Ever wonder why you write? There’s no right or wrong answer here—writers are driven by all kinds of motivations. You might write purely for the joy of creation, to tell stories that resonate deeply, or to leave behind a lasting legacy. Perhaps you’re writing to make a decent living, self-publish your passion projects, or land a traditional publishing deal. Whatever your reasons, the one thing that matters is this—you’re clear on your goal.
When you know why you write, you can focus your energy on the things that truly matter to you, whether that’s honing your craft, building an audience, or navigating the business side of writing. It’s a powerful realization that shapes your path, your priorities, and your personal definition of success as a writer.
And here’s the best part—you don’t have to stick to one reason or one goal. Your motivations can evolve. The important thing is to align your writing practice with your current aspirations and to give yourself the tools to achieve them.
Step 1: Define Your Goals as a Writer
Take a moment to reflect. What do you want your writing to accomplish? Your goals might include:
- Writing for Art’s Sake: Creating for the love of the craft, unconcerned about marketability or trends.
- Building a Career: Writing to generate income and grow a long-lasting career.
- Telling Your Story: Sharing personal experiences or ideas with the world.
- Publishing Your Work: Whether self-publishing or pursuing traditional routes, getting your work into the hands of readers.
- Connecting with an Audience: Building a community around your words and ideas.
Once you know your goal, you can focus on the right things. For instance, if financial success is your priority, learning about marketing, entrepreneurship, and the publishing industry might take precedence. If you write for personal fulfillment, you might spend more time experimenting with style and storytelling techniques.
Step 2: Accept That Every Motivation Is Valid
Here’s the truth—there’s no hierarchy of “good” or “bad” reasons for writing. Want to be a commercial success? That’s fantastic. Want to write fiction just for yourself? That’s equally valid. Writing to solve problems, process emotions, or explore what’s possible? All great reasons.
The “right” motivation is the one true to you. Writing with clarity and intent, guided by your personal goals, helps you progress with confidence—without judgment or pressure to conform to anyone else’s expectations.
Step 3: Stay Open to Change
Your reason for writing today might not be the same a year from now, and that’s perfectly okay. Life shifts, goals evolve, and priorities change. I’ve experienced this firsthand in my own writing journey. I’m constantly re-evaluating what I want out of my writing career, balancing my desires, the season of my life, and the success I’m seeing. Right now, as a parent providing for a family of four, financial stability often takes precedence over pure artistic expression. While I still love crafting meaningful, creative work, I’ve adjusted my focus to projects that help support my family.
Every change, big or small, shapes us into the writers we’re meant to be. The key is listening to your personal “why” and being willing to adapt your plans as life unfolds.
Step 4: How to Discover Your Purpose If You Don’t Know
Not everyone has a clearly defined purpose when they start writing, and that’s okay. Sometimes, purpose reveals itself over time—but you can take active steps to uncover yours if you’re unsure where to begin. Here are some practical and empowering ways to explore what drives you as a writer:
- Reflect on What Moves You
Ask yourself, “What do I care about most?” or “What topics ignite my curiosity?” Start by journaling your thoughts, exploring themes, moments, or experiences that stick with you. Often, the things that resonate strongly in your life—whether joyful, difficult, or deeply meaningful—can inspire your writing purpose.
- Experiment with Different Styles and Genres
Your purpose might not become clear until you’ve explored various forms of writing. Try your hand at fiction, poetry, essays, scripts, or even blogging. You might discover that you feel most fulfilled telling vivid stories, sharing real-life experiences, or teaching others through how-to guides.
- Pay Attention to Feedback and Reactions
If you’ve shared your writing before, reflect on the responses you’ve received. Did people connect deeply with a certain piece? Did writing about a specific subject feel particularly rewarding? Feedback can offer valuable insight into where your strengths intersect with what others find meaningful.
- Look at the Bigger Picture
Consider what impact you want your writing to have. Do you want to entertain, educate, inspire, or challenge perspectives? Your desired impact often points to a larger purpose—whether it’s amplifying voices, provoking thought, or building understanding.
- Write Without Judgment
Sometimes, overthinking can block your discovery. Set aside time to write freely and without expectations. Simply letting words flow can reveal patterns or passions you didn’t realize were there.
- Ask Yourself Powerful Questions
- What makes you feel alive when you write?
- If you could write about anything without limits or fear, what would it be?
- How do you want readers to feel or think after reading your work?
- Seek Inspiration from Others
Learn about the journeys of other writers. Read interviews, memoirs, or blogs from authors you admire. Discovering how they found their purpose can help spark ideas and show you different paths to uncovering your own motivation.
Remember, discovering your purpose isn’t a race—it’s a process. Trust that as you continue to write and reflect, clarity will come. And most importantly, know that your purpose as a writer is uniquely yours—no one else can define it for you.
Regardless of Why You Write, You Need the Best Writing Tools
You don’t need pricey gadgets to be a great writer—mindset matters most. However, the right tools can streamline your process, boost confidence, and make writing less daunting. Start with a reasonable budget and upgrade as needed.
As someone obsessed with learning, I love tools that help me write better, faster, and more effortlessly. Writing is still challenging (let’s be real), but the right tools cut through the friction and make the process smoother and more productive.
