The Change You Wish To Make Through Writing

Yesterday, I talked about getting clear on understanding who you're writing for.

Today, let's focus on your message of change to them. For starters, do you even have a message? I'd argue that even if you don't think your story has a message, that that in itself is also a message. One of apathy perhaps. One of disrespect. Now you may not consciously be aware of the Big Theme you're presenting in your story, but it's there. So let's be clear. When you write with intention, with a specific audience in mind, then your message to them must also be clear.

But wait, you say, I'm a romance writer! My message is one of light entertainment and nothing more. No heavy Orwellian ideas here.

Fair enough, but I'd argue there's still a message of change that you're promoting for your audience. Perhaps one as simple and worn as "love conquers all", and that's an honourable message to have. You show your audience, through your work, the importance of this idea and that by adopting it, they too can experience wonderful things.

Wait, you say again, is this a Ghandi "be the change you wish to see in the world" thing? Possibly. But remember, you are not your story. Bob Denver wasn't really Gilligan. Your characters in the story are the ones carrying the message, struggling with its expectations and challenges, overcoming them (or not) and building a new life. Leverage your characters.

Does it matter what kind of change I'm proposing in my story? No. What matters is that you're honest, speaking from the heart, and writing with intention.

Now, go write something amazing!