Writers write. Putting words on a page develops from habit and continues because it is fun and therapeutic. Hopefully, at some point along the way, it becomes profitable.
I’ve been writing for over a decade now. I have published over 200 articles, three books, a syndicated column, a successful blog, etc. My email contains more acceptances than rejections these days. People consider me a professional writer, asking me to write book reviews, church newsletters or an article for the local newspaper.
I find that in the midst of my success, there is a danger of losing my true motive to write. I want to write to make a difference. While it is possible to make a difference and make money. I find I’m most operating in that purpose when I write for free.
So while I keep marketing and profiting from the craft I love, I spend some of my writing time with no thought of the bottom line. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or beginner, try one of these writing disciplines to make a difference, not a dollar.
1. Write daily in a gratitude journal. Each day find a reason to be thankful for your writing. Some days it’s for a sale, but most days I’m thankful for simple things: I finished a manuscript, my computer didn’t die or I got a handwritten instead of form rejection letter from an editor. I write these on my writing calendar to keep me focused during the day.
2. Write a weekly encouraging card to a friend, neighbor or coworker. This has been wonderful not only for me, but for the recipient. Using our gift to encourage others should be a regular part of our lives.
3. Write a monthly letter to another writer whose work you admire. As writers, we do a lot of reading. What book or magazine article moved you? What about lyrics to your favorite song? Jot a note to the author. It will encourage and support a kindred spirit. Send a courtesy copy of your letter to the author’s publisher if it is a book or editor if it is a magazine.
4. Write a quarterly letter to your spouse, parents or children. Simply write a love letter letting them know how important they are to you and why you love them.
5. Write yearly handwritten holiday cards. Start early. I’ve found it is much better to send 20 or so handwritten, personal cards than to mass produce 100 or more impersonal ones (I especially hate stamped signatures). Select the people who have really made an impact on your life and tell them about it in a personal card. Another good idea is to send Thanksgiving or New Years cards to beat the Christmas card onslaught.
How we impact others is more important than how much money we make or how many people know our names. Try just one of these five ways to get back to that original goal—to make a difference.
Angela Dion is the owner of Dion Communications, LLC www.dioncommunications.com. To subscribe to her free e-magazine Write Words and get the free 9 page booklet, Write Killer Queries, go to http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe.
This article may be reprinted freely as long as the entire article and bio are included.
Tags: gratuate journal, write for fun, write to encourage, write to inspire
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