by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

Being a writer of hope is something I’ve made a deliberate effort to become. I think it’s something we all should consider. There is so much in our world these days that can lead to hopelessness if we let it.

Because our business is words, we have the ability to affect how others interpret the world. I’m not suggesting that we slant our viewpoint to something untrue, but rather that we take an honest look at the hope around us no matter what situation we’re viewing.

Being a Hope Writer Means:

• Reminding others—and ourselves—that no matter what we’re facing, we can use it to make the world better or worse.

• Reporting truth, but not forgetting that even the most difficult truth carries within it the seed of possibility.

• Remembering to be kind. We should always take time to make sure what we’re writing isn’t running others down.

• Remembering to be respectful. There are always two sides to every issue. Even when we disagree, we can do it without attacking one another.

• Repeating the fact that no situation is ever permanently bad. We all face struggles and stress, but nothing lasts forever.

• Redefining possibilities. Just as every situation has multiple possibilities, it’s our job as writers to bring those to light.

• Releasing the misconceptions we hold onto so tightly. We have to first take an honest look around us before we can share truth with others.

• Reinventing our own personal attitude. Unless we subscribe to the attitude of hope, it’s hard to encourage others.

• Reminding others of God’s ability to redeem anyone and any situation.

These are the precepts I’m trying to apply to every thing I write. What would you add to the list? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the the comments section below.

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month and has been named as one of Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers. She’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and vice president of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). She’s also the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine and the contributor to www.Just18Summers.com and www.PuttingOnTheNew.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.