Why I Love Being A Writer – Day 9 | Spooktacular 2022

BySarra Cannon

Being a writer was a dream I held in my heart since I was about 9 years old and first discovered the amazing journey books could lead us on. I wanted to learn how to create worlds and images and even people inside the minds of readers that were as vivid as the real world.

I’m still working to learn to be the best writer I can (I don’t think that kind of work is ever done), but I’m taking a pause today to share some of my top reasons I love being a writer. This is all in a spirit of pure gratitude, my friend. I wouldn’t be able to write books full time if you didn’t support me, buy them, share them, and love them as much as you do. Thank you for that.

10 Reason I Love Being A Writer

A few extra links for you:

Buy signed paperbacks here. This order form will close October 28th, and all invoices will be due by November 7th. Please try to pay your invoices as soon as you get them, so I can order the first batch of books to my house! Invoiced not paid by November 7th will be cancelled. Reach out if you need special accommodations!

Follow my YouTube channel for writers. I started a YouTube channel for authors back in 2018, thinking it would be crazy if I even got to 5,000 subscribers someday! Here we are, just a few years later, and I’ve just hit 58,000 subscribers! It still kind of blows my mind. If you want to be part of our Heart Breathings community, I’ve got tons of writing videos, planning videos, vlogs, and more over there. We also have a community of thousands of authors who get together to write in “sprints” of 20 minutes each. Join that community here.

Today’s Giveaway

For the writers in the house, I have a special giveaway for you today!! (It’s also for those of you who haven’t started writing yet but can feel that spark of something deep inside that says maybe I could write, too.)

There’s a mockup image on the giveaway below, but I’ll actually be customizing this bundle to the winner! When you win, I’ll be in touch to find out where you are in your writing journey. I’ll send a craft book, some writing supplies like pens, notebooks, stickers, etc… Good luck, to all our writers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scavenger Hunt Clue #9

Here is your ninth clue:

Book – Emerald Darkness

Chapter – “Keep Your Eyes Open”

60th paragraph

5th word

GOOD LUCK!!

Don’t forget to keep track of your daily words. At first, they’ll just look like random words, but once you have all 13 words, you’ll be able to unscramble the secret message! On the final day of Spooktacular, October 31st, I’ll post a google form to fill out where you can enter the message and win an exclusive digital prize from me!

Don’t forget, too, that we have Zoom Party Invites going out in my Facebook Group and on the Discord server every day. Also, head back to the Day 1 post and enter to win The Grand Prize of 15 signed paperbacks if you haven’t yet (You can enter once a day!).

Coming Up Tomorrow

We have another LIVE Coffee chat coming up tomorrow, and we’re going to talk about how to manifest your best life. I can’t wait! See you there.

(Oh, and I’m still live again on Twitch tonight from 9-12. Come join me!)

112 Comments

    2. I hope I did this correctly! Don’t feel bad for getting emotional and thanks for sharing!!! Talking to you about writing would be so awesome! Wish me luck, lol!!

    1. I couldn’t figure out how to post a standalone comment! *headdesk*

      I started writing in my mid-20’s, so 22 years ago or so. As the years go on, I get more and more serious about publishing something. Thanks for all you do, Sarra!

      1. Me either! So, I’ll post here.

        I just wanted to thank Sarra for always being so honest and supportive. The last few years have been hard for me and your video is a great reminder why I love being a writer too!

        And since I had to respond to Tricia in order to post, I’ll just say “Go you! We are all rooting for each other.” 🙂

    2. Having a great time with spooktacular!!! Don’t worry about crying…
      You make me cry too. ❤️

  3. I truly love hearing you talk about what you are passionate about. Congratulations on everything you continue to achieve.

  4. I’ve written a few short stories over the last 5 years but now want to become a full-time author and write a successful YA Urban/Paranormal Fantasy series as inspired by Sarra’s books and writing channel.

  6. I started writing 45 years ago when I was in high school. I just started, again, at the beginning of this month because of your inspiration. Thank you!!

  9. Sarra, I just wanna say… this video, sheesh, it had me crying like crazy! Your gratitude and love and commitment to your fans are so apparent and it’s truly inspiring and I love love love that I am even just a small part of this.
    I started writing in 2018 . I pantsed through my book and sold a total of 8 copies over 3 years 🙁 Since then I’ve learned quite a bit, but I also took a break for a couple of years while I learned some more. In the middle of this year, I joined your P&T course (and added HB90) and it CHANGED EVERYTHING for me. I plot now, I color-code, I write multi-POV, but most of all… I am FINALLY writing the story that I’ve always been too scared to write, but what I wanted to write with my whole heart. Your books, and your community has given me the courage to stand up and say “Why not me?”

