I love to examine the way people think and behave, and the reasons behind that. Social interactions are probably the most important thing to me when writing, which is more than likely why my stories more often than not degenerate into nothing more than dialogue-fests with very little if any details in other events. I'm trying to fix that, but most of what I write plays itself out in my head as conversations between characters, or long drawn out internal monologues, so that's the way I end up writing it.

Also, i just find writing fun. If I had a magical machine that I could attach to my head and it would record everything I imagine, I would do that, but until then, writing is the closest I'll ever come to being able to share my ideas and dreams with the world.

Melanie E.

I find that it's a combination of things that keep me writing (to finish my stories)...

While I enjoy the writing itself, that alone doesn't help me "Finish" a story.

• I promised two people when I first started posting, that I'd finish stories I started posting
• While I know the basic plot of my stories before I start writing the dialog and fleshing out individual characters, I find pleasure in filling in the little details.
• I enjoy getting to know my characters and attempt to make them individuals for the readers.
• I sometimes work through things that are on my mind, in my writing. There's been quite a bit of autobiographical material in some of my stories - though not necessarily experiences of the protagonist, and rarely central to the story.
• I don't like to start reading a story, that is very enjoyable, only to discover it's been abandoned, so I won't do that to people.
• I find writing fun - whether on a new story or one I've been working on for a year.

With one exception, all of the stories I've posted I've finished. The exception (Hidden Gifts) of the serial story I'm telling in Karen's SPA Universe (A story that wasn't originally planned for publication.). I have a half dozen other story concepts in various stages of development, including one that has no TG elements. The written bits vary in length from a simple outline/concept document to a multi-page outline - to a several thousand word start. One's a follow-on to something posted already.

A better question might be why are these (& the serial) not "done"... And that again has a variety of answers:

• RL - I'm dealing with a LOT of things in my personal life right now, and just haven't had as much time to write. This is frustrating, because I've discovered I enjoy writting!
• Editing - I'm editing or beta reading for several authors, and I feel I owe them a good job (which takes time). I also enjoy getting an early look at some of the stories that eventually get posted here (& elsewhere). :-)
• The stories themselves - In one case, I decided I'm not a good enough writer to handle it yet. In another, I saw a flaw in the concept behind the story and haven't figured out how to fix it (not tried hard either, I admit) and in most of the rest they've not FORCED me to write them to the exclusion of other writing (as The Reluctant Bridesmaid did).

Annette

Writing for me started as a whim when I was 13. at first it was a contest between me and a friend, of who could write the best story. I found that I enjoyed painting with words. Writing became a way of me exploring and releasing my vivid imagination. (I was getting too old for playing at elves and goblins in the woods) it was also a way for me to share with others what strange things my mind thinks about.

After a while, I began writing for myself. I created characters who where real (at least to me) their lives though in my mind and on paper became an escape.

I too use writing to work through issues, Camp Kumoni has helped me work through some.

After I found BC and began writing here, I wrote because I was intrigued and awed by what readers got out of or read into my little postings. there are some very smart people on this site, much smarter than I. Some of the comments and insights have also helped to shape Camp Kumoni and Princess and the Plague.

I write because I have to. Why does a beaver build a dam? why do bees work so hard? I write because it is who I am, a part of me.

because if it was, I'd be smart enough to take a hint.

"MS Frankenstein" was about the horror and dismay that I felt about realizing Gwen really was there. I felt like it was the end of my life, and it was.

"Changed by Aliens" was what a childhood with a sane family would have been like.

"Natural Slave" was about extreme despair and loneliness; about how much someone would give up for a simple touch.

"Heat" is about trying to explore sexual feelings; yielding to a man; lustful feelings that I don't have; how I would imagine it if I did.

"Hala's Snow Day" was my maximum effort to write a romance that would appeal to general audiences. It was also my first real effort to use an Editor. It felt like I was giving my Baby to someone else. I was suitably tearful. I think that Holly and I make a good team.

"Non-plussed Muslimah" was an effort to please a potiential play partner. I don't think I satisfied him with my writing. I don't think I'll try again.

"Extreme" was my best effort to show real, mind numbing terror in the protagonist.

So, for me, it has been about trying to grow up and be a real writer someday. In my years of being here, I came out, got thrown out, tried suicide, looked at BDSM without having to risk my life, realized that I can't be the bad girl I thought I could; well, maybe with a suitably loving mate, and that I love to explore relationships and other cultures.

Gwendolyn