Give the gift of your writing

As a writer, it’s within your power to give a one-of-a-kind present: The gift of your words.

If you’re searching for a special gift for a friend or relative, consider the gift of a poem, essay, or heartfelt letter.

Imagine one of your poems artfully written in beautiful script and framed.

Children can create gifts of writing too by writing an autobiography from their perspective, no matter what their age.

Here are a few tips to spark a piece of writing:

Start with a question. For example, what was the best/worst/hardest thing about the past year? What did you lose or find?  What is something new you learned to do?

Focus on a slice of life. Don’t feel overwhelmed with where to begin. Think about one incident or event. Think big picture and then narrow your focus.

Find the meaning. Share how you’ve changed, what you’ve learned from an experience, or what a special person in your life means to you, how you’ve changed by knowing them.

Giving the gift of creativity is a way of leaving a legacy and adding meaning to relationships.

For more inspiration, read Patrick T. Reardon’s article in the Chicago Tribune, The Best Christmas Gift — A Life Story