Jerry asked Stephen J. Matlock:

What motivates you to write?

Stephen J. Matlock Two things, really.

One is that I like to talk and write--that is, I like the whole process of thinking about things then creating a story or essay to follow along and even to push my thinking. I especially like it when I have some unformed thoughts or not-quite-developed ideas that come together as I start writing--especially when what I'm thinking and feeling is still quite, quite deep and the story itself brings it out in a way that a planned essay cannot. (As some know, my first published novel came about as I was thinking about various issues, but I had no idea what I'd write about--and a lot of stuff from my own past experiences came out filtered through various scenes that were echoes and reflections of my own life.)

The second is that I like to explain what I think and feel in a way that can help me connect with someone, and I think that for the most part a story is the best way to do that. People relate to what people do, I think, rather than by a step-by-step essay of logical thoughts. If I can help someone understand me and what's important to me, then maybe we can connect as humans and understand each other--I can help them understand my own thoughts and values, and maybe help them think about themselves and their own values. I think people need a safe place to think about what's important to them, what scares them, what they aspire to be like, what they are fearful of or ashamed about, and a story is a safe place to think about those things. My stories helped me think my own thoughts and venture my own risky ideas; I think that others, when they read them, can experience something similar for themselves.

Oh, and I want people to have fun and enjoy my writing. So I try hard to do a good job with a good story. That's three, I guess.

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