Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to be a guest on the Writers Chat. The topic was writing with a disability. The conversation gave me a chance to connect with other writers who were battling health concerns or setbacks on their writing journeys.
I shared disappointments and setbacks on my own writing journey, in addition to the hardships and limitations of living with a disability. The chat also gave me a chance to listen to the stories of other writers. I was reminded of why I started this writing journey in the first place:
- Encourage
- Guide
- Self expression
- Sharing my experiences
It doesn’t take long to realize most writers aren’t in this business for the money. Very few can make a full-time career out of the craft of writing. It takes time to build a writer’s career, and most of us have side hustles or other vocations we depend on to make a living.
At this stage of my writing journey, I write only to share what I have learned along the way with others. Not because I have all the answers or have achieved the success I had hoped for, but because I care about others.
Sharing Is Caring
Sharing is a voluntary action. It isn’t forced or coerced, although some people try to do that. The word share is defined as, “To tell ( thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. with others.” Sharing is a way to help others.
After my accident, I spent a lot of time in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or recovery groups listening to others share information and experiences to help me or encourage me on my recovery journey.
I have already shared how difficult it can be to live with a disability; that is why disabled persons need as much support as they can get. Now that I am on the other side of my initial recovery process, I feel obligated to share and encourage other disabled persons who may be struggling in life.
Writers are no different. We need information, resources, and encouragement on our writing journeys as well. That is why it is important to plug into the writing community, especially on the local level.
Let me be clear, I am not referring to writing conferences or workshops. While those are great opportunities, most writers need more help and steady encouragement than an annual or monthly event. As we know, the writing journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Writing Community
If others had not shared their experiences with me and poured into me, making themselves readily accessible to me for questions and advice, I would not be on this writing journey
Most writers share because they care about the craft and fellow writers. Below are some common ways writers can share with aspiring writers:
- Critiques
- Writing groups
- Collaborative projects
- Beta reading
- Mentoring
- Creative feedback
- Shared resources
- Writing tips/advice
- Community
- Networking
- Promoting others’ work
This sharing mindset isn’t just to help other writers, but to help our audience. When I first started learning to be a writer, I often heard the mandate to, “Think reader first.”
We need to remember our goal is to help our audience. Writing is to fulfill a specific need and deliver value to our readers. It is also important to respect our readers’ time. We do this by creating clear and focused prose that is easily understood and used by the reader.
Easy Peasy
Regardless of what journey we are on, we share our insights and experiences to encourage others. To help keep them from making the same mistakes and hopefully have an easier experience.
After my accident, I had doctors, nurses, therapists, neuropsychologists, and other disabled persons who poured into me try to help me on my recovery journey.
For the past 12 years, I have had many authors and publishing experts share their experience with me to help make the publication journey as painless as possible. There are many benefits to sharing with other writers:
- Save time
- Mental and emotional support that can be mutual
- Building empathy
- Building community
As I continue to expand my presence and knowledge in the health/fitness communities, I have noticed a lot of opportunities to share tips and advice on staying healthy. There is a lot of misinformation and flat-out unhealthy advice on social media. Just like there is about being an author.
In writing and living a healthy life, many people lack basic information. For healthy living they lack correct information on nutrition, biology, and personal discipline to improve their overall health. There is an unhealthy desire to take an easy or quick path to fitness goals that may increase other health risks.
Writers and health nuts like myself are open and eager to share what we have learned either through research or through trial and error. When I share tips/advice with others, it is not to belittle them, it is because sharing is caring!
Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at MartinThomasJohnson.com and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.
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