The 5 W questions – who, where, what, when, and why

Someone asked me; “why do you write?” I have no idea what the expression on my face was like at the time, but blank would have been my guess.

The question wasn’t what do you write, which is the most common question. Everyone wants to know the sort of books an author writes and whether the genre or storyline appeals to them. Nor was it, where do you write, which other writers are often interested in. We like to compare notes about our writing processes to see if we can pick up ideas to help on the days when staring at the computer screen produces not a single word. Neither was she interested in the when question.

The question was why? I didn’t have a coherent instant answer readily available, and ‘Um,’ wasn’t a particularly articulate reply, but it was the best my brain managed as I frantically searched for a convincing answer.

Why do I write?  The more I thought about it the more I realised it was a good question. My immediate thought was because I enjoy language; I love reading, and the way words can stir emotions. I revel in the challenge of putting words together to create empathy; but what is my purpose in doing that?

After a little research, I found a concept developed by Simon Sinek call The Golden Circle. His target market is business leaders, but anyone who runs a business that needs the support of customers purchasing a product – as indie-authors do – can take some something from his idea.

– People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.

By this time I’m remembering a lecture on The Color Purple by Alice Walker, during my university masters course in Creative Writing. After reading of the abuse Celie tolerated and how she eventually came to accept she was a worthy person, the tutor asked the class to address the question, ‘Who Am I?’

It was easy to say what we did – our work, our hobbies, our sports; and what we were – wife, mother, daughter, employee, friend, and so on, but defining who we were proved more difficult. It came down to our values, our beliefs, and our actions. The Why of what we do and the way we live our lives.

I needed to come up with an answer that would resonate both with my potential reader, but also with my inner self. I liken it to that gut feeling we get when we know something is right – or wrong. As writers, it is that emotional response we want to inspire in others.

So why do I write? What is my purpose?

I’ve already mentioned that I am a genealogist. I love stories about the past, about ordinary people, with ordinary failings just like me. I am often amazed by the trials and tribulations our predecessors experienced in an effort to make their lives a little bit better than the ones their parents and grandparents had.  I want to keep their spirit alive by relating it to our contemporary lives.

I would like my stories to give hope to those who suffer, strength to those who struggle, and show that people can do anything they choose to if they believe in themselves.

I hope my readers laugh a little, cry a little and are cheered by the end of the story.

Why do you do what you do? Who are you?

I’d love to know your thoughts on this topic. Please feel free to comment below.

By Vicky Adin, 

Read more by Vicky here.