I’ve often asked myself why I write fantasy for young adults. On the outside it doesn’t appear to serve any practical purpose in life. As an Enneagram 1, I have a deep love for the practical. I thrive on “gut” instinct and intuition. My core emotion is often anger. I have a tendency to view the world as black and white. So my love for fantasy has surprised me throughout my life. Fantasy is something for which I will be forever grateful.
Why I write fantasy: to relax
I write fantasy to relax and do something that doesn’t need to be “practical”. Did I mention I’m an Enneagram 1?! My default is to elevate the practical and shy away from fun. There are good things about this personality trait, but it can also become toxic. I don’t believe I was created to just work and clean and eat and sleep. I believe I was created with talents and gifts to use while I’m on this earth, and that God wants me to enjoy the world he created for me.
Writing fantasy makes a piece of my soul come alive. At least, that’s what it feels like. When I take the time to write down the stories in my head about places and people that don’t exist, my mind relaxes. I feel relief. The world around me becomes more beautiful and my heart finds more peace.
Why I write fantasy: to heal
I write fantasy to heal from parts of my life. Writing soothes a part of my soul and helps me connect to memories and emotions in a safe way. Writing fantasy is a key part to how I process the world around me. It’s a gift God gave me that helps me make sense of reality.
Writing fantasy brings me hope. My stories remind me that hope is always possible, even on the darkest of days. Fantasy helps me feel less alone because it reminds me that others have similar experiences and struggles to my own.
Finally, writing fantasy helps me when I deal with intense nightmares. It’s healing. I can take the dark things that happen in my mind while I’m asleep and use them to create something beautiful. This is another form of healing. Creativity is a gift, and it can be so incredibly healing.
Why I write fantasy: to dream
I write fantasy, specifically for young adults, to dream and reconnect to my inner child. Being an adult I can forget what it’s like to look around me in awe. Children are good at discovering the world, at seeing the possibilities. Somewhere within paying the bills, cleaning the house, making food, and getting to work on time, I forget to find the joy in being alive. Writing fantasy has allowed me to reclaim that ability.
The other reason I write fantasy for young adults is in hopes that my stories will help them the way they’ve helped me. I hope that young people will read my books and feel as I do: seen, healed, and hopeful. I can’t fix their problems or keep them safe from whatever trouble they’re facing, but I can write stories that will hopefully bring a ray of light for them.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a reader or a writer or a bit of both, I hope this post encourages you. I hope you use your gifts for the world around you and for yourself. If you read any of my work, I hope it reminds you that you’re not alone and gives you a relaxing retreat from life.
Until next time,
Ellen
Ellen ES Ceely 
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