Goodreads asked Patrick Elliott:

What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Patrick Elliott This is possibly the hardest question to answer. There are so many wonderful things about being a writer that choosing one thing that is the best is near impossible. I think I am like most writers in this, writing keeps your heart young.

As we age most people have their passion for life dulled by the brute force and blunt trauma of reality. As a writer I don't believe in the impossible because if you can imagine it, it can be done. Sometimes that is only in writing but more often in reality. I believe strongly in personal freedoms, especially when it comes to thought and speech. I see a world that is dark and in many ways oppressive. I see people suffering. I know we can change that. I know the way things are is not how they have to be. I believe people want happiness and can achieve it. I know we want to connect with each other and we just need to break down the barriers. These are just a few of the crazy things I am willing to stand up for, that I believe are possible no matter what people think about how hard it is to change the world.

The best thing about being a writer is standing up for all of this. Freedom of speech and thought actively and intrinsically in the act of writing. Connecting with people and touching them as a part of the process. The rest of it in what and how I right. Either showing people where I think we can do better, or where we need to avoid going. I get to do that every day, and I also get to encourage others to keep their passion and hope alive, to stand up for what they believe in. That is an amazing feeling.

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