    Thank you soooo much for what you do, how you inspire, and who you are!!

  10. I’ve always dabbled in writing when I was younger but it wasn’t until this year in August after Camp Nanowrimo in July that I actually published my first book. I kind of winged it because I didn’t really know what I needed to do besides just upload it as an Ebook.

    1. I have loved books ever since I was a little girl. When I was a baby. I used to get my book and Jabber like I was reading. That’s how my Parents knew that I was up. Then when I was little I wrote a short story and entered it into a writing contest. I won first place. Writing had been in my life for a long time.

  11. I started writing when I was about 10, so almost 30 years ago. Reading wad always my escape from my rough childhood and I wanted to use my words to make people feel good. I wanted to see myself in the books and stories I read. Of course I started with horrible preteen poetry then I started trying to write stories. I still write and dabble but I am more serious about it now than I’ve ever been.

  12. I’ve been writing since I was a teenager, but back then, it was fandom stuff. It wasn’t until my early 20s when I decided to try my hand in original fiction. Some years, I only wrote during NaNoWriMo (10-year-long streak of winning it!), but those years still count in my book. 🙂 I now have several series out or in the works, and I’m excited to work on my next book next week!

  13. I love how your passion for writing shows in every video you put out. It feels so good so see what I am feeling mirrored back in other writers. Thank you.

  14. I’ve loved writing since I was young and in school. I’ve been trying to make progress on a book idea I’ve had for a long time. I became more serious about finishing and publishing it last year. Thanks for the video!

  15. I loved this video today! You definitely inspired me to write my own list of why I love being a writer, which will be great to look at during NaNo. Thank you Sarra!

  17. I love the spooktacular so far <3
    I've been writing since I was a kid, but had a huge blockage for almost 20 years.
    Now I'm writing murder mysteries, but have not published them yet. Thank you for your great work, Sarra! I'm always inspired and motivated because of you.

  18. I can honestly say I’ve always enjoyed writing but it wasn’t until I started following your journey and read your series that it made me really want to take that leap of faith and find that passion again in myself

  19. I started writing when I was 12 yrs old. Unfortunately I didn’t believe in myself enough and so I quit until I was 36 years old. Now at 42, I haven’t stopped writing since.

  20. i started writing at like 13 when a cousin read the book she wrote to me and i wanted to write one two and then i wrote like four books by hand then been writing story chunks ever since!! Hoping to publish a book soon now that im 27!

  21. I have been working on my current series of books for almost 20 years. I will start a new book and then restart it a million times because it is not the way I want it. Or, I will choose a different character to be the first book and a couple chapters in decide that is isn’t the first book and then I chose another character. I still haven’t published any of them because they are only half written. I loved watching your video today. It had me in tears. Congratulations on everything and thanks for being such an inspiration to this whole community.

  22. I started writing when I was about 11. It started out as little nothings that never lead to anything, but slowly I have been working towards finishing my own book. Writing helps me to escape when my depression or anxiety get to bad, just like readying does.

  23. I have written a few short stories, tried writing a novel but was never able to move past the first chapter
    I also wrote a few poems
    You can always check them out at
    Poemsbynaina.blogspot.com

  24. These all make sense and are things I would love to do – except my kids are now grown. [insert sobbing emoji] Enjoy them while they’re little! You will be so happy later that you got the time with them. I find your videos so inspiring and it has really opened my eyes to indie publishing and the benefits. I’m actually thinking of going to grad school for a MS in Publishing so that I can focus on helping indie publishers get their books ready!

  25. I started free writing and with that I have come to write more Storys that are fantasy but with fact of things I went though.

  27. I’ve always had a knack for creative writing and those were always my favorite classes in school. I would write Harry Potter fanfiction during my middle school and high school years but sort of got away from writing in my early adult life. After reading your books and your super vulnerable bio on your website, I had an aha moment of “this is what I’d love to do in life!” I don’t have a lot of time to write or hone my craft but someday I would love to make a career out of it

  28. When did I start writing? when I was 8-9 years old. I would watch a movie or TV show and think, that’s not the actual end… this is how it really ends- and then make up the characters’ next chapters! 🙂

  29. Just last year i started focusing on writing. I hit youtube and found lot of people like your to help us lost in this world. Scavenging and hunting for any knowledge to help start us off. Thank you for that. I sarted with real world fiction made it to chapter 8 and put to the side. I felt the need to focus on some Fantsay stories that I have. I play D&D so have characters created I wanted to see how their life started and the how the aftermath changed their life cincluding the campaign.

