Writer's Tip of the Month - September 2007

From the Tip of My Pen

by Fran Stewart

Vision – Who Are You?

Did you ever wonder who writes those author bios on the book jackets? Did you ever wish you knew more about a particular writer? If you, like I, have been disappointed sometimes in the sparse information—Shelly Writer lives with her husband and two dogs in northern Oklahoma—you might look on Shelly Writer’s website. There you are likely to find a button that says About Me or FAQs. So go ahead and read all about Shelly.

Then, plan what you’ll say on your own website. I’ve been working with a business coach. Yes—writing is a business. He didn’t like my About Me button. He suggested that I write a vision statement in the form of what he called a corporate culture position paper. Sounds a bit intimidating, doesn’t it? And why on earth would something like that be necessary for writers when all we want to do is write?

This turned out to be one of the most worthwhile tasks I’ve approached lately, and I thoroughly recommend it to you. I chose to take my name—I know, you don’t have to say it; it’s a schoolgirl approach—and turn the first letters into my statement. When you read this, you will know who I am, much more than anything that says Fran Stewart lives with various rescued cats by a creek on the backside of Hog Mountain, Georgia.

Because of space restraints, I can’t put the whole statement here. For now, let’s look only at the letters that spell FRAN:

Far-seeing: I have developed a sense of perspective in my life, and I understand that while all things change, always, there is a more basic way in which we are all one; we are all connected; we are all the same.

Responsible: Since I believe that thought is creative, I am 100% responsible for my thoughts, my actions, and my responses at all times. I am someone who lights a candle to dispel darkness. If I find darkness around me, I know it is time to light another candle.

Accountable: What I promise to do, I do to the best of my ability, using all the resources at my disposal.

Nurturing: I choose to be kind, to encourage others, to lend a helping hand when one is wanted. In all circumstances, I speak well of people. In all my actions, I look for the highest good that I can offer, and I act from compassion, knowing that other people do not need me to fix them, as they are not broken.

In my work as a writer, an editor, a speaker, I hold to these principles. If you ask me to meet with your writers group or your book club, or if you want me to speak to your organization or teach a writing seminar, this is what you will get. Naturally, I’d like you to visit my website www.franstewart.com and check out the rest of my name as well. And then email me with your culture statement. Who are you? What do you believe in? What does your writing reflect?

If you haven’t thought about it, chances are good that all we’ll ever know about you is that you live with a spouse and two dogs in northern Oklahoma.