Writing is a Revolutionary Tool

Decribe your idea

From Anne Frank to Elizabeth Gilbert, and Frank McCourt to Dave Pelzer, the written truth of one person’s story has historically had the power to influence attitudes, minds, lives, behaviors, policies and society. Why then would anyone hesitate to harness this simple revolutionary tool and explore the monumental power of redemptive writing? A better question is are you brave enough to be authentic in your written expression and dare to use it to change the world? The idea that writing is sacred and that the sharing of written stories is the key to human connection is an ancient notion that needs to be revitalized, revered.

Why do you want to share your idea with TEDxUChicago in 2013?

I believe in the power of story and the sanctity of the written word. I believe that if you offer encouragement to anyone to tell his or her personal truth, it sparks empathy, understanding and personal connection beyond the words written. It moves a notion or experience from the ephemeral to the eternal.
.I want to help others explore the power of writing as a term of negotiation relating the self to the larger world. I want to reinforce that anyone can turn memory into a meaningful legacy, understanding that honesty in written words can reinforce the integrity of a life. Once shared, writing can create a bond with writer and the reader of his or her words to lessen the burden of each person’s life and move toward honor.

How will you share your idea in a creative way?

I will use personal anecdotes, examples, powerful metaphors and concretely useful tips in a visual and exciting presentation using audio, video and photos drawn from my Writing to Save Your Life workshops over the last 12 years, my three nonfiction books, lessons as a journalism professor at Northwestern University, stories of participants in the OpEd Project as well as Global Voices as I have helped thousands harness their own truths into artful and graceful prose.

Discussion

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