The real reason I write is because I can't stop.
Some things I write because one of my Muses grabs the back of my neck or starts tickling my ears or kicking me in the stomache. Some things I write because I want to try something new: sonnets, or concrete poetry, haiku or cinquains or horror stories. Some things I write because I want to create a certain effect: if I ever get someone to spray Coke on their monitor in sudden laughter, or pull their feet up onto the chair in a sudden chill, I will be ever so tickled. Some things I write to share something I've learned: I'm compulsive that way. (See the annotated guide to Silverlock, or Anitra Sings Sea Chanteys.) Some things I write to work something out, mentally or emotionally: for self-healing, for problem-solving, for spiritual exploration. Some things I write for the open purpose of public education and persuasion, on behalf of issues and causes I believe in, like ending homelessness, mental health consumer's rights, or anti-racism.
Some things I write because the other editors at Real Change tell me to.
But have you ever applied for an artist's or writer's grant? They ask you for a statement of your "artistic vision." The statements I've read tend to be a bunch of post-modern balderdash, and I am not fond of post-modern balderdash. (If you have an excellent artistic vision statement, I am not insulting you. Obviously, I haven't read yours.)
But I do like the idea of stating my purpose: as a person, as a writer, and as the developer of this site.
I believe that creativity is the essence of being a spirit and a human being. I believe that we make ourselves, our souls, and we shouldn't buy them off the rack.
I am committed to helping people develop as creative individuals.
This commitment carries with it a commitment to personal liberty, diversity, and to social and economic justice. We cannot make our own souls without free speech and free choice. Human rights, dignity and physical well-being help people thrive so that they can be creative. Creativity also leads to taking responsibility for our lives, our community and our world, and increasing our personal power, dignity and well-being.
This site gives me a place to put the products of my own creativity so that I can find them again. You don't even want to see my desk top. (Come to think of it, nobody's seen my desktop in years.)
Besides that...
I believe that art is communication. If I write only for myself I am not going to grow as much as I will if I write to communicate, and hear feedback in return. So, this site is a way to comunicate.
Materials I've written have helped other people develop their own voice, and this site is intended to increase that number.
I love to share whatever I learn.
And this site is openly, adamantly committed to breaking down stereotypes — of homelessness, poverty, mental health, race, and all others — and building a greater community, with full dignity and well-being for all.
