Thousands of Words In, I Ask Myself: Why Am I Writing?

I am writing a novel.

I am writing a novel about a group of African-American children who save the world.

I am writing about a group of African-American children who possess massive power and only use it to right wrongs, not to upset the status quo or push an anti-mainstream rhetoric.

I am writing a novel about an African-American boy because I don’t see novels about African-American boys often enough.

I am writing a novel about an African-American boy to counteract the negative narrative that surrounds African-American boys.

I am writing a novel about an African-American boy because African-American boys need stories too.

I am writing a novel about an African-American boy because I used to be an African-American boy. I am writing a novel about an African-American boy because I am related to African-American boys.

I am writing a novel for one of the smartest people I know, an African-American boy.

I am writing a novel because I have a story to tell.

I am writing a novel about heroes because I want to be a hero.

I am writing a novel about heroes because boys need heroes.

I am writing a novel about heroes because girls need heroes.

I am writing a novel about heroes because children need heroes.

I am writing a novel about heroes because adults make mistakes.

I am writing a novel because I want to.

If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.

-Toni Morrison

Why are you writing?