Growing up, I imagined that my writing would, one day, make a difference in the lives of others. People would come to me on the street, and say “You wrote that story, it changed my life.” It was a great feeling; a feeling that fueled my writing dreams through the years.

Somewhere along the way, that dream slipped into the background of my subconscious. My inner idealist still wants to change the world, but the realist within asks “how,” “when,” and “at what cost?” Real life practicalities force me to wonder if writing can still change the world.

How Writers Have Changed the World

Great writing has changed the world. Writing down a language, whether in pictographs or actual words, increased communication between people. Today, the internet allows instant transmission of our writing. We can share our experiences, thoughts, and causes with the world.

Ancient texts, from sacred religious tomes to classical fiction and non-fiction literature, opened the realm of conscious thought and discussion to countless people throughout the ages. Hundreds of years later, we still turn back to these masterpieces to learn about the past, and let ourselves be carried away to a different time and place.

The printing press made writing accessible to the common man. Over time, publishing has allowed writing to flourish everywhere, with flyers, newspapers, magazines, books, and now, internet publishing. Never before has our writing had a chance to influence so many, so quickly. We can promote any worthy cause, personal philosophy, or intellectual discussion, and rally the support of thousands of people all around the world.

We are at a prime time in the course of civilization to make a difference with our words. And therein lies the obstacle as well.

Why Making a Difference Writing can be Difficult

So much information is available to us. It quickly becomes buried in search engine archives, under the stack of magazines by our coffee table, and within our bookshelves. Great wisdom is at our fingertips, but without proper publicity, it’s just another list of words to be filed away and lost. No one will know what you find important, unless you share it with them, personally. You must be a champion of your own writing, and the great writings of others, before your ideals and causes will ever be read and noticed.

Many of us aren’t adept at promoting our work. We may use the latest fads to get our message out, but snagging the attention of others is increasingly difficult. Our beliefs about self-promotion and modesty are obstacles to increasing awareness. There is a fine line to walk, between influencing others and becoming overbearing sleazy salesmen, and it is easy to avoid that line completely in the hopes that our writing will speak for itself.

Champion Your Writing, and Make a Difference

As writers, we need to be bold supporters of our work. We have to let the world know that we have something vital to say that will change their lives. No matter what other causes we support, our writing must become our first cause. Believe in yourself, the validity of your thoughts and words, and share your writing with anyone it may influence. Never hold back from letting your writing lend someone a helping hand.

Have you given your writing a chance to make a difference to someone else? How do you make writing your “First Cause”? Are you comfortable with traditional marketing techniques, or have you blazed your own trail?

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