My Writing Manifesto
Here’s why I do what I do…
The credit for what follows certainly should not go to me. I was inspired by the work of Jeff Goins. I encourage you to go and read his writing manifesto before you continue. Also, I’ve had many people who have helped me grow along the way. While I cannot acknowledge each person here, you know who you are and I would not be here without you. What follows is a description of my personal process, however I think any writer would benefit from reflecting on their own journey. Enjoy.
In some ways, my writing journey has almost happened to me. Certainly there is a place for taking action, and I think I have done so when needed. But I am amazed by the people, books, blogs and general encouragement that has come to me at just the right moment. That is no accident.
If you are a writer, you know what I’m talking about. You see a blog post that really resonates with you. Someone shares a podcast with you that spurs you into action. A simple moment with your spouse is the inspiration for a chapter in your book. Your mentor pours into you. The list goes on…
What follows is my writing manifesto. I do this, in part, because I want people to know why I do what I do. But more than that, this is for me. It is to remind myself that I do not write for fame or accolades. It’s not about the stats page on Medium.
I write because I cannot contain it.
Writing is where my passion and calling meet. It’s what I feel I was born to do. I believe that God has placed a calling on my life. I’m not saying my experience or beliefs are representative of other writers — again, this for me. However, if you’re reading my work and want to know about the foundation upon which I write, please read on. With that, I give you my writing manifesto…
I am a writer.
For years, I have written. But now, I’ve gone one step further.
I am a writer.
That simple acknowledgement holds much power. Now I am on the journey of investigating my calling even further.
For being a writer is just that — a calling.
I write because I must. I feel these words are welling up inside me like a geyser bubbling below the surface. When I write, I feel right inside. I feel I am fulfilling a deeper purpose — my purpose. Because…
I am a writer.
My personal foundation is rooted in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe God created us in His image. That means that we can also create. I feel closest to God when I am creating. He has called me to use my creative talents to bring glory to Him by impacting others.
That’s why I write. I want to provide value to people. Whether we just met, or we’re close friends, I want to provide some type of value.
I do not push my beliefs on others. My faith in God is my foundation, but I know that is not the case for everyone. However, I believe we can all learn from one another — no matter our background.
I want to be able to look back on my life and say that I provided value for others through my writing. The odd thing is that I must first begin by cementing my own foundation before I can impact others.
This doesn’t come by focusing on statistics or recognition. Oddly enough, I don’t believe I can provide value for others if I’m focused on the acknowledgement and recognition of others. I must be focused on the messages I am called to proclaim. The first message is one I must proclaim to myself…
I am a writer.
After that, the possibilities are endless.
