Galea Rain's Blog

This is a question I've been asked a couple of times. I also wondered more on the question when a class I took in college addressed why we read. I cannot speak for other authors but I can speak for myself. However I am intrigued to know the answer from other authors.

I've written most of my life usually as a coping mechanism for my severe depression. I started writing my first novel because I did not want to be a part of reality anymore. I wanted to put myself into a world where I held all the power and was the hero. I had never considered writing as a career until people read my some of my work and told me how good I was. It was after that that I realized the affect I could have on people.

Growing up I never had many friends. Books were my best friends. I would delve into their worlds and feel like someone finally understood me and that if those characters could find the strength to overcome their challenges then maybe I could too. So when I started to pursue a career in writing, I did it not just for myself but for the thousands of people like me who suffer depression, have a cutting addiction, and have no friends. I wanted them to feel like they had a friend through my characters who are going through the same things. Perhaps I could give others hope to not give up as I was given many times.

I am a very emotional writer and I tend to put all my emotions into my work and I know many people have been impacted by those deep emotions and have often told me they could relate to my stories because they have been there as well. When I am told that I know I have done my job right and I am filled with joy knowing that at least one person felt like someone understood their pain. If I leave this world knowing I helped at least one person through my writing, I will leave knowing my life is complete.

So to those who are bullied or in pain, To those who hide your heart in fear it will break, to those who hide your scars lest you be judged, To those who cry themselves to sleep every night, I write for you. Know that there is someone out there who actually gets it and wants to spread the message about people like us. You are not alone.