  30. I loved this – and I’m so happy for you. Thank you for sharing and being the inspiration that you are!

  31. The ten reasons had me seriously thinking and it just occured to me that I never really thought about it. It’s just that I cannot imagine myself ever NOT writing. I knew it from an early age on and it took more than 30 years to get there, but I did and it doesn’t matter in what capacity I do it, as long as I do it. Sarra, thank you for being so honest and open about your writing journey, I love joining you on that path, if only from a distance.

  32. I started writing as a child, about the time that I learned how to write. I was fascinated with stories and loved creating them. The first time I knew I wanted to be an author was when I made the realization that real people wrote the books I loved to read, and that it was THEIR JOB!!!! I knew then, that was the job for me. I couldn’t imagine anything better. I have written throughout my entire life.

    However, it wasn’t until I was 40, and my mom was dying of breast cancer, that I became serious about pursuing my dream. She was only 65 when she passed. I didn’t want to get to that age and have something unexpected like that happen to me, and have never fulfilled my dream. She always believed I could do it. And so I’m doing it.

    Now, at 45, I have yet to publish my first book. I’ve written a rough draft of a YA novel. And I’m working on my second draft of my contemporary rock and roll romance. Getting closer to my goal of publishing every day. And I have so many more stories and ideas to write. It’s just the beginning!

  33. I started writing when I was a very young child and wrote a lot of short stories over the years. Once I got into high school though I had less time and stopped writing but now I want to pick it back up again.

  34. I’ve been writing as long as I can remember.
    Loved today’s video, even though you made me cry.
    Hugs.

  35. I’ve been a writer since I could hold a pencil. I used to write and illustrate my stories then staple them with construction paper covers. I started having my babies young (16) so I fell away from writing. Now my 6 babies are grown and I really want to take my writing seriously. I’ve been participating in NaNoWriMo since 2005 but it’s only for fun. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway. <3

  36. I’m not a writer but I love to get lost in a good book. To escape whats going on around you for a while and being apart of another world bring me a kind of peace to my soul.

  37. I started writing in high school. I became serious about writing about 10 years ago. I’ve completed a historical paranormal romance and the first draft of a historical romance. I took a break from writing during the pandemic to decided if the romance genre was the right fit for me. Now I’m slowly getting back into writing, focusing on a YA paranormal and a YA thriller story, while I research and plot a WWII fiction novel.

  38. I started writing in my mid-20’s, so 22 years ago or so. As the years go on, I get more and more serious about publishing something. Thanks for all you do, Sarra!

  40. I started writing when I was very young. I felt that writing was my only way to explore my creativity. Finding your books and your YouTube Channel was the best think in my life. Thank you

  41. Loving this and all that you’ve brought to the writing community, Sarra! You truly are an inspiration!!

  42. I started writing when I was 8 or 9, basically about the time I realized reading was fun and writing meant I didn’t have to remember all my stories and retell them to myself. Before that, my school put me in the “dumb” group for reading because I stumbled over my words when I read out loud and I hated reading.

  43. I started writing in 3rd grade when Sister Mary Donald taught us sentence diagrams and poetry that didn’t have to rhyme! I was bit by the bug and have been chasing that writer’s high ever since. Huh. It’s fun to remember what got me started! And it’ll keep me in the ups of writing instead of the downs

  45. I loved the video for this. It made me make a list of why I want to be a writer! I’ve written since grade school, but lately, I’ve been doubting myself and whether I want to keep trying.
    You’ve inspired me!

  47. I started writing 10 years ago because I realized if I didn’t start telling all these stories in my head I was going to kind of go crazy. Lol! I’m working on improving my craft right now before I decide how I’m going to move forward with publishing. I’m trying out a new genre too.

  48. I love hearing about now being an author has affected you. Your life story is admirable.
    Thanks for this opportunity. I’m loving spooktacular!

    1. This Nano will be my first ever attempt at writing a novel. My goal is the full 50,000 words (go big or go home!).

  50. I have a picture of myself with a pen grinning from ear to ear, age 3. I have been writing (from my first memory, anyway) since 9. I wrote A LOT in middle/high school, but when college rolled around, 20-something adventures, then marriage, then adulthood, then life took over and I don’t write nearly as much as I used to–sadly. BUT, this year has been my first year actually throwing in 100% of my energy and I’m so looking forward to what will blossom once I do 🙂

  51. I started writing my novel last year. I am feeling a little stuck right now and I am hoping to work it out during NaNo this year!

  54. Right now I am doing a lot of writing for my work that is non-fiction writing focused on political economy. I like it a lot but sometimes it is really depressing. I love sci-fi and I hope to write in that genre. It will allow me to still deal with the political and economic concepts I care about but sci-fi will give me the freedom to imagine happy endings for my characters in ways the non-fiction doesn’t.

