Driven to Write

In this book of essays, over 40 successful writers in varied fields ―poetry, science, the performing and visual arts, psychoanalysis, journalism, literature and more― explore what drives them to write, and to work at their craft.

In contributions arranged under three headings― “Models and Mentors,” “Urges and Traumas,” and “Evidence and Experiences”―each writer explores their personal understanding of writing as a psychological necessity. In varying ways, these candid, often emotional essays reveal a range of intimate, mysterious and unpredictable purposes and motivations.

Driven to Write provides fresh, practical, and imaginative approaches to literary art for aspiring and established writers alike.

Ellen Pinsky is the author of Mortal Gifts (2017), described by one reviewer as “[a] book to be read alongside Freud’s Papers on Technique.” Her writing about psychoanalysis and her clinical work have been enriched by years of experience as a middle school English teacher.

Michael Slevin draws from his experience as a psychoanalyst and journalist to find fresh perspectives on psychoanalytic ideas. He recently co-edited The Trauma of Racism: Lessons from the Therapeutic Encounter (2023), which was heralded as a “humanistic approach to the problem of racial oppression”.