Why Do Women Write?

Ever since I can remember I have written. Even before I did, I had a precious teacher named Mrs. Smith in Kindergarten who would transcribe my stories onto big sheets of paper that I would illustrate. The written word has fascinated me and as I grow older I realize how vital it is to my well-being. I think of women writers who had to fight to be able to educate themselves to read and write. Many times, an education was considered a decoration instead of a useful tool to promote real change in the lives of women. Over my years in college, most of my research papers have dealt with the topic of women writers. From Laura Certa, an Italian Renaissance writer from the 15th century, to Sor Juana a 17th century Nun, to Virginia Woolfe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning to poet Emily Dickinson to Maya Angelou to Helen Cixous, French feminist. Why did these women write as if their lifeblood flowed from the pen? What is it that women seek in writing that fulfills them like no other?

I have my ideas, but I want to hear yours. If you are a woman, why do you write? All women write--be it grocery lists, to do lists, birthday cards, poetry, essays, journals or novels. Why do you write?

Please comment with your answer. Thank you so much for participating! I am excited to see what you have to say.