What is your motivation to write

For the authors out there: Why do you write. How do you decide on a topic and what motivates you to take precious time and write stories for free.
Do you need some kind of response before you consider it a job well done?
Does writing make you more likely to leave notes with others stories?

The things I write about are usually based on particular fantasies of mine. Which is not to say that I simply write down fantasies. The process of turning them into a story tends to change them, so that they are more interesting as stories (which characters and conflict).

I have written a several stories based on challenges or suggestions of others.

I do appreciate a positive response to my stories. Knowing folks have liked some story I've written is a really strong motivation for me to write another one. I also find I don't have a good sense of which of my stories people will appreciate most.

Actually, simply knowing that someone has bothered to read my stories is a motivation, whether or not they are moved strongly by it or not.

Interesting set of questions. I write largely because I can't not write. It's part of me and who I am. I write across a range of subjects and genres, not only stories for the LSF, but mainstream work comprising short stories, novels, etc... That probably covers my motivation as well to a large extent. As for what gives me inspiration, well, it's everything. I can have a thought while watching a TV program, reading a book, listening to music, whatever, it may be totally unrelated, but it sparks something within me that I then tease out into a story.
Writing's a fairly solitary thing for most and it is for me too. I have a couple of friends online that I send my non spanking work to and we discuss that, but with the spanking stories those I generally write, edit and then send off for publication here.
In terms of feedback, I appreciate responses and looking on a story and seeing that someone has favourited it, whether or not they've commented, but I don't do it for that. I just like to share my ideas with others, being told that they enjoyed it is simply the icing on the cake.

I try to write for me, myself and I, but all the time realizing that if others do not get at least some enjoyment out of it I will feel a loss. I used to write stories and then delete them only to write them again and again over several months or a year, and never let anyone read them. When I started posting here I must admit the comments I got certainly encouraged me to keep writing and with help from Flopsy and the like I even managed to improve (at least I hope I did)...LOL.

I leave comments on other stories mostly because I know it takes guts to put a story on site and to do the work to get it on site. Whether I enjoy the particular story is not really a major issue, as I want others to know they are appreciated for the efforts they put out in writing the story in the first place.

I will write stories based on suggestions and scenes given to me by others, and have offered to submit the story under both their and my name if the other person wants, but none so far have taken me up on that offer.

I write based on my life experience and my fantasies, things I hope one day will or could happen to me, bur I get older I realize will likely not happen. The main reason I write is because I find it fun. Some times I write if I see a moral or lesson behind the story that others may like as well, but that is rare.

CS

Like CS, I write primarily for myself. I try to write the sort of stories I would enjoy reading. I like the process to start with an idea. There should be some new twist or angle, not just following the same old formula. Positive feedback from readers is certainly a big motivator, and the culture of this site encourages this. The biggest reward of all is to hear the story has affected the reader emotionally - whether it's made them laugh or (in a good sort of way!) cry.

I used to write for myself, but after the success of "50 Shades", I now write in the hope of attaining vast wealth and celebrity. However, it's been a while now and my hopes of achieving these goals are waning. The other day I was trying to get into a crowded restaurant and was told they were booked. I replied, "but I'm KDPierre!" and.......nothing. It didn't do one bit of good. They had never even heard of me.

I sometimes wonder if the combined handicap of my actual knowledge and experience with spanking and modest skill as a writer will forever hinder me from ever achieving popular success in writing within those genres. (Even though I still think my "Three Piggies" would make a great children's cartoon............for very twisted children.)

I do think that going forward, I may stop using words like "bottom, "behind", and "backside" in favor of "down there". I may also punctuate my characters' inner monologues with a lot of "Holy Cows"s and hope for the best.

Don't give up KD, don't ever give up.

Your post gave me a good chuckle. I know it isn't the same as vast wealth and celebrity, but we can't all be Kardashians.

Thanks, smeple. Maybe if I make sure to never actually accomplish anything of any substance in life, then participate in a sex video, let it leak, hope for it to go viral.........?

Nah, nevermind. My ass is way too small. I'll just keep writing like you suggested.

I've got to write, it's just part of who I am. Mostly I write poetry of a vanilla kind (well, fairly vanilla), some other prose and of course spanking stories. The LSF has given a fabulous opportunity to gain a wide audience and give enjoyment to others.

I write different things for a variety of reasons, but I assume you're talking about spanking stories in particular.

First of all, to get myself off. For me, turning a fantasy into prose, expanding it and adding details and turning the people in it into detailed characters, is much more gratifying than just having it in my head.

Second of all, so other people can see it. I'm a needy person, I like attention.

Third, for practice. Getting better at things is always fun.