by Karen Ball
A friend shared the video at the end of this blog with me in response to what I wrote here last week. I love the message, not just for me personally, but for anyone who seeks to touch people through their writing. Because really, how effective can we be in what we’re doing as writers if we don’t see and spend time with the people around us? We write about our “core audience” in our proposals, but have we spent time with them lately? Talked with them? Listened to their hearts and fears and joys? Do we really know them?
So here are my challenges for myself. And for you:
Look up.
Meet someone’s eyes.
Chat with a stranger.
Chat with your family!
Tell someone your story.
Listen to them tell theirs.
Be present!
I’m going to try these things. And when my head starts to turn down, to look at that screen, I’m going to condition myself to think, “Look up!” Because I don’t know about you, but I don’t want life and friends and family to pass me by because I’m too busy looking at Facebook, websites, blogs, games, Twitter, or anything that isn’t…human!
Look up, friends. There’s a wonderful world waiting for you. And engaging in it will only make you a better writer.
Enjoy the video.