  55. Hi.I just started watching your channel.Your work has been helping me in making my stories.I started writing in middle school and making short stories.

  56. I definitely got choked up with you when you got emotional! I think it’s really wonderful that you’ve been able to connect with so many people (readers, followers, etc) through your writing, and it inspires me daily.

  57. Thank you so much for all you’re doing, Sarra! Though I’ve technically been writing for many years, I have yet to publish anything. You and your content make me feel like there’s someone in my corner as I try to navigate this world of writing.

  59. I was in my late 30s when I started writing. It’s not something I thought I could do. I even tried to give my story to a writer friend. I loved your top 10 and how authentic you are. You’re an inspiration Sarra! Thanks!

  60. I started writing as a kid. It’s so nice to look back on the stories young me came up with!

  62. Oooh… I started writing when I was really young…maybe 4 or 5? If memory serves (I’m old, so my memory is shot…lol) my first official “story” was a ghost tale, set in a cemetery… My mother was not amused…haha! Prior to that, I used to scribble little phrases and thoughts on napkins, or anything I could get my hands on.

  63. I started writing poetry and short stories as a teenager, but just started writing a novel/series 2 years ago. This giveaway sounds really amazing. Thank you for the opportunity !!!

  66. I have always been writing a little bit, but it’s first as an adult I can see the benefits and joy of writing.
    I don’t write books, but for my own wellbeing I’m using this year’s Nanowrimo to establish a writing habit for my self.

  67. I love your content and how real you are. Thank you. I am a retired teacher and I have never written a book before. I have watched and rewatched so many of your videos. I am very appreciative of the fact that you share so many resources for us for free. It is so helpful. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into all of this. It’s evident how much you care and truly want to help us. Thank you.

  68. Sarra, you are always an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your heart and touching our hearts in return!

  69. I am a writer! I create Women’s fiction that keeps women with chronic illnesses or some other disability front and center! My goal is to inspire and empower women who face challenging health journeys.

    Your advice and resources are awesome! I hope someday to have the financial means to take both of your courses.

  70. I feel like I have always been writing or telling stories. I used to write plays for me and my siblings to put on for my parents. I started writing my first book in 2020 and I am still working on that.

    I loved your ten reasons and I can’t wait until I finally have the courage to share my stories with the world. ❤

  71. Nothing like reflecting on validation to make you feel all the feels ❤️ I’m on the road to my dream writer life and you are such an inspiration to me. Thank you

  72. Loved the video, Sara! It’s so inspiring to watch your videos and see your journey as a writer. As someone trying to kickstart my professional writer journey, I love watching your content and dreaming of being in that position myself.

  73. I started writing as a child! I loved to write quirky little stories to make my friends and family laugh. I’ve written on and off ever since, but am just now getting to a point in my life (late 20s) where I’m a little more settled and am feeling that creative spark to commit to learning the craft 🙂

  74. I wrote my first “book” when I was about 13 or 14 and have been writing ever since. In 1996, I began writing a personal column for my local newspaper as a freelancer, then in 2000 was hired as a full-time feature writer. I’m freelance again and still writing for the paper and other venues as well as writing and editing a quarterly lifestyles magazine the paper publishes. I’ve co-authored three local history books, too, but have branched out into fiction and creative nonfiction, all with a paranormal undertone. The first one of these should be ready in the spring, and two others are in process. I’ve learned a lot about writing fiction from Heart Breathings! Thanks, Sarra!

  75. I have not started writing yet. I would love to write children’s books. I am a preschool teacher and have several ideas I would like to write about.

  76. I have loved watching your career and channel grow over the years. The information you share on all aspects of writing has been so helpful. Thank you.

  77. Day 9 already!! Loved the ytube video , good vs evil theme really hit home for me. My heroine wants to save the day but first she must learn to save herself. Thanks for the inspo Sarra you always come through with honesty and open-heartedness <3

  78. I started writing as a child – my first story was a Choose Your Own Adventure about breakfast!

  79. I have been writing poetry and short stories since elementary school. Now at 56, I’m writing my first novel.
    I’m loving every minute of it!!!

