We each have certain gifts we can share with others. And if we're not sure what those treasures are, we can enjoy hunting for them. Maybe it's a career path, maybe it's a hobby, or maybe it's a favorite sport. We're writers. We recognize that our skills are constantly improving, but still, many people wish they could do what we do. How can we share this treasure? Here are some suggestions:
- Write for no pay/low pay markets. Whether or not you have publishing credits, writing for these markets is a great way to hone our skills while helping others. Children who can't afford a subscription to Highlights magazine could enjoy your stories or articles for free. Some children's markets which are seeking manuscripts are Imagination Cafe, Stories for Children, and Viatouch.
- Volunteer. Maybe a church needs someone to write their bulletins, or a local community group has trouble putting together legible newsletters. Busy teachers are always looking for classroom volunteers to read to children or help strengthen writing methods. These tasks take time, yet it's a win/win situation. We can practice our skills while lending a hand.
- Consider fictionalizing an issue that's close to your heart. Domestic violence, alcoholism, drug addiction, coping with an illness or death. These issues make powerful stories, and authors have a unique opportunity to shed light and inform readers. Many times we've read stories and thought, wow, I'm not alone after all. Someone else out there understands.
Our writing skills could be clutched to our chest and used only for our own good, or we could share those skills, practicing and improving our techniques along the way. Who knows where our treasure hunt could lead?
What's your opinion on this subject? Can you think of other ways to share our writing treasure?