A Nobel Prize–Winning Writer Made Me Ask Why I Write

19 Apr 2026 #writing

Today I found a short version of Orhan Pamuk’s Nobel acceptance speech. His words about why he writes inspired me to write my own reply. Here’s why I write.

I write because I want to be sane.

I write because I don’t want to burn out again.

I write because I want to bring order to my mind.

I write because I enjoy being alone with my thoughts.

I write because I like to be in the zone.

I write because I want to get better at it.

* * *

I write because sometimes I can’t be quiet.

I write because other times I want to stop talking.

* * *

I write because I want to share my life’s lessons.

I write because I want to help and inspire.

I write because people already ask me about my first books.

* * *

I write because I want my future kids to read my books.

I write because one day I’d like to see my books in bookstores.

I write because one day I’d like to be someone’s favorite writer.

* * *

And finally…

I write because I don’t want to go back to a 9-to-5 again.