The Power of Writing
Image from: Old-Wizard.com
We have so much power in our hands as writers. Sometimes I wonder if we truly realize this. In terms of the creative arts, I believe that only music has as much power to move, inspire and motivate us.
This places a great deal of responsibility straight into our laps. Tis a truly powerful sword we wield and we need to keep this in mind as we set off to lay down our printed words.
With your writing, you have the power to:
- Make others laugh – Is there a better way to create kinship? I don’t really think so. Remember the last time you read something really funny? You wanted to reach out and connect with the writer. For me, it seems that the posts I write where I inject a lot of humor are the most popular and garner the most comments.
- Make others cry – I recently wrote a deeply personal and passionate post for my blog. The intention was not to stir emotion but to put something out there that I felt strongly about. That post resonated with readers in a way that I had not intended but was heartwarming nonetheless. It moved several readers to tears and for me, really demonstrated the power of writing.
- Instill anger – Think about how many times you’ve read something that got your blood boiling. Maybe it was a political piece that differed from your view. Perhaps it was a piece of writing that had the potential for greatness but fell way short. While I don’t think that writing something to purposefully inflame is a very good tactic, there is no denying that when you write something that you feel very strongly about, others may take a strong stance on the opposite side of the field.
- Inform – A lot of the freelance writing that we do is meant to inform the readers about a certain topic. Informing people about something is very powerful. If yours is the first they have heard on a topic, your writing will forever color their view of the subject. It is one of the reasons a seasoned writer does impeccable research on their topic.
- Inspire – Nothing warms my heart more than hearing that I have managed to inspire someone. Since I own a writing blog, this is especially true when a new writer takes the time to let me know that something I have written inspired them to take some sort of action. The power to inspire is one of the greatest gifts a writer can have.
The takeaway here is that as writers we have access to a great deal of power. Wise writers keep this in mind with all of the writing they do. They understand they have this power and they use it judiciously to make an impression on all who may read their work.
This power is truly a gift. Use it wisely and you will go far. Wield this sword in a haphazard manner, abuse the privilege and you may regret your words.
Posted by: George
About the Author: A writer living in Alaska. A simple man with few passions: My daughter, writing, soccer and now and then a good cigar.
Jaime-Ann | May 10, 2010 | Reply
When you describe how writer’s have a power which is a gift you are right on the money. I spent way too long ignoring my gift of writing but I have recently decided to follow my instinct. I plan to use my gift of the pen to help others who need it most.
Your closing will stay with me forever as a reminder “This power is truly a gift. Use it wisely and you will go far. Wield this sword in a haphazard manner, abuse the privilege and you may regret your words.”
Mark | May 10, 2010 | Reply
“… abuse the privilege and you may regret your words.”
But I can’t help it.
tumblemoose | May 11, 2010 | Reply
Mark,
Of course exceptions can be made.
In your case, it’s worth letting you have free reign ’cause you’re so freakin’ funny.
Smooches
George
tumblemoose | May 13, 2010 | Reply
Hi Jamie-Ann,
Thanks for coming by and I’m sorry your comment got caught up in the silly spam filter. I’m happy that this post spoke to you, and it’s exciting to hear that you will follow where your heart is leading.
George
Arthur McMahon | Jun 18, 2010 | Reply
I try my best to tread lightly on the emotions of my readers in my fiction. There is such an infinite expanse of emotions that a good writer can stir up, but it’s best to not tackle too many at once.
I believe most of my stories develop a sense of intrigue as the reader is slowly being informed about the characters and the happenings of the world, but in the end I build up to no more than one or two intense emotions that I want the reader to focus on.
But writers need to balance all sorts of emotions in the blogs and articles as well. You really are trying to evoke certain emotions with your words in any piece you create, it’s just a matter of being a good enough writer to enliven those emotions and having enough control to guide them along for the ride without losing them.