Just checking in to say

things are chaotic. Or should I say, more chaotic than usual. So forgive me, I’ll try to post something more substantive later today or tomorrow.

In the meantime, a question that maybe you can answer for me. Why does everybody want to write a novel? So, okay, maybe it’s not everybody. But it seems that way sometimes. Taxi drivers, surgeons, carpenters, post office clerks, teachers, fourteen year old cheerleaders.

I’m not saying that it will never happen. It’s certainly possible that the next wonderful book I come across will have been written by a plumber. The question is, what is the drive here? We are disposed by our social natures toward storytelling, but why novels? What’s the attraction? I can see why some people want to act in movies — if it goes well, fame and fortune. But that can’t be it for those who dream about writing novels. So what is it that is so appealing?

UPDATE/NOTE/CLARIFICATION: I will say again that to any of you working on your first novel, I wish the very best of luck. Sincerely, and with all good will. I’m not questioning that you write, but I am curious what drives people to write a novel. I know why I started writing fiction, but what about you?