Why I Write

Joan Didion wrote an article that appeared in the New York Times called Why I Write.
I have been trying to get a hold of this article over a month, but ordering an archive from NYT online isn't particularly easy.

I have begun what is called a "Credo File" in which I keep updated lists of the reasons I write, the goals for my writing, and the influences of my writing through the years.

This is a rough list of my vison for my writing.

My Writing Goals

1. Children’s and YA Literature
I have a passion to write literature for children and young adults that sparks an interest in the cultures of the world and travel.

2. World Literacy
I believe world literacy should begin with raising generations of children who love reading. Therefore I want to write beginning-reader stories and books for kids that are relevant to kids across national lines. I would like to write books that entertain and educate children from all cultures and backgrounds.

3. Publishing
I would also like to work in publishing and take an active role in helping spread this literature across the globe.

4. Historical Fiction
I also want to utilize my history and political science degree to write historical fiction for high school aged students. By reading about historical events in a creative framework, young adults gain knowledge of the world and learn of history in a fun way.

5. Anthropology and Travel
I would like to live and write abroad studying cultures as an anthropologist-journalist to produce first-hand creative accounts of the people of the world. I feel that the first step to peace during our ever-increasing globalization trend is education. Aside from the regular news accounts of the world’s activities, I would like to personalize the characters to the readers. I want to bring that Shiite Muslim to the home of Mary American Homemaker, and that Chinese rice-field worker to that first-class French businessman.

6. Business Venture
I’ve also toyed with the idea of starting up a business later in life that would attend to the needs of local writers. I envision it as being a lounge-type venue for writers to utilize creative exercises, an ongoing workshop if you will.