Teaching the World: Advice from a Thrivor

I teach a five-week online writing course called Writing the Heartache.  People from all walks of life have taken the class and written some beautiful pieces from their pain.

The last week is when we discuss publication.  Some of my attendees have no interest in going through the roadblocks of getting published, but others are adamant.  And I feel they should be. Survivors, or Thrivors, as my friend Tabitha coins us, have a lot to teach the world. We’ve been through heartache, vast sorrow, anguish, and because of our experiences, we’ve changed.  Perhaps we once had no interest in advocacy, now we have a firm cause.

One of my workshop attendees asked me specifically how he should go about getting the word out there about drug addictions among the youth of our country.  His son died from an overdose about three years ago.  He wants to educate others so that they will realize drug addiction is an illness.  Here’s some of what I shared with him.

“My suggestion would be to keep at it.  Practice makes perfect.  Work on editing, spelling, and grammar usage.  All of these things are key to getting published. Think of themes and slants for articles, and make sure each one holds a take-away value for the reader. Editors want to publish timely articles that give readers something to ponder.

In my writing workshops that I host all-day, I tell participants to aim for sending things locally at first—newspapers, hospital magazines, church newsletters or community ezines. Become known as an expert in your corner of the state.

Living with Loss magazine is a great resource and I’m sure they’d welcome something that would help educate readers about the illness of drug addiction.  Look for local mental health organizations and clinics.  They often have periodicals and need first-hand stories or stories told by those who had a love one who suffered.

Also, read.  Read articles online or in your favorite magazines to see what grabs you, how points are stressed, what helps, what doesn’t, and tactics used to pass along information. Check books out of the library on writing for publication.

A unique idea would be to create a Facebook page devoted to helping educate others about drug addictions. You could call it Matthew’s Heart or something to reflect his generous and kind spirit.

You have much to share with the world.

What do you think?”

Until next time,

~ Alice