There’s Power in the Collective Pen
Writers read. We can do better sharing great writing.
Writers, we can do better!
Writers are readers. I say that with confidence. But, it’s time that we read not just for our own use, knowledge, or writing, but for the greater good of those other readers within our networks.
Have you ever stopped to think about all the connections we have on our social media platforms? Other people, who are also readers? People, we have the power not just of our pens, but those of the incredible pens of talented writers on this platform that we continue reading so enthusiastically.
We are fortunate to have a global writing community covering such a diversity of topics. Subjects that you may not have thought of and writing that you may not do personally, but which contain perspectives that can change your ideas and understanding of the world around you.
That’s something to celebrate.
I imagine, or hope, that as you are reading some of the outstanding writing that exists here, that you’re clapping, highlighting, and commenting, so that the writer knows that their work has resonated with you. It’s something we all want, and yet, isn’t there more?
If that writing has moved you to make a response, don’t you think that it might be even more powerful and possibly impactful, outside of our contained community?
Of course, any of us can share our own writing on our social platforms, but haven’t you ever considered the bigger impact we can make? What if you decided to start being a curator and promoter of other writer’s work by sharing some of the truly excellent articles that have made you wake up and say — damn, I didn’t know that! Or, I hadn’t thought of that and now that I do know; it has shifted how I think or maybe even act.
What if, by sharing one of those articles on, say… LinkedIn, you could help start a conversation, spark new ideas simply because you’re sharing something that you had the good fortune to find within this platform?
Just this past weekend, I had a strong response to two articles. The response was more than my feelings about what I’d read, or beyond the usual ways of showing appreciation to the writer. This time I was moved to do something new. I shared them with both my business and personal connections.
For instance, a piece by Stark Raving about the way things are designed that excludes the needs of people of color.
The article was so well written and so compelling that I felt moved to share the article on LinkedIn. On that professional platform, my network consists of people from all kinds of backgrounds, including product designers. I wanted to start a conversation about the topic and to consider how we can act or spark action on the problem outlined in this article.
What resulted was a conversation from that global community — England, France, Norway, and Canada, about how we as global citizens see the problem and what is being done, and what needs to be done.
Racism and inclusion are things very dear to my heart, and so yes, while I don’t write about them as a rule, I most definitely read and educate myself. I expect that you too have topics you care about deeply and may or may not write about them. If you find a writer who has broadened that topic and your knowledge, why wouldn’t you share their message?
Similarly, when I read a piece from Tim Wise I shared it with friends I thought would be interested in and enjoy his opinions. I was selective because while I enjoyed the piece; I knew not everyone would. Within this smaller circle, it invited conversations and discussion. As an introvert, that’s one of my favorite things, so in that regard, it was self-serving. Yet, it was also of service to the writer because I believe his work has merit and is worthy of being shared.
What is your writing why
Have you ever asked yourself why you write or what purpose you hope to serve?
Personally, I don’t write just for the sake of writing — that could be done in my journal. No, I want my words to have a point, a meaning, and even better to make a difference to the person who is reading them.
Medium provides a tremendous opportunity for our words, thoughts, and ideas to be seen by people that might not otherwise. But isn’t there more that we can do, not for our good, but for others?
Yes, I too want to earn money, need to just like everyone else, but at the same time, want to make a difference. It’s a great feeling when our writing does that, but there’s also real satisfaction when we have the chance to share what we’ve found.
I don’t write for algorithms or to go viral. I write because I hope that my writing will make a difference in someone’s life. Whether that’s as a writer, or as a person just like me, trying to figure out this thing called life.
Your role within the global community as writer and reader
When you think global community, think about your potential to make a difference in this community and so much more. When you read articles by other writers, read for your purposes, and then consider how it might serve someone else.
Think beyond an article added to a list. Think about all the people that would benefit if you began a conversation on one of your social media streams and invited their thoughts.
The article on LinkedIn went on to have 500+ views, but beyond that, my hope is that it will shine a light on a subject that many of us have never thought about or known about. From there, I hope it will spark action and ideas about how to create change. As writers, when we write with courage and conviction, we can change minds and inspire others to new perspectives and solutions.
How do you measure success as an author and person? What difference will you make by sharing your ideas and perspectives cultivated through the many streams of knowledge that you’ve acquired?
We have so much more power than we think we do, isn’t it time to start using it in a way that builds each other and this world up? Let’s use our connections here and activate our collective power of the pen to educate, inform and inspire because, frankly, I can’t think of a time that needs it more than right now.