The answer here is simple–I enjoy it. I enjoy drafting new content, and I enjoy revising and editing. Some writers struggle with writer’s block–not being able to come up with a story idea or figure out where to go with a story. I do not, and at this point I’ve drafted more than a million words over fifteen years, so I’m thinking that this problem is unlikely to materialize.
I also think the time I spend writing is well spent. This is a question I ask myself about and press myself on. I do volunteer work, and I’d do more if I wasn’t behind a keyboard, creating stories. Wouldn’t this be a better use of my time, particularly given that I may never gain much of an audience?
I am a Christian, and I pray over this regularly. After much prayer, which involves both contemplation and listening for answers, I believe that my writing serves God and that God accepts this. One day I may have a change of heart, but for now, I believe that the time I spend writing is valuable to more than just me.
So, I write because it brings me joy and I believe it contributes to a greater good. I will also add that people have read my writing and enjoyed it. That’s why I write.
The more interesting question is–why do I write fantasy? That’s a topic for another day.