Being an Influencer

Are you an "influencer"? At home? At work? In the writing community? Over your craft?

Perhaps we should talk about...

Merrium Webster's definition of "influence":

1 : an ethereal fluid held to flow from the stars and to affect the actions of humans

2 : an emanation of spiritual or moral force

3 : the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command

4 : the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways : sway

5 : one that exerts influence 

 

Most of us wield influence at home and at work based on our role, responsibility and authority. i.e. "When Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy." Or perhaps, "What the boss says, goes." These are cliche but true none the less. (a direct exercise of command)

If you are a part of a local writing group you may be asked to speak, be part of the governing board, and/or participate in regular meetings or events. Depending on your level of experience, and ability to serve, of course. It is a good way to help teach newbie writers, learn the different options available in writing and publishing, and help grow the writing community. (causing an effect in an indirect or intangible way)

But, how do you influence your craft? Read. Writing practice. Repeat. Take classes and workshops. Participate in critic groups. Repeat. Every word you read or write helps you to grow in your craft. Every good book you read will inspire and guide you to be a better writer/story teller. (producing an effect without apparent exertion of force)

 

Once you have the basics down you may find that you can channel your characters or perform as a scribe to the story instead of pushing it in a certain direction. That is an awesome feeling of emacipation. Like riding a raft, it's more fun to go along with the flow of the river than to fight against the current. (an emancipation of spiritual or moral force)

Writers are influencers. Readers share in the knowledge and/or story the writer publishes. We have an opportunity to present new ways of dealing with difficult relationships through story. We can impart information through the salt of facts, tiny sprinkles pertenant to the time, place, and situation.  Writers can bring myth and magic to a story and influence the characters and readers, too. (etheral fluid; flow from the stars and affect the actions of humans; sway)

That etheral flow can be called the muse, if you like. The muse often influences what we write. The muse could very well be of the stars, but I prefer to think of the muse as the creative spark in the universe that we tap in to from time to time. Xanadu, perhaps. The muse inspires artists of all genres if we are open to it. 

http://bdtharp.com
Author of the "feisty family series" and a novel of romantic suspense: "Your Every Move."