Here’s my go-to list of favorite writing tools. Bonus: no affiliate links, just honest recommendations. To keep things organized, I’ve divided it into two sections: Digital and Analog. Let’s dive in!
Digital Writing Tools
A Reliable Writing Software
My recommendation? Scrivener. It’s a game-changer for any writer. This writing tool helps you tackle large projects by breaking them into smaller, more manageable pieces. Best part is you can even try it free.
But even if Scrivener’s not your cup of tea, find a platform that matches your writing style and needs. Do you prefer simplicity or advanced features like organizing chapters and notes? The right software saves time and keeps your thoughts structured.
You can jumpstart your writing journey with my convenient Starter Novel Template, designed to help you master Scrivener quickly and efficiently. I also provide a variety of free Scrivener training sessions to support you along the way.
Grammar and Editing Tools
ProWritingAid is my go-to app for revising and editing. It’s fantastic for catching typos, improving clarity, and making my writing shine. That said, I don’t blindly accept every suggestion it offers—I review each one, decide if it fits, and then make the change. If you want to try it out, check it out here: ProWritingAid. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s an excellent tool that integrates seamlessly with Scrivener.
A Solid laptop or desktop computer
Let me just say this: put your mobile device down and invest in a reliable computer. While mobile devices can be helpful for writing on the go, they simply can’t compete with the everyday writing experience a good computer provides. Personally, I recommend a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. My MacBook Pro is my go-to tool for writing—it’s reliable, portable, and powerful enough to handle anything I need, anywhere I need it. No other mobile device comes close.
To make my MacBook Pro more writing-friendly, I’ve customized it by disabling most notifications and removing any unnecessary apps that could distract me. This setup allows me to stay focused and get more done.
If you’re looking for a device designed purely for writing, you might want to explore the FreeWrite Smart Typewriter. I haven’t had the chance to test it myself, so I can’t fully endorse it, but I love the concept. That said, even if I used the FreeWrite Smart Typewriter for drafting, I know I’d eventually move the work into Scrivener on my MacBook Pro for polishing and final edits. There’s just no substitute for a solid computer when it comes to serious writing.
Analog Writing Tools
- Notebooks & Journals
Inspiration can strike anytime. I always prefer to write down my thoughts and ideas in a classic notebook first, ensuring I capture every spark of creativity. Later, I move only the best ideas into a digital notes app like Apple Notes. Here’s a selection of my favorite notebooks, spanning from budget-friendly options to premium picks.
- Moleskine Legendary Notebook – This is a notebook staple, perfect for bullet journaling, creative writing, or brainstorming. I prefer the Pocket Style as it’s easier carry around.
- Nomatic Notebook – A larger, more versatile option, this notebook rivals the Moleskine in build quality and craftsmanship while offering a similar experience at nearly half the price.
- A6 Pocket Notebook with Pen Holder – This affordable 3-pack of notebooks offers 408 lined pages per notebook, each measuring 3.7″ x 5.7″. Available in a range of colors, including classic options like black, brown, and blue, they combine practicality with style—Blue being my personal favorite.
Quality Pens
For many writers, nothing compares to the tactile satisfaction of putting pen to paper. To enhance this experience, consider investing in smooth, comfortable pens and premium-quality notebooks or journals. These simple upgrades can make your writing process more enjoyable and inspiring. Here’s a selection of my favorite pens, spanning from budget-friendly options to premium picks.
- Parker Jotter — A timeless classic, the Parker Jotter is known for its durability, sleek design, and smooth writing experience. Perfect for everyday use, it combines functionality with style, making it a favorite for professionals and students alike.
- Pilot Precise Rolling Ball V5 — This pen offers exceptional precision and smooth ink flow, ideal for detailed writing or note-taking. Its fine tip and consistent line quality make it a reliable choice for those who value accuracy in their writing tools.
- Fisher Space Pen — The ultimate pen for extreme conditions, the Fisher Space Pen writes in zero gravity, underwater, at extreme temperatures, and even upside down. Originally designed for space missions, it’s perfect for those who need a reliable pen in any environment.
- Lamy Safari Fountain Pen — A fantastic option for fountain pen enthusiasts, the Lamy Safari offers a comfortable grip and smooth writing experience. Its durable plastic construction makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced writers.
Stay tuned for a curated list of my go-to tools that have elevated my writing and creative process. While no tool can substitute for passion or discipline, the right resources can streamline your workflow and help you bring ideas to life with greater ease and less stress. Take the time to experiment and discover what works best for you—it’s an investment in your craft and your creative future.
Final Thoughts
Writing is a partnership between purpose and passion. Understanding why you write gives you direction, keeps you grounded when things don’t go your way, and brings depth to your words. Whether you dream of penning a bestseller, creating vivid expressions of art, or simply writing for the joy of it, your purpose is the compass that will guide you.
Now it’s your turn. Take a moment to reflect on why you write. Your unique ‘why’ is waiting to be discovered, and it holds the potential to transform not just your writing but your life.
Remember, the world needs your voice. Start writing with purpose today—and who knows whose life your words might change?
And If you want to dig a little deeper — Find out your writer type today by taking this quiz!
