grows as you do. The way you approach storytelling today may evolve in the future, just as your own experiences and perspectives evolve.
How My Why Has Helped Me Through Challenges
While I haven't always depended on my "why" to keep me motivated to write, for writing comes so naturally now and is so thoroughly in my veins, that somehow, somewhere, at sometime, I always come back to it. But what has always helped me keep writing is knowing that if I am interested in my story, there is going to be someone else out there who will also find it interesting. There's always going to be someone out there who will read my novel and have it be there favorite book—who am I to deprave that person of their future favorite book?
Writing has the power to heal and transform, to impact and change minds and souls. It can provide an escape when reality feels too heavy—not just to readers, but for writers too. But when I do struggle, in the moments where doubt, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome begin to paralyze me, I remember: storytelling is in my bones. I write because stories have the power to do such good. My why has become my anchor, reminding me that even when writing is hard, it's always worth it.
Writers Whose “Why” Inspired Me
Every writer has a why—an inner drive that compels them to create. Many of the writers I admire have shared their reasons for writing, and their words have left a lasting impact on me:
Toni Morrison wrote because the stories she wanted to read didn’t yet exist. She once said, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” This has stuck with me since I first heard it. It's a fantastic reminder every writer has a unique voice and perspective that deserves to be shared.
Octavia Butler wrote because she believed in the power of science fiction to challenge societal norms and imagine new futures. She once said, “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.” Her words remind me that writing is a journey of growth, persistence, and self-discovery.
Brandon Sanderson writes because he fell in love with fantasy as a child and wanted to build worlds that could inspire others. His dedication to storytelling reminds me that passion and persistence can turn dreams into reality.
Common Writing Motivations: What’s Yours?
Not every writer has the same motivation. Some people write for artistic expression, others for storytelling mastery, and some for activism, education, or connection. Here are some common reasons people write:
For Fun & Escape – You love getting lost in stories and creating new worlds.
For Self-Expression – Writing helps you explore thoughts, emotions, and creativity.
To Educate & Inspire – You want to share knowledge, challenge perspectives, or teach lessons.
To Make People Feel Seen – You want readers to find comfort, validation, or connection in your stories.
To Change the World – You believe storytelling has the power to influence culture, politics, and perspectives.
To Explore New Ideas & Philosophies – Writing is a way for you to challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and question everything.
Exercise:
Which ones resonate with you? Pick 2-3 from the list.
What drives your storytelling? If your reason isn’t listed, write it down!
Write a short paragraph about why you think storytelling is important in the world today. How does it impact people?
Find Your Why: Guided Exercise
Grab a notebook or open a blank document. Answer these questions honestly:
Step 1: Dig Into Your Writing Roots
1. When did you first start writing (or storytelling)?
2. What made you excited about telling stories when you were younger?
3. Did you ever tell stories when you were younger? Why or why not?
Step 2: Explore What Drives You Today
4. What kinds of stories move you the most (books, movies, themes)?
5. What emotions, messages, or experiences do you want to capture in your writing?
6. What do you hope readers feel or take away from your stories?
Step 3: Define Your Personal Why
7. In one or two sentences, summarize your why—why do you write?
8. Has your why evolved over time? How?
9. If you could only tell one story in your lifetime, what would it be about?
Example Responses:
“I write because I want people to feel less alone. I want them to see themselves in my characters and find comfort in my stories.”
“I write because storytelling is a way to explore different perspectives, challenge norms, and start conversations that matter.”
"I want to start writing because I believe there are ideas worth exploring and I want to expose people to new perspectives and philosophies that encourage self-actualization."
Next Steps: If You’re Still Searching for Your Why
If you don’t feel like you’ve found your why yet, that’s okay! Sometimes, your why reveals itself through the act of writing itself. Here are a few steps to help you uncover it:
Look back at your favorite books. What do they all have in common? What emotions or themes resonate with you?
Freewrite for 10 minutes about why you love storytelling—don’t edit, just let the words flow.
Talk to a fellow writer! Sometimes, discussing your passion out loud can bring clarity.
Write a letter to your younger self about why stories matter and what you wish you had known about writing earlier.
Keep writing. Your why doesn’t have to be perfect or profound—it just has to be yours.
Share Your Why & Commit to Writing!
Now that you’ve found your why, let’s make it real!
Post your why somewhere you’ll see it often (journal, vision board, desktop wallpaper).
Share your why with someone you feel like you can confide in or with a writing friend (read here about why you should have writing friends).
Commit to a writing goal! Now that you know your why, what’s your next step?
Concluding Thoughts: Your Why is Your Compass
Finding your why is just the beginning. It will help guide you through the highs and lows of writing, helping you stay grounded when self-doubt or creative block creeps in. Remember, writing isn’t about perfection—it’s about discovery, growth, and connection. Whether you write for yourself, for others, or for the sheer joy of storytelling, your why is what keeps the words flowing. So embrace it, nurture it, and most importantly—keep writing.
Your why will keep you going when writing feels hard.
It’s okay if your why evolves! Writing is a journey, and your motivation will shift as you grow.
The most important thing? Just start writing.
Bonus Tip: Write a manifesto for your writing journey. What are your values as a writer? What impact do you want your stories to have?
Drop your why in the comments or journal about it! Let’s build a community of writers who are passionate about writing and their stories. :)
Carpe scripturam!
—Bair✍︎
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