"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Friday, October 9, 2020

The Socially Conscious Writer* Impact Others & Earn!


“Shout, shout, let it all out! These are the things I can do without!” --Tears for Fears

Remember when popular music wasn’t merely comprised of profane lyrics, misogynistic references and a good beat you could dance to? 

Hit songs were actually socially conscious, meaningful, soulful. Many caused listeners to reflect; to ponder; to have a paradigm shift; to act. Decades ago, “art” had a message. It was a medium for social movements and change.

Consider Marvin Gaye, who dared to explore man’s inhumanity toward man in his song “What’s Going On?” Or John Lennon in asking us to “Imagine” a world where there was no greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man.

So, what does this have to do with writers?

Glad you asked. 

FAST FORWARD TO 2020…

Now, more than ever before, we are living in transformative, historic times. A time to change the status quo. A time to “sound off” and be heard.

Think George Floyd. The Me Too Movement. The pandemonium of a pandemic.  Legalization of Cannabis.

For today’s writer there is so much to say; so much to “weigh in” on; so many opportunities to start a global conversation or help end ignorance, injustice and apathy.

Let’s face it: we may not be able to provide “front line rescue” like nurses and doctors in this Corona Virus age; but we can be “heroes” by healing the spirit, providing hope, influencing the masses and allowing others to escape the madness through our stories.

THE CASE FOR SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS WRITING…


Socially conscious writing is a great way to express your beliefs, educate, garner support for important causes and be paid in the process! Not to mention, it has the potential of being a positive reflection on your writing legacy and the body of work that you leave the world.

And I should know. For many years I’ve penned pieces on the lack of quality TV programs for today’s kids; on racism; on education reform; on problems with Black-owned businesses; on arts advocacy. I’ve done it through blog posts, poetry and articles. To the tune of thousands of dollars. You can too.

Use your platform to make money and make a difference.

Don't just write. Right wrongs!

HERE’S HOW TO APPROACH IT:

1. BRAINSTORM.

2. MAKE A LIST OF TOPICS THAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT.

 For me that list would include: education reform, racial injustice, the spiritual implications behind the Corona Virus, freedom of speech in the age of social media, elitism, food insecurity.

3. FROM THE LIST, IDENTIFY THE TOPICS THAT ARE CURRENTLY “TRENDING” OR TIMELY.

4. START A JOURNAL TO CAPTURE YOUR PERIODIC IDEAS AND TO BEGIN TO DEVELOP YOUR OUTLINES AND ROUGH DRAFTS.

5. RESEARCH TO INCLUDE THE MOST RECENT STUDIES AND RELEVANT STATS TO SUPPORT YOUR POSITION.

6. HAVE A POSITION. HELLO?  (DON’T JUST RANT).

7. IDENTIFY POTENTIAL MARKETS.

8. LATHER. RINSE. REPEAT.

To enhance your efforts, here are a few markets to consider pitching your work:

SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS LIVING

http://www.sociallyconsciousliving.com/about/write-for-socially-conscious-brands/

THE BIG ISSUE

https://www.thebigissue.org.au/contribute/

NEW MATILDA

https://newmatilda.com/contribute/

VOX FIRST PERSON

https://www.vox.com/2015/6/12/8767221/vox-first-person-explained

ELEPHANT JOURNAL

https://www.elephantjournal.com/tips-if-you-want-your-post-to-succeed/

A wise man once stated: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” Words to live by.

Remember: Don't just write. Right wrongs! 
(Feel free to Tweet that, folks). :-)

Platforms are powerful.

Thoughts? Any socially conscious writers out there? What current issue or cause do you think requires more attention in 2020?


Watch Tears for Fears Shout Video:



Image credits: Pixabay.com

7 comments:

  1. You know, I was just thinking about music the other day in this regard. It's frightening to think about how some of the obscene and violent types affect the current generation. I always wonder - what fruit does this produce?

    I like your point here, Jen, and I agree. We can be a voice and impact, or at the very least, encourage others for good. Your quote reminds me of another one that says something like, "You can't change every life, but you can change one." Appreciate your thoughts and encouragement here.

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    1. Hi Karen,

      Great minds think alike. :-) Don't get me wrong; I dig all types of music. From Rap to reggae to classical to country. But messaging matters. And it's nice to encourage and inspire others with positivity when we can. Thanks so much for stoping by today.

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    2. OOPS! I missed a "P" in stopping. :-)

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  2. I agree, Jennifer. We have a responsibility to write to educate and bring attention to social issues (without being preachy--we must entertain the reader of risk losing them).
    Also, we should pick social issues we feel strongly about. Otherwise, it will feel hollow and the reader will notice.

    The best social issues fiction both entertain and educate while showing that the author care.
    A good example is Rebecca Roanhorse award winning short story "Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience". I can rant for hours about cultural appropriation and why is wrong, or I can make you feel why through the characters.

    Great post, Jen. And thanks for including the market resources.

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    1. Hi Ingmar,
      You are so right here. The key is to teach without striving to preach. :-) Thanks so much for your feedback. I rely on readers like you to keep me going. :-)

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  3. Your messages resonate. Love that quote, "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something." As writers I believe it is our responsibility to address social issues and let our voices be heard. Yo have given me ideas. As always i appreciate your posts.

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  4. Great to hear, Lin. Please keep me posted with your project and your progress, dear. Thanks so much for adding to the mix today.

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