lavender hit almost all my thoughts exactly. (If you're reading my mind - get out! It's far too dangerous a place to be!) ;-) I write because I need to be other places and be other people - to do things I can't do. I haven't been able to write lately due to other projects and that's probably one reason I'm so whacked out and stressed right now (in-laws and job don't help, either.) My stories are screaming at me to be let out. Writing is a pain, but so is being silent: The rosebud refused to bloom for fear of pain until it hurt too much not to bloom. (If someone could get me the exact quote, I'd be ever grateful. I can't believe I can't remember it!) I'd like to be able to sell some of my stories because it means people agree that my thoughts and visions have value. I've posted a few stories on the web, as much to get up my courage to finish my novels as to entertain others. Part of it is to be able to say, "Yes, I'm a professional writer." Part of it is to be able to tell myself that I've entertained people, hopefully even touched a few lives, if only for a few hours. I envy JK Rowlings, not as much for the money, but for the way she's affected so many people in such a positive way. Cheers!