“Write because you have something in your soul that you want to communicate.”~~Amish Tripathi

I got the current copy of THE WRITER magazine today and the above quote came from an article in this months edition.

One of the top questions in almost every interview I’ve done is, “Why do you write?” It’s then I wish I could come up with some deep, insightful answer that would make readers swoon at my philosophical depth. The simple truth is, I like it. It gives me an opportunity to shut out the “real” world and create my own.

For instance, in both, LAID OUT AND CANDLE LIT and YOU’RE BUSTING MY NUPTIALS, I’ve based two characters on my sister and me, but I made us younger with bigger boobs. It’s that kind of freedom I love.

Last month, I had the opportunity to speak at two wonderful local events. The 2013 Senior Expo, and the annual meeting of Friends of the Library. Since April is National Humor Month and I write humor, it was a match made in Heaven.

First let me list a few benefits of laughter: It boosts your immune system, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, increases memory, and improves learning and creativity.

Wow! That’s a lot.

Do you know how many times a day kids laugh? Hold on to your hat…400-500 times a day. Now, do you know how many times a day an adult laughs on average? 18. Unbelievable.

These facts were all part of my presentations and I gotta tell you, 18 times a day didn’t get a laugh, but laugh yoga did. That’s right, there are now clubs in 60 countries that meet in order to fake laugh, because it’s good for you.

Turns out, you’re brain can’t tell if you’re really laughing or faking it. I expect women are better at this than men.

In my research, I also found that laughing is more contagious than a yawn. If you don’t believe me just watch the Youtube video of six babies laughing. It will crack you up!

I guess the answer to the question of “why do I write” is…I write because I hope to make someone laugh and if I do, that makes me happy.

Now, tomorrow, pledge to laugh more than 18 times even if you have to fake it. You feel better.