1 Minute Lecture: Is Your Writing In Service?

Many times as a writer, expectation and obligation have made me think that I had to write something other than who I am. I can’t tell you the innumerable poems that I wrote in the early part of my writing life that mimicked supposedly successful poets or to try and fit a magazines specific requisites. This for me was never a route for successful writing. I have always wanted my work to be meaningful. I’ve had to harness my writing power to my passion, and my passion was how writing could serve people and create change.
Every time I’ve made writing mistakes it’s been because of one significant reason. The reason being is that I wrote a poem or short story or a play that was about my need for self- glorification and ego. I was writing and gazing at myself in the mirror and smiling. I also know that my writing has been most successful when I’ve offered my writing in service to others without ego. So when I think of how my writing better serves the reader, I have not failed. I’m always thinking at the back of my mind better words, better books, better people, better interpersonal relationships, better communities, and better world. As lofty as it sounds it helps me stay on my best writing track. So I suggest you check your ego at the door and be of service with your writing for true success.