  80. First off, the intro was awesome! You have given so much of your self, and I hope to be like you when I grow up. I struggle with sticking to a project–but I’m working on that! You have given me a path to the confidence I lacked. (see..past tense there). My confidence is growing, and now I just need to get it done. Whether it takes 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years. And you helped me to the realization that no matter how long it takes, its okay. Thank you for all that you do Sarra Cannon

  81. I’ve been a professional medical non-fiction medical writer since 2009 but this is the first year I am really giving fiction a go . I’m officially six scenes into a novel based on the 51,000 words I wrote for NaNoWriMo in 2017. It’s is so much fun and I have gotten so much inspiration from you Sarra along the way. I even have a converted happy planner for plotting! So helpful. Pretty stationary is so motivating and you really legitimized that for me. Your posts mean the world to me and I was crying right along with you in this video. Thanks so much for being so brave putting yourself out there. As an introvert (I never comment like this on the internet )I really mean that!

  82. I’ve been writing off and on since a child, but as an adult I only have a couple complete stories. I did recently enter a short story contest and it was picked to be published in the publishers short story book, which I’m very excited about. The winner of the contest won’t be announced until December, but I feel like I’ve already won since it will be published and I actually completed a story. I have a lot of stories on the go at the moment. Thank you Sarra for all your advice and support in your videos. It means the world to me.

  83. I started writing as a child but never actually completed a book; I would always get discouraged part way through

  85. I started writing December of 2021. I finished the book, read it and realized I had basically written parts of 3 different books and tried to make them work as one. I removed all but 1,400 words and started again from there. It’s going much better, and I hope to finish the rough draft by the end of this year.

  86. Hi there, I was kinda writing off and on, nothing serious like a novel since I was in grade school …. lol long time ago 😉

  87. I started writing when I was 12, and I haven’t stopped! I would love to be as successful as you some day. I had always wanted to work from home when my kids were growing up, but now they’re grown and gone. Thanks for being such an inspiration to all of us!

  88. My love for writing started even before I could spell and put written words together. I would write a continuous string of eeee’s in my little spiral notebook that had a yellow cover with a smiley face on it. I would then read it to my family and tell a story as if I had written actual words.

  89. I really adored watching your video on the reason why you love to be a writer. They are very close to why I love to create and why I want to make my creative business my new life 🙂 thanks for always inspiring me to become what I is in me to be!

  92. I hope this registers as a comment. I tried clicking on the ‘leave a comment’ on the entry form and nothing happened. I don’t know if that’s because I’m on a tablet.

    Anyway! I started writing pretty much from the moment I learned how so when I was 4 maybe. Those were just scribbles, self-inserts so I could go on the adventures I loved to read. I started writing proper stories when I was around 11 but they were either short or I didn’t finish them. I was 18 before I finished a novel draft. I’ve done NaNo probably for around 15 years now. I still have so much to learn.

  93. I loved hearing about all the reasons you enjoy being a writer. I can identify with having a story inside since you were a child. I am currently trying (and mostly failing but we plod) to plot my first novel. The story that has been with me since I was a young girl and listened to stories in the car on long drives. One day I aspire to be as proliferate and as well-read a writer as you. Who knows maybe the Aurealis award is in my future. 🙂 Thank you for sharing all you do and for caring. I love your books. Especially The eternal sorrows series.

  94. I just started writing again in the recent years. I did Nanowrimo a couple years back and now I’m writing my childhood memories to help process trauma.

  95. If I’m being honest, I was about to give up on my writing before I found your YouTube channels. I have been working on my current story since 2009. At first it was just in my spare time, until it grew into something much bigger. Your videos helped me figure out how to organize my thoughts better and turn my story into a reality.

  97. Hi Sarra. I’m a writer, working on rewriting my first manuscript that I wrote on NANOWRIMO about 5 years ago. It’s a mystery with a side of a hint at romance. It’ll be a trilogy. I have the second one mostly written, and the the third one worked out in my head.
    I’m loving the spooktacular! Wish I could do the gaming with you but I watched my grandson do a PS4 soccer game the other day with cars and after only a few minutes of the flashing lights and changing colors I could feel a migraine coming on…so I cannot do gaming. Plus my reflexes are just too slow. But it sounds fun.

  99. I loved this video. It’s so heartwarming to see how much joy this path has given you, and to imagine what it could bring me as well as I take a similar route!
    Honestly I’ve been writing since I first held a pencil. I still remember some of my earliest stories, and I’ve never truly stopped playing make believe. I don’t think I could be happy without having writing as some core part of my life.

  100. I started to write in Middle school. I have been writing odd and ends since then but have never seriously sat down to write a novel until a few years ago.

  101. I first started writing in junior high and high school. I stopped for many years and only got back into writing almost five years ago.

    I love the spooktacular videos.

  102. I want to participate in the give away. I have been writing all my life. Since I was 6. It has been a part of my job I am not published. I will take part in NaNoWriMo for the first time.

  103. I am currently writing my first book. I found your channel a few months back when searching for videos on how to write a book. I binged years worth of content and look forward to your new videos every week.

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