Because I don't want to.
I know a lot of bloggers are. I know many bloggers blog for this very reason, to work toward publishing a book. And when I started blogging there was a part of me that hoped to be discovered and pursued by publishers. A tiny, dreamy part.
Being pursued sounded nice. Being wanted is cool. But what comes next? Okay, that part holds me up.
Right now I just don't have the burn to write a book. It's not inside me itching to get out. I don't ache to tell a story, at least not one I can't tell through blogging. And that matters to me. Writing needs to come from my gut. I need to need to tell a story. Or it's just not a satisfying and cathartic experience. And that's what I want writing to continue to be for me.
I would love to have my words touch everyone, reach every corner of the world. I really would. But I don't think writing a book would make that happen. I think writing a book would make my words and thoughts and experiences less accessible to those who may benefit from them most.
A book intimidates many people. A blog is easier. A book costs money. A blog is free. A book becomes too much about me. My words are for everyone.
And as much as it makes my husband crazy, I don't want to be paid for my writing. Yes, we could use the money. Yes, I'd like to feel like I contribute something to our family budget. But not through writing.
Writing is from my heart. It's spiritual. It's how I offer a piece of myself to the universe hoping to make it a better place. I believe charging for it would cheapen it. Would tarnish it.
Which is funny because I don't feel this way about other writers. I have bought many books over the years and (almost) never felt like an author sold out because he/she put their writing into a book. I've never felt writing had less value because it was bound and sold. I don't look down on or judge people who make money off their writing.
It's just not for me. I may change my mind some day. But today, my words are free. And I offer them to you.