There are a lot of reasons to write: to explore our inner thoughts, to build worlds, to tell stories that bring our readers joy, books that make the world a better place. But I have to admit, the reason I write is so that I can tell stories to myself. I am my first audience, the first one who reads over the work and laughs or cringes at it. Before I begin to edit, before I begin to think of my readers, or my editor, I think of myself. I think of my own joy, and of the joy I find in building worlds, in watching characters move across the page, across the screen of my mind, people who are more daring and more adventurous than I will ever be. I write for joy. And that is the best reason I can think of ever to pick up a pen. Or in this case, turn on my laptop.