How significant is your writing?

akiwiguy has graciously allowed me to use his post (from another thread) to start this topic, which I find interesting.

I won't say what, but an event stunned me into realising the power and significance of everything that we write, or speak. Almost an epiphany or paradigm shift.

And I believe that, yes, we have been given a gift that is to be used. And to go further, whether we write as pure entertainment or on more serious themes, we all have incredible power to choose what it is that we wish to impart to others. And we don't have to be Nobel Prize-winning authors to do it.

Without sounding too dramatic about it, something has been niggling at my conscience to stop and think about why I am writing, my motives and what it is that I really want to write for some time. A personal thing.

Here's something to think about. Everyone on here would die to be a successful, recognised writer. For many of us, it may not happen. But let's just say it did. Somehow it happened. And one day you had to look back at what you've become recognised for. What influence would you have wanted to have? And I don't think that that thought is irrelevant to any genres. Even if your content is pure entertainment... we still convey our own underlying selves I think. Our beliefs, character, spirit if you like.

It is like the spoken word. Our writing always has power, whether modest or very significant. Every single one of us on here is saying something every time we even post. Sometimes fun. Sometimes about serious issues, or in response to others needs. It must be significant, or what the hell are we bothering doing it for?

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His words struck me because I think about this too - in the long run, I may not be famous, but it's certain that my words will have an impact on someone.

Do you think about the wider implications and responsibilities of your writing? Do you think you HAVE a responsibility at all?

I wanted to put my own thoughts in a separate post.

First, yes, I also think about things like this. And I know that all things I do have an impact on the people around me - but because writing is my "talent" or my "gift" or whatever you want to call it, I think the impact is that much greater.

When I was about 15, I had an idea for a little kids' story illustrating adoption from God's point of view - how no baby is a mistake for Him, and that every child ends up exactly where he planned. I wrote it up and illustrated it. I've never tried to sell it, but my mom (being my mom) printed some copies and handed it around.

A couple of years ago, my mom called me and said, "You remember that little children's book you wrote? Aunt Chris met a girl who was about to abort her baby. She gave her your book. And she decided to have the child."

Because of a few words I jotted down, a life came into this world.

So yes - yes, I think I have a great responsibility. I've thought about what I'd do if I ever did become famous, and people started asking me to explain my religious and political views. I have very strong beliefs, but I do not think I would ever express them in a public venue. I think I would keep my mouth shut and let my works speak for themselves. If someone understands what I am saying and wants to hear, they will. I don't need to muddy the water with my incoherent mumblings.

And yet at the same time, I almost can't think about any of that when I'm writing. Because if I did, I think I'd feel like the responsibility was too great to say anything at all. Either that, or I will feel as if I haven't said enough, and then I'll get boring and preachy. So I have to let it come out, and then I have to make sure it's something that feels significant and true. And I have to hope that other people will see that, too.

So, to change the direction of the thread a bit (can I do that?), here's another question. Since most of us agree that our writing is significant in some way, what are the "gems" you hope others will take away from reading your work?

For me I guess it's different for each book, but I think overall I hope people take away the idea that people aren't always what they seem. For example, that person who is incredibly rude to you in the grocery store or at work or in the parking lot. We usually respond by getting our hackles up - how dare they? Or maybe that person you don't know very well who seems mean or irritating or stupid. After reading my stuff, I hope people will think twice about those kinds of judgments. Because you never really know what someone else is going through, or where they have been. You don't know what is in their heart, or how they have been hurt in the past. Maybe them lashing out at you is the best that they can do, and for them it's a big accomplishment.

I also hope people take away the sense that it is never really too late to reach out to someone. It's never too late to make yourself better, even if it seems like everything is broken.

And, I guess... how very interconnected we all are. Even if we try to isolate ourselves, it's impossible. We have an effect on others, and how we choose to affect people gives meaning to our lives.