Altruistic writing, on the other hand, is a form of selfless writing. The writer’s reason for telling the story isn’t about making money, becoming famous or lifting self-up; the reason for writing is because you know it will help others. The telling of your story may be life-changing in a way that will have a positive impact on your reader, maybe even spiritual. It is almost magical. There is no competition, no need to tear others down, but a willingness to cooperate with that which drives you, your reader, and their world. A true altruistic author will write whether there is a financial gain to be realized or not. They write because lives will be changed by what they have written. They write out of a passion and obedience that demands the story be told. 

In defining these reasons for writing, we aren’t pointing fingers or judging but we are asking you “Why Are You Writing?” Do you know why you write? Do you know what it is that drives you? Have you figured out what your goal is in writing?

When we hit a ‘block’ we may need to sit down with a pen and paper – or a computer – and list the reasons we write. Once we understand what it is that is driving us, then we will better understand the goal of the writing that we do. For those of us who are faith writers, we may soon be facing pressure that we quit writing either through censorship or other means. When, and if, that day comes we will be better able to face our decision when we understand what it is that drives us. 

A poignant scripture says, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” If you are faced with tremendous pressure to stop writing or to change your genre, how do you visualize your reaction to that demand? There is no right or wrong answer, just an understanding of what drives you and makes you the writer that you are. Remember, we are here to help you and we make publishing easy!