What made the Gary Paulsen want to write books?

Gary Paulsen didn't start writing books because he aspired to be a writer. He was drawn to writing because it allowed him to confront and process the difficult experiences of his life.

Here's a breakdown of what influenced him:

* A Difficult Childhood: Paulsen had a challenging upbringing, marked by poverty, instability, and abuse. He found solace in reading, and later realized that writing could be a way to explore and understand his own struggles.

* A Love for Nature: Paulsen was an avid outdoorsman, spending years in the wilderness. His love for nature and the lessons learned from it deeply influenced his writing.

* A Need to Tell His Story: Paulsen felt compelled to share his experiences, especially those that were difficult and painful. He believed his stories could resonate with others who had faced similar struggles.

Therefore, Paulsen's journey to becoming a writer wasn't about ambition; it was about healing, understanding, and sharing. He believed that writing offered him a unique platform to connect with others on a deeply human level.