Many writers withhold their genuine thoughts, opinions, and beliefs in their stories and nonfiction, fearing the consequences that might ensue. However, as writers and thinkers, aren’t we supposed to be the moral compass of our generation?
Our words hold immense power to influence social discourse and mirror our society’s morals and values. Instead of being afraid, we must embrace our responsibility as the conscience of society and recognize the potential of our words to ignite progress and change.
It’s essential not to force our personal opinions on readers and appear to have a hidden agenda. Readers rightly balk at that. The best way to convey our message is direct, through our characters. By portraying both noble and ignoble traits, we allow the reader to form their own conclusions based on the character’s actions and consequences. And it is okay if the reader’s conclusions are different from our own. That’s the part of the reader/writer dialogue.
In your writing today, consider your values, the things that are important to you, and how you can showcase them through your character’s actions without preaching. It’s not just about conveying your message, but also discovering your character’s depth that was previously unknown. In the process, you might even find your characters more three-dimension, more leveled, more complex.
And, in the process, you might also even make a world of a difference.
Change the world? Maybe. It’s been done by writers before.
Think about that as you write today.
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