A Writer’s Legacy

As a writer, we’ll leave behind our work. Our written words, either in print or on a blog. In a book or on screen. But there are other ways to leave a legacy. Helping those coming along after you.

No matter where you are on your writer’s journey, you can be of help and encouragement to those who haven’t learned quite as much as you have.

Maybe they’re a new writer and haven’t realized that editing is essential. Possibly, you’re that new writer. You may wonder how you can help someone. It’s easy. Just encourage.

The other day, Facebook told me that six years ago, I finished the first rough draft of my first novel, Meghan’s Choice. 121,000 thousand words. I knew I was going to have to chop a lot—and I did.

Then, I hired my first Christian Writer’s Guild mentor to do a “substantive” edit on my novel. I’m so glad I did, because she helped me learn even more a writing technique called scene and sequel. I had a bunch of “scenes” that weren’t scenes—because nothing happened, and there was no clear purpose to them. I did a huge revision.

Secondly, my mentor told me Meghan wasn’t likeable. She helped me change Meghan Gallagher into someone like my original vision of the character, only better, and someone whom readers could cheer for. I entered a contest and got into the semi-finals. One of the comments was that the Meghan was likeable.

My mentor sowed into me.

I have sowed into others—and I encourage you to do the same.

I attend a local Christian writers’ group with the sole intention of encouraging other writers.

I’m editing a novel for a ninety-one (yes, 91) year old woman who is just finishing her second novel. She’s a great storyteller, but her writing technique is a bit antiquated. She’s told me time and again how much she’s learned just by having me edit her novel.

That’s a lot how I learned, too. By having someone show us the way.

What will you do to leave your legacy? Show someone behind you, help them along in their journey.

BIO

Donna L.H. Smith is married and lives in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman and holds two degrees in communications. She blogs regularly and serves two Christian writer’s organizations. Her first novel, Meghan’s Choice, was a finalist in both the 2018 Selah Awards and the Will Rogers Medallion Award. Rose’s Redemption, her second novel, was placed third in Western Fiction in the 2019 Selah Awards. Both novels are available on Amazon. For more information, visit her website at www.donnalhsmith.com. Facebook: Donna L.H. Smith Twitter: @donnalhsmith