WRITERS, DEFINED

What is a writer? Here are some thoughts about who writers are, how they shape our world, and what kind of work they do across communities every single day.

Thinkers. Like William Zinsser said in his book, "Writing to Learn,” writing is a process of learning and thinking. Helpful thinkers are needed across all parts of society.

Researchers. Many writers investigate, study, analyze and even create new information. Examples include scientific researchers, academic researchers, market researchers, medical researchers, social researchers, journalists, students and many others.

Teachers. It’s admirable how teachers in high schools, colleges and universities are inspiring generations to learn and use real writing skills.

Networkers. Software cannot take the pulse of a community or group of people the way that journalists, public relations professionals, communications specialists and other networkers can do so.

Messengers. Anyone with a message to craft and share — businesspeople, speakers, politicians, lawyers, historians, humanitarians, editors, critics and others — will always need and rely upon writers.

Artists. Without poets, novelists, playwrights, movie and TV script writers, comedians, songwriters and many other such artists, our world would not get to enjoy the art that feeds our souls.

Healers. Many healers (counselors, psychologists, body workers, etc.) are also writers. Engaging in the process of writing can also be healing.

At a time in the United States when literacy is at a crisis level, the media is collapsing and becoming monopolized, libraries are also in crisis and misinformation has devastated democracy, and AI is changing everything, it is important to remember that writers are needed now more than ever.

What other ideas or thoughts would you add? I would love to hear from you. Let’s connect.