Unwrapping the Gift of Writing: A Writer's Wonderland

By Uzoamaka Onuorah

What does a writer give through their work?

When a writer releases their work out into the world, they are doing more than just sharing it. Through their labor of love, they are giving, providing something to each person who reads it: stories that spark imagination, a call to action for advocacy or change, or words that evoke bittersweet emotion.

Many teens see writing as something to do in school in their English or history classes. Instead, writing gives teens so much more! Opportunities to release their feelings, a chance to bond and make new friends is offered, and group chats pop up that are made to discuss shared experiences. People have made friends for life after connecting over how much they love a piece of work or how special a piece of work is to each of them. This happens all because a writer released their work and affected each person in a unique way.

When you read poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or essays, you’re affected significantly in different ways. A novelist gives their unique life experiences, while the reader receives a new look into a perspective that was once overlooked. A playwright gives their heartfelt outlook on life in their play, and the audience receives an uplifting message to carry with them. A poet gives a mirror to view the faults in our way of thinking, and the listeners receive something to reexamine and take initiative to change.

When the holidays come around, we’re reminded of the gifts that truly matter—the ones that can’t be wrapped. Stories, poems, and plays are among these treasures, offering connection, reflection, and inspiration to both creators and their audiences. This season is a perfect time to celebrate the writers who give these gifts and the readers who receive them.

These gifts of writing are so important because the only way we can grow is if our minds are challenged, and writing gives us this chance to learn. Even for the writers themselves, putting their thoughts and imaginations on paper, an outlet to express is given, for the writer themselves to reflect Being able to share your  a gift to writers.

Can you think of a memory, thought, imagination, reflection, or experience that a piece of writing gave to your life?

Whatever the genre, whatever the written imagining, writers are always going to be there to give to us by sharing their words with the world. So, let’s continue giving as much back to them. Let’s continue giving them our support, in every way.