The writer and society (Part 3)

Analyst, so much disturbed the state in the media until he was made a State Coordinator or Chairman of a federal agency. Suddenly, his public analyses stopped. Such persons are everywhere and are insatiable. Once the benefits of the current positions start decreasing or stop, they start their fake people-oriented agitations, all over again. Such writers are also suffering from entitlement mentality.

Most heads of organisations, both in the private and public sectors, including religious leaders are expected to write addresses, speeches or homily/sermons from time to time for various audiences. They are mostly guest speakers, key note speakers, chairmen of ceremonies, etc. All these require one form of writing or the other. These speeches impact the society positively.

For posterity – it is often said that “authors live after their death”. The reward for being selfless, impactful author is perpetual. This should be enough consolation since authors are not fully rewarded monetarily in our clime. One can hardly go through any serious article in newspapers without references to renowned or impactful writers, dead or alive.

Are there demerits or disadvantages of being a writer? Of course, yes. Anything that has advantages also has disadvantages. Writing is not an exception. If your writings are not pro-establishment, the authorities will not like you. In fact, you can be victimised or harassed. There are evidences where writers, highly critical of tyrannical governments are jailed. Issues raised in your write-ups will prick the consciences of some individuals or groups. So, they will also not like you. Some of your colleagues, in addition to being envious will disparage you. Some of the critics of your write-up may not be objective. Some emotionally unstable critics may call you names or insult your mother and father. Traps may be set for you to fall in. Stories may be fabricated against you. In other words, a writer, particularly if you are a social crusader or an activist, must be psychologically prepared for all these challenges.

Do you want to be a writer and impact the society positively? The following tips and strategies may be useful:

Have passion for writing, write regularly, have the interest of the society at heart and downplay selfish interest or personal benefits. It will entail sleepless nights and other sacrifices. Undergoing training in writing and communication skills is also recommended.

Be a voracious reader and good researcher.

Have open mind, be eager to learn and interested in current affairs.

Endeavour to communicate effectively by writing simple and straight forward sentences. Choose words and sentences appropriately. In other words, try to avoid ambiguous words or terms.

Expect criticisms (mostly subjective, biased), expect insults (sometimes from your inferiors), just have large heart.

Be target-oriented, this entails harsh self-discipline. For example, if you have a goal of writing one book in a year or an article in a month, barring any extreme unforeseen circumstance like ill health, endeavour to achieve that goal.

Surround yourself with intelligent and positive people. Your interactions and discussions with them, most times, give you inspiration and things to write on.

Form a habit of having writing materials around you – pen, papers, etc. This include in your bed side. Ideas come as a flash. If this happens, get those ideas written down immediately. If you wait further, you are likely to forget.

You should not be a film or television-watching freak. They take a lot of valuable writing time.

A writer should also be a critic. But be very careful. Avoid bias, subjectivity or prejudices. Be a deep thinker. Don’t be in haste to condemn or judge. Do not respond in annoyance. Read more about the topic. Do not exhibit inferiority or superiority complex. Make effective use of your diagnostic and analytical skills. Above all, avoid name-calling like a plague. Clearly point out those areas you disagree with and present your own views – superior or otherwise. It is not a field battle but intellectual exercise. In some areas, it is a rewarding effort. After all, in the literary world, including theatre arts, people have earned Masters and Doctorates or even became professors by critiquing other people’s academic works.

In your write- ups, do not show blind loyalty or eager to please a pay master somewhere. Avoid hatchet writing – it reduces your integrity and respect both from the pay master and members of the public. People can’t trust you because they know you have a price tag and available for hire by any person.

In conclusion, if you are writing for the benefit of the society and posterity, don’t expect too much monetary rewards, and constantly ask for God’s wisdom, grace and protection. Let’s make our society a better place. I am still thinking aloud.