Why I Write

A Blog by Andrew Lauck

Writing is often described as a solitary pursuit, a dance between the mind and the page where stories come to life. For me, writing is far more than that—it’s a connection, a conversation, and a way to explore the deepest recesses of the human experience.

It’s a way to bring others into a world that, while fictional, is deeply rooted in the emotions and fears we all share. So why do I write? It’s a question I’ve asked myself many times, and the answer continues to evolve with every word I put down on the page.

My journey as a writer began long before I ever picked up a pen. I’ve always been captivated by stories—both in film and literature. With a degree in theatre, my passion for narrative was nurtured through the exploration of characters, dialogue, and the human condition. Theatre taught me that every person, every situation, is a story waiting to be told. That lesson has been a guiding light in my writing career.

The Horror of Humanity

My love for film also plays a significant role in why I write. Movies like Jaws showed me the power of suspense and how fear can be an incredibly powerful emotion when wielded by a skilled storyteller. It’s this kind of emotional manipulation, the ability to make someone feel something so deeply, that drives me to write. In horror, I find a genre that allows me to explore these emotions to their fullest extent, using fear as a tool to delve into the complexities of the human psyche.

Horror, for me, is more than just a genre—it’s a lens through which we can examine our deepest fears and anxieties. The genre allows me to dissect the human condition, to pull apart what makes us tick and expose the raw nerves that lie beneath our everyday interactions. My first three novels, the Broken World trilogy, are post-apocalyptic tales that explore themes of humanity and family. The end of the world is the ultimate backdrop for examining how people react when everything they know is stripped away. It’s in these desperate moments that true character is revealed.

Writing the Broken World series allowed me to explore how fragile our connections are and how, even in the darkest of times, family and love can be a beacon of hope. But it also delves into the darker side of human nature—the part that surfaces when survival is on the line. What would you do to protect those you love? What lines would you cross? These are the questions that fascinate me, and writing allows me to explore them in ways that are both challenging and cathartic.

My other novel, Stranded, takes a different approach by focusing on the loss of humanity through the lens of government conspiracy and moral decay. It’s a story about how power can corrupt and how those in positions of authority can manipulate truth to serve their own ends. In Stranded, I wanted to examine what happens when the institutions we trust betray us and how that betrayal can strip away our sense of self. It’s a dark tale, but one that I believe is important because it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we live in.

Connection with Readers

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a writer is the connection I get to form with my readers. Writing is often a solitary endeavor, but once a story is out in the world, it takes on a life of its own. I write to connect with others who share my love for storytelling, particularly in the horror genre. There’s something uniquely satisfying about hearing from readers who were moved or frightened by something I wrote. It’s in these moments that I feel a true sense of purpose—knowing that my words have had an impact.

Social media has made it easier than ever to connect with fans and fellow authors, and I cherish these interactions. Whether it’s through discussions on my author page on Facebook or through feedback on my books, I find that these conversations enrich my writing. They remind me why I do what I do and inspire me to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft.

Personal Influence

On a more personal level, my writing is deeply influenced by the people in my life. My daughter and my girlfriend are my biggest supporters, and I owe much of my success to them. They provide me with the encouragement and motivation I need to keep going, even when the writing process gets tough. Their belief in me fuels my passion, and their love reminds me that, no matter how dark my stories may get, there is always light to be found.

The Endless Pursuit

Writing is a journey with no final destination. There is always something new to learn, a new story to tell, or a different way to tell it. The act of writing itself is a form of discovery—about the characters I create, the world they inhabit, and ultimately, about myself. It’s this sense of exploration that keeps me coming back to the page day after day.

I write because I can’t imagine doing anything else. The stories in my head demand to be told, and I feel a responsibility to bring them to life. Whether it’s a tale of a broken world, a conspiracy gone wrong, or a new idea waiting to be explored, writing is how I make sense of the chaos. It’s how I communicate with the world, and it’s how I leave my mark.

In the end, I write because it’s who I am. It’s my passion, my profession, and my way of connecting with others. And as long as there are stories to be told, I will continue to write.

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