My Promise for Tomorrow

This is for VIM's March Prompt.

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What promise can I make that, if kept, will make the immediate future brighter? A prompt like this makes a person think of the bigger picture--acts of kindness that shape the world, perhaps.

There is always a need for such kindnesses, and we should not discount them. But what about immediate kindnesses that would give others around us a boost?

A small, actionable promise would make an immediate difference to someone else, and in turn, to ourselves, however backhanded the idea may seem.

So, I promise to give other writers around me a boost -whether through encouragement, visibility or digital support--because one supported writer means that the others are too.

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I could celebrate their wins, no matter if it's a Top Story or a Challenge, because every story is shared success. It's a win even if it's not selected as one--it's a well-expressed extension of a writer's thoughts. So why not share their work on social media without them asking? A simple "This story is fantastic--please read it," will make a difference to another fellow writers day.

It's just as important to comment on the work they publish, because it has taken tremendous effort. Everyone needs to improve, but it's just as important to focus on what works. I will remind them that their writing has value.

Comments should be meaningful---explain why their writing resonated. It proves their work had meaning. I will offer help when needed, even if it's simply a need for a reading of their works. I will tell them they matter—because they do.

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Let's face it—competition is the essence of survival. But it's vital to remember that there's a place for every writer's voice. Why not recommend fellow writers when opportunities arise? A simple A simple "Hey, I think you'd like to read _______ work too," gives another writer's day a lift. Because we all need one.

I will share news about writing contests or magazine submission calls when there are relevant ones that gravitate---opportunities that allow them to shine.

I will respect different styles---because we all deserve that. There are many genres and ways of writing, and we must acknowledge there's no one way to write.

I will also remind other writers to stay authentic—because their voice matters above all else. Again, every writer's sound is unique, so it's crucial to let that shine through, no matter the pressure to conform or publish.

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I will advocate for fairness and respect---we give, as we expect to be given. It's imperative to speak up when another someone copies another writer's work without credit.

Each of us expects support as writers, so we should give that to ourselves. I will support indie writers by buying their books or helping them with their marketing. I will share publishing opportunities whenever available.

We have wonderful writers like VIM on social media---so why not introduce other writers to them? They are wonderful, vital sources of help, and a simple introduction will help everyone grow. Indie authors often create merchandise related to their books, so supporting that is supporting them.

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I will be the reader I want---a reader who's involved and thoughtful. Comments left reveal whether a person really engages, and writers can tell. I confess to not being very good at this, so I make a vow to be better.

I will tell them how the piece made me feel---that's more impactful than giving their works a 'like'. It shows their work truly made a difference.

I cannot assume they know how good they are...it's important to tell them. Every writer---no, everyone---has moments of self-