What keeps you writing?

On a blog I follow (Linda S. Glaz), the question was posted "What keeps you writing?"

My answer:  "I keep writing because I can't stop the flow of ideas that enter my mind. Inspiration is everywhere, and I love it. I didn't believe in myself as a writer for far too long, and now I live with the regret of listening to someone else's dream crushing mouth. I know that not everyone will like my writing, which is only fair since I don't like every author's writing either. I know being an indie writer makes it hard to be found, but I also know that I'm doing something I love and it makes me happy. Every moment I can spend time writing an adventure that I created is one more moment that I am smiling. God blessed me with this talent and I will not give up on my dream ever again. :) What keeps you writing?"

Reviews like the following are what help me to not lose faith in my ability:  

"I really loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. As in her other books this writer kept me captivated, every time I thought I figured out where the story was going another twist or turn took me in a new direction. I especially enjoyed the ending."  (Not Human review found at Smashwords)

"I sooooo enjoyed this series and I would love it if there was a third book. I have two young kids and it took alot of willpower to put this down when they needed attention."  (Taken review found at Barnes&Nobles)

"The action and adventure that Karissa has is refreshing.  I love that she is strong and capable.  I highly recommend this book."  (Solace:Uncharted Territory review found at iBooks)


One person sharing that they really enjoyed the adventure that I wrote brightens my whole day.   Maybe it's the hopeless romantic in me - and the fact that I write with my heart and soul - but those few words grip tight to my heart and energize me.   It isn't the reason I write, but it sure keeps me believing that I am doing something amazing, something more than I ever thought I could!

I love writing.  Honestly, I'm not sure I could ever stop.  There always seems to be something to be told.  In the last 24 hours I have added 10,000words to a story that I was seriously worried wasn't going to make it into a novel.  It's still not long enough, but the way it is all coming together, the excitement that is building within me, the clarity that I am seeing the story with leaves no doubts that it will be long enough.  And on top of that I have two other books that have awakened from their simmering, and the book I received back from my "editors" is awaiting it's sequel.  

So now I pass the question on to you.  Whether it be journal entries, novels, short stories, poetry, published works, writings you will never let anyone else read...   What keeps you writing?