Why do you write?
Some authors write to inform their readers of current events. Other authors write because there is a need deep inside that forces them to craft stories.
Then there are the authors who are more mercenary; it is all about the Benjamins!
The Catholic Church teaches we should be generous with our Time, Talent and Treasure. In this article we will explore a way for your venture into Freelance Writing to become a Vocation.
Besides writing, what are you passionate about? Does your heart sink at pictures of hungry children, throw-away teens or women with unplanned pregnancies? Are you stirred to action by abused animals, deteriorating historical buildings or disappearing natural habitats?
Name a cause and you have a subject for a story. It would be rare if you are the only one passionate about your cause. Even orphan diseases have more than one family involved in pushing for a cure.
Once you have determined your cause, discover who else is working to address that issue. A specific example will clarify what I mean:
Cause(s): Homeless and destitute people living in the Third World
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Small coffee growers losing their land and livelihood to large multinational corporations.
Solution: Saint Basil Coffee!
Saint Basil Coffee was founded by Jim and Mary Margaret Boyles in Houston, Texas, specifically to raise money for the missions run by the Basilian Fathers. To raise the money they purchase coffee from a Cooperative of Small Growers at Fair Trade Prices. The coffee is then sold to consumers with all profits going to the missions.
I became involved with Saint Basil Coffee first as a consumer – I bought their coffee. Later, in a general e-mail sent out to everyone on their list, they sought a freelance writer to help them spread the word of their apostolate. I stepped forward.
I do not get paid a dime from Saint Basil Coffee; however, when I write and sell an article about this wonderful company to a magazine or website, I do get paid. Because I am helping Saint Basil Coffee get the word out, they are happy to send me updated news (research) about their activities to keep the stories fresh.
I must admit that I became involved with Saint Basil Coffee not because I was passionate about their cause but because I was a customer first. The opportunity to do a good work presented itself later. Perhaps you also are a customer of a company that uses its profits for a charitable cause. What I am doing with Saint Basil Coffee, anyone can do with another company assisting a charity; if it is a service that is near and dear to your heart, so much the better.
As members of the Catholic Writers Guild this type of writing should call out to us. In a future article I will share another opportunity where your writing can materially help others. In the meantime remember:
Time – as you research and compose the article it becomes an active prayer.
Talent – God gave you your ability to write; you are now returning a portion of it to Him.
Treasure – as you earn royalties from this effort you can return a portion of it to God.
You can find a list of tax exempt organizations here.
Dennis McGeehan
Dennis P. McGeehan is a husband, homeschooling Dad of eight, a Martial Artist, Freelance Writer, Author and Speaker. He is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild. His latest book is titled The Diaries of Joseph and Mary.