What Do You Cherish Most About Your Writing?

Do you write for yourself, to get published, or a combination of both? Or for a different reason?

Writing a novel is therapeutic for most of us, no doubt about it. We may not think of it that way when we start out. We might just have an idea that seems great, or fun, or powerful. But sure enough, once we get into it and get hooked, we discover that, somehow or other, we are working through concepts that are important to us. The writing itself is making us laugh, cry, search our souls, and feel lots of feelings. Whether it's great writing or not, it has value for us.

It's a journey in itself. Is that enough? What about the joy of knowing our work might be meaningful to others if we get published? And then, of course, there's the ever elusive wealth and fame.

What is the journey for you? What do you cherish most about your writing?