Last month I attended a simulcast of
the Global
Leadership Summit
(GLS), an endeavor of the Willow Creek Association
located in Chicago that is broadcast to venues throughout the nation.
This two-day conference, held annually for more than 20 years,
features renowned speakers and leaders from businesses, non-profits,
and churches who encourage attendees to become better leaders. This
year’s faculty included Melinda Gates, Dr. Travis Bradberry, Bishop
T.D. Jakes, Bill Hybels, and Patrick Lencioni. As I’ve listened to
the stories and talks by the various presenters this year and during
previous years and pondered applications, I've come to recognize that
writers are leaders.
Have you ever considered that? The
journalist on the air or the page, the blogger online, the poet and
essayist in a literary magazine, the nature article writer, the book
author, songwriter, screenplay composer… they all contribute ideas,
share tales, and make people think. Writers engage, educate, and
inform; writers spark controversy, investigate rumors, research,
report, entertain, encourage.
I, too, can be a leader with the works
I do produce. For example, I write inspirational pet stories for
children, in which I weave character traits and life lessons, such as
courage, perseverance, friendship, and self-confidence. When I visit
schools and libraries and share my words with youngsters, my hope is
to inspire them for the times in life in which they may face negative
things like divorce or bullying… as well as to create an engaging,
fun story for them to read.
I also see myself becoming more of a
leader in regard to pet and creation care. Animals and nature are my
passions; I desire to see people more greatly appreciate the beauty
around us and the pets which share our lives and need our help. I
recently had a short story published in Chicken Soup for the Soul:
The Spirit of America, in which I reflect upon the gems which are
America’s national parks. One of my works in progress is called
Jasmine’s Journey: The Story of a Rescue Dog, which will
teach children what pet rescue organizations do. I envision these
projects growing me as a writer-leader.
The major theme of the GLS is “Lead
where you are.” During a session at a previous Summit, the speaker
talked about “sowing seeds.” I enjoy sowing my word-seeds in
order to encourage, inspire, and entertain people, both adults and
children. Writers are leaders, and it’s an exciting journey!
Books are the treasured wealth of
the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.
~ Henry David Thoreau
Gayle M. Irwin is the author of several
inspirational dog books for children and adults, including a chapter
book called Sage's
Big Adventure and a memoir titled Walking
in Trust: Lessons Learned from My Blind Dog, both
about her dog's blindness and the lessons she learned along that
journey. She is also a contributing writer to several editions of
Chicken Soup for the Soul and is one of the featured writers
in Memories
from Maple Street U.S.A: Pawprints on My Heart,
released in July by Sundown Press. She speaks in schools, at
libraries, and for civic and faith-based organizations. Learn more at
www.gaylemirwin.com.
Very interesting blog. It reminds me of my last Midwest Writers Guild meeting. Authors of all types gather together. We have poets, bloggers, romance and children's authors. There are publishers and even a young teen or two.
ReplyDeleteLast month a young adult, male, twenty-teen walked into our group as a new member. On introduction, he said, I write Hard Core music. He spoke a couple more time and used the F-bomb in casual. The poor guy--surrounded by mostly older people who frowned at his speech-- he must have felt as though he didn't fit and left the meeting early. He didn't return.
I wanted so much to speak to him after the session, but I didn't get the chance. On the weekends I have an entire basement full of musicians and song writers who enjoy Hard Core music. I could have introduced him to the group and he could have benefitted from the meeting. They enjoy writing lyrics, some religious, some not, but would have welcomed him.
Writers do have a lot of good info to teach and spread if given the chance. Like me, most of us are just glad when readers like our books. Kudos to you for helping to teach children and best wishes.
Thanks for sharing your story, C.A. -- my writers' group also consists of people writing in various genres. I appreciate your comments and encouragement.
DeleteGayle, I certainly do believe that writers have an influence on their readers. I remember how much Louisa May Alcott taught me through her stories and their characters to be a better person, to do charitable work for others, and she introduced me to Thoreau, for which I will always be grateful.
ReplyDeleteI do include things I care about and hope to encourage readers to care about in my Wildings westerns such as the love of animals, forgiveness, equine therapy, and so on.
I admire authors who consider the content of their stories and how they can convey a way to love all living things, our planet, and each other to their readers.
I want to wish you the very best to your corner of the earth, Gayle.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Sarah. Writers are leaders and maintain a responsibility to readers and the world. Your books sound wonderful -- I will look at them. Thanks again!
DeleteWe write because we have something to say. Sometimes we do it with fiction, some times with true stories. Either way, we hope to give the world something it didn't have before.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and many thoughts to ponder. Succes on you journey, for it will be a wonderful one. Doris
Thanks so much for your encouragement and comments, Doris. You are a great writer-leader and I'm blessed to know you!
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