With the state of the world, I always snicker when people ask what inspires people to become writers. We as humans are desperate for control. So when circumstances take our control away, our stress demands we find it somewhere else. Writing is one of the healthiest ways to regain that sense of control. Most writers may disagree based on the belief that they don’t really control their story, their characters do. But I think the journey of building a world, developing characters, and discovering the plot does give us some sense of hope and control.

That’s another key reason people choose to pick up a pen and put it on the page. Hope. In a time where hope for the future is at an all-time low, writing a story where a character faces insurmountable odds and yet still overcomes them, gives us hope. As authors, we live vicariously through our characters. They give us courage in the real world, they show us who we could be if we just stepped out of our comfort zone. Hope is the one thing that can keep a person moving forward, even in the darkest situations. The opportunity to share hope with others is sometimes too great to pass up. At least for me, my goal as a writer is to bring truth, and hope to the world. 

My inspiration to become a writer was born out of an unstable homelife. Don’t get me wrong, my mom was amazing and she worked very hard to make things feel safe and consistent. She did her best and I hold no frustration or bitterness towards her. But in such an emotionally charged home, I needed an outlet. Since before I knew how to write, I was crafting stories. Running wild in the back country of Alaska, I dreamed up grand adventures. Whether it was running from the same bandits from my dad’s western movies, or searching for buried treasure along the beach, there was always a story playing out in my mind. 

When my teacher taught us to write, I absorbed it as a sponge. Then when we learned cursive, I felt like a secret agent using a hidden code. One person in my family was extremely paranoid of the government and strangers all the time. I picked up that paranoia and began to create my own code to write my stories in, for fear someone would steal them. For me writing was not just an act of control, but also a desperate search for hope and safety.

I believe many authors feel this same need when they find writing. It is not just an outlet, it is a basic need for us. As natural and necessary as breathing. When we don’t write, our soul feels like it begins to die. I know for me personally, the year I was diagnosed with blood cancer and was just fighting to make it through each day, it felt like I was becoming a shell of myself. So when I finally got well enough to have the energy to write again, I lit up. Friends saw a noticeable difference in my demeanor. 

Writing changes us from the inside out. The ability to share our hearts on the page, gives us something we all crave. Something that can’t be taught or even explained. Ask a writer why they write and many will say the “need” to. I believe the “inspiration” that propels people into writing, is their own instinctual desire to create. Do not let the world confuse you. If you feel the call to write, then write. You cannot hide such a light, you cannot ignore such a passion. My recommendation? Stop fighting and start listening. Your soul will lead you to the story you’re destined to create and share.

When you finally accept your fate, that you are a writer, you are one step closer to peace. That agitation in your heart will begin to ease. It is a journey that few decide to take, to pursue their passion fully and with all their heart. But when you choose to dive in and allow this obsession to envelope you, you will find something many search a lifetime without seeing. Your reason for being. That is not to say that writing is the only purpose in your life, but it could be the reason your life changes forever.

When did you feel the first call of inspiration to be an author? Tell us why you write, without saying you need to write. If you’re a sci-fi author, you should look into the Storyteller’s Odyssey magazine. A free quarterly magazine that takes a deep dive into science and how it can be altered to make your sci-fi novel more plausible. Have you finished your manuscript and are either preparing for publishing or have published your book? Take a look at Storyteller’s Odyssey’s audiobook narration company Viva la Voice Acting LLC. Have you recently found your calling to become an author but are not sure where to start? Go to our events page for the 2026 Jack Frost Love Story Challenge, a community competition with prizes valued over $1000. Or if you love & support an author you know personally, look into purchasing coaching sessions through Storyteller’s Odyssey’s To the Moon Book Coaching for them. The best way to learn is to listen to others who have succeeded at your dreams. If cost is a concern, reach out, we are always looking for ways to make our services more affordable.

Your inspiration can be the reason you can succeed. But only if you listen to your soul. What is it calling you to do? What actions can you take today that will set you up for the future of your dreams? How far do you think you can go? Now double it. You can reach your goals, you can achieve your dreams. But you can’t do it alone. Don’t let your inspiration and passion fall as wasted potential. If you want to grow, you need to fight for each step on that mountain. Do not give up. Comment your commitment to your writing, share how you plan to honor your inspiration.

NO AI was used in the writing of this blog post.