How Writing Can Change Your Life
Everyone has a story about a life-changing book. Something they opened at the right time and in that reading, everything changed. Fiction or non-fiction, adult or youth genre, it happens to all who read. Hey, that’s my mission with Books Uplift: to promote the life-changing power of books.
But what about writing a book?
Well, that happens to. Authors often speak about how writing a book, whether published or not, has been cathartic, career-enhancing, door-opening, and yes, life-changing. This can happen to you. You may have a story you need to share in a memoir, or you may need to launch your entrepreneurial venture by offering a book to clients. The author’s journey is replete with anecdotes on how writing can be life-changing, as evident in all the Author Q&As on Books Uplift.
You, too, can experience this phenomenon.
A short story, a journal, a poem, an article, or even a book has the potential to be transformative. To help inspire you to write and inform you of the power of writing, I turn the mic over to experts, writers, authors, and friends for their thoughts on how writing can change your life.
“I’ve always dreamed of writing, but had to defer the dream until after another all-consuming and rewarding career in education. When I finally tapped into my creative side, my world opened up in unexpected ways. I became more observant, thoughtful, intuitive, and curious. I considered more “what ifs,” instead of “what was.” I became more attuned to people’s motivations, attitudes, quirks, and faults. Through the researching, writing, publishing, and marketing phases of the writer’s journey, I have connected with thousands of wonderful human beings who share my passion for reading and writing. The networking and relationships add an incomparable richness and joy to my life.” ~ Saralyn Richard, author of the Detective Parrott Mystery Series, the Quinn McFarland Mystery Series, A Murder of Principal, and Naughty Nana.
“As a monthly contributor and author for Sixty and Me Magazine for the past 5 years. I absolutely enjoy sharing my expertise and insight with my readers and supporters. Writing can change your life by enabling you to become an expert in your field and provide readers with supportive details, educational information, and instructional content on subjects such as health, wellness, and sustainable business practices. Writing is also a great way to showcase projects and highlight your knowledge and years of experience in an industry, as it allows your work to be seen by other authors and professionals seeking to explore and learn more about the subject matter and research.” ~ Shanna Bynes Bradford, magazine contributor, and owner of Grow Out Oils Clinical Aromatherapy Company.
“For me, writing has been a bridge—allowing me to authentically and creatively share my experiences with the world. I sang my first song at the age of two, using a shoe polish brush as my microphone, and from there, my love of music evolved into a passion for writing songs, poems, and other forms of creative expression. Writing has given me a voice to share stories & ideas and inspire others. More than anything, it has taught me that words can move hearts, spark new ideas, and uplift others.” ~ Justin Goldsberry, CEO & Founder, Goldsberry Management Group, LLC.
“I write to make myself cry, to make myself laugh, to make room for something new, to release what isn’t needed, to hang on to what’s valuable, to love myself, to make sense, to make nonsense, to make light, to make dark, to crack myself open and put myself back together again, to see the fragments, to make them whole, to put Band-Aids on and to rip them off again, to believe in myself, to question myself, to see myself to hear myself, to make me breathe, to make my heart beat, to make it break, to make the air woosh in and out, to make my blood flow, to feel it all and let it go. Writing saves me.” ~ Karen C.L. Anderson, author and master-certified life coach.
“Writing has been the most transformative tool in my life. Each book I’ve written has not only allowed me to share my story but also given me the credibility and credentials to pivot into new industries. My words became the bridge between who people knew me to be and introduced them to knowledge they did not know I possessed, expanding both my identity and my opportunities.” ~ Heather Dolland Tamam – Author and founder – Doltam Creative Solutions.
“I’ve written two books, a memoir and a novel. I published the memoir years ahead of the novel, even though it’s not the typical approach. I had to write the memoir to really confront all my demons. Writing helped me examine all the obstacles in my life and made me aware of what I need to change. I’ve changed my relationships with everyone in my life and ended those with people who would not respect the new me. The novel, Ziba, is set in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Writing it helped me process the culture shock my parents faced when escaping with our entire family and moving to the U.S. Writing the novel made me understand my culture and the issues that plague Iran to this day. I always knew I had two books in me, but I had no idea how much happier I’d become after writing them.” ~ Afarin Majidi, author.
“I don’t belong to the ol’ Moose Lodge. No church, no bowling, no corner pub. Like many in my generation and those that follow, social organizations continue to decline. So, it’s funny that the solitary act of writing has given me so many friends from all over the world. Conventions, readings, writers’ groups, and general sharing put me in a world I didn’t know existed before I got here, so I never expected to be an enthusiastic denizen.” ~ Michael J. Martineck, Author and Blogger.
“When I turned sixty, I wanted to step off the worn path of my civilized life. I felt liberated to age fiercely and decided to face my fears of the unknown, learn to read the forested landscape, and become a huntress. I chose to write about my journey because writing is how I make sense of the world. I didn’t know that I’d learn I have a place in the natural world.” ~ Deborah Lee Luskin, author, Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress.
There you have it. Writing is a powerful exercise. It’s creative, freeing, invigorating, and life-changing. Please share your story in the comments about how writing has changed your life for the better.
I hope this article provided you with a few applicable ideas. I would be honored if you shared this on social media. And speaking of sharing, please share your ideas and experiences below. Together, we can build an uplifting community that supports each other’s happiness, well-being, creativity, and success.
