The Writer As "Bridge-builder": Sharing A Few Personal Thoughts

Article Title: The Writer as "Bridge-builder": Sharing a few Personal ThoughtsnAuthor Name: Craig Lock
Category (key words): writing, creative writing, the novel, inspiration, inspirational writings
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"We share what we know, so that we all may grow." n *
THE WRITER AS BRIDGE-BUILDER

Just sharing a few thoughts on the role of the writer, which forms part of the story from my new novel, "A New Dawn".

I believe that the writer's obligations to readers is to instruct, entertain, or somehow extend one's perceptions of life. Perhaps to encourage the reader to se the world "through new eyes". And I write to try to make some difference, a better world. Because the world is malleable. I truly believe that the world can change. We can help shape it for the better... but only if we really put our minds to it with passion and commitment. Life is not changed by movements, but by passionate individuals. Say to yourself: "I impart important things to my generation." Or "I am a passionate humanitarian, who can make a difference in the world." Or perhaps even: "I am an inspiring writer who attempts to build global bridges - one person's commitment to a noble cause.

Really BELIEVE you can make a difference... and live a life of significance. Then, as Gandhi said: "Be the change yourself, that you wish to see in the world."

We build tomorrow on plans we make today.

Elie Wiesel, Buchenwald survivor and Nobel Peace prize winner once said: "To remain indifferent to suffering is the greatest sin of all."

I have a passion for peace, mutual tolerance, interaction and respect for other traditions, cultures and religions. So the main themes of my writings are those of tolerance and acceptance, care for others, compassion, forgiveness for past injustices, honour and respect in the fabric of life..
All these values are founded on a faith in a common thread of humanity, which as writers enables communication across all kinds of divides. I believe, to effect real change in the world, we need to capture, then ignite the public consciousness.

This is my "mission statement" for my writings, which though rather personal, I'll share with you...
I will try to simplify religion and in my 'own little way' attempt to break down religious ("spiritual"), cultural, social and economic barriers. Define our unity; yet celebrate the differences between peoples. Because what we have in common as citizens of planet earth is far greater than what divides us. I shall attempt to be a bridge to all peoples in an ever widening cultural global divide - I'll do my very best to be a 'bringer of hope' to people around the globe. And write with passion to try to make some difference, however small and impossible it may seem...for a better world of more tolerance, peace and love.
When I started out on my writing quest, a long, long time ago....these are the precise words that I wrote in my diary and put up on the wall of my bedroom... all those long long years ago...

"I want to, no I WILL write 'uplifting and inspiring' books that will impact people around the world.
I want to make my writings a noble tribute to humanity.
My mission is embracing the wounds of my country...and the world.
I will write the very best I can in pure faith and have great fun along the jou
ey.
I don't believe in setting goals, but in going after your dreams."

Impossible!

"Turn a chasm of doubt into a window of opportunity."

How's that for a metaphor?

"You are not what you think you are...nbut what you THINK, you ARE!"n- Brian Tracy

"Some people se things as they are and say, 'why?'.
I see dreams that never were and say 'why not?'."n- Bobby Kennedy

"Faith sees the invisible,nfollows the unfathomable...nand achieves the impossible."

If you have faith, God has the power.
I CANnWe WILLn
In little ways each one of us can help lead people from darkness into the light through radiating hope to those we meet..Be the bright light you can be to the world.

"Lord make me an instrument of your peace;nwhere there is hatred, let me sow love;nwhere there is injury, pardon;nwhere there is doubt, faith.nwhere there is despair, hope;nwhere there is darkness, light;nand where is sadness, joy.

I shall pass through this world but once.
Any good therefore that I can do,nor any kindness that I can show to any human being,nlet me do it now.
Let me not defer nor neglect it,nfor I shall not pass this way again."

"For me life is about loving a lot,nlaughing a lot and having good friends.
To feel good about your uniqueness nand all the special qualities nthat are yours to share with the rest of the world.
It's your time to shine...nto celebrate all that best and brightest in your life.
So be the bright light you can be to the world."

About the author:
Craig believes in sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life's magical jou
ey ... and that brings him the greatest joy.nhttp://www.craiglockbooks.com

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHEDnnnn