I started out writing for others, but then I realized somewhere along the line that I was writing for myself as well, but not in what seems to be the typical sense—in the interest of catharsis or self-expression (although those have been nice side benefits). In my mind, the most important benefit I derive from writing is much the same as if I was engaging myself in mental jiu-jitsu, endlessly challenging myself to make my transitions smoother, my statements quicker, more decisive, my defenses and positioning stronger and tighter. It’s not an external opponent I seek to submit, but my own ignorance and lack of clarity. If I get rich through this venture, then that too, will be a nice side benefit, but I believe that the real treasure behind writing is forcing myself to think clearly enough to inscribe worlds onto the wellsof potentiality that we call a “blank page,” so that readers can partake of and enjoy my vision. Perhaps they don’t get to see the frustrating hours of editing that I go through, and perhaps—much like a jiu-jitsu match—they only fixate on the high points in the story, but it doesn’t matter; the process of writing forces me to become sharper, to iterate faster, and to know myself better.
So yeah, I guess you could say that I write for myself. 😊
Kent Wayne 
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