Bits O'Wisdom: Why Write Fiction?

Fiction:

a. An imaginative creation or a pretense that does not represent actuality but has been invented.

b. The act of inventing such a creation or pretense.

Why do I write fiction? (No, it's not a dumb question.)

Actually, it's one that has been asked of me more than once. I'm sure I'll keep hearing that question as I continue down this sometimes manic journey called Writing.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the news, some kind of reality show, etc…Reality doesn’t allow us to imagine how our lives could be better. How they could be more. It doesn’t expand your imagination.

Reality tells us what is.

Fiction causes us to wonder, what if?

Reality is trees with green leaves and flowers that bloom in spring, while squirrels scamper happily up their trunks.
Fiction is those same trees giggling as the squirrels have a happy chat with the leaves about the spotted elf that lives just beyond the hill.

Reality is an accident scene where someone has fallen victim to black ice.
Fiction is a high speed car chase down a deserted highway as an escaped mental patient gives the grieving family member of his last victim a run for his money.

Reality says: It’s not possible.
Fiction asks: Why not?

Fiction gives us the ability—the power, the tools—to dream. In fact, good fiction (cuz there really is no excuse for bad fiction…come now) is how dreams are made flesh! It’s what gives our dreams drive and sends us on a quest to question what is ‘normal’ or what this world tells us is ‘good enough’ and dares us to search for that best part in us...that best part in our imagination.

Why do I write fiction?

Because fiction is what allows us to examine possibilities that don’t exist. It gives us the chance to explore beyond what could be and should be and is; beyond our world to a better one.

That's why.

Why do YOU write fiction?