Writers are passionate about their craft. While the world spins around us, we are focused on our writing projects. That’s a positive trait for every successful writer. Our readers value our commitment to create a powerful project that will teach, inspire, educate, entertain, and/or encourage.  

Working independently is critical for a quality project, but there’s a flip side to a writer’s life that comes with a warning: writers can’t address reader needs when they isolate and ignore the world around them.  

Let’s explore seven areas of writing to prove my point. 

1.  Nonfiction is about real events, people, places, history, and various sciences. These projects can be short or book-length.  

If a writer doesn’t know what others are experiencing through challenges, victories, and tragedies, the nonfiction information might not be accurate or applicable to the reader’s life. 

2.  Fiction is about a character’s journey to solve a problem or reach a goal. A writer develops a character who resembles reality. That character walks through the pages of a story to reach a goal or solve a problem. Wants, needs, desires, victories, flaws, and challenges mirror many of the reader’s life experiences.  

If a writer isn’t interested in today’s issues and problems, how can they create a quality story that speaks into a reader’s life? 

3.  Blogs are focused on addressing specific needs within a specialized topic. They inform, teach, entertain, and raise awareness for those interested in the subject.  

If a writer does not understand what a reader needs, how can he/she create a dynamic and engaging post? 

4.  Devotions are spiritual aids resulting from an in-depth study of a biblical passage. These writing projects can explain, teach, encourage, and even convict the reader in clear and concise language that is gracious and nonthreatening. The writer hopes the reader will meditate on the devotion’s content throughout the day. 

A writer who has no idea what people are facing in their day-to-day lives, or what is happening in the world that shakes or questions their faith, may miss the best approach to resonate with readers. 

5. Social media posts call attention to art, blogs, podcasts, images, videos, media information, and more. The post draws attention to the featured topic, enticing the reader to explore further. 

If a writer forgoes what’s happening in their community, state, national, and world events, how can he/she develop the best social media post that is distinct from all the noise?   

6.  Poetry uses words to express intense feelings and ideas about any subject. The writer uses unique styles and rhythms to showcase the piece.  

While a writer might not find value in keeping informed of life and events, can they create a piece that others will appreciate and that is relevant to today’s reader? Poetry is language charged with emotion that shares the insights of the world. 

7.  Biographies show the life history of people who have accomplished something noteworthy. These people come from every walk of life with one distinction: they achieved leadership and success by battling the odds against them.  

A writer who pens a biography must consider why this person would be of interest. How can their challenges help or address a need today? 

Awareness of the events exploding around the world means the writing project can include a practical application in our contemporary world.  

What are your thoughts? Are you ready to use your knowledge and expertise of the current world to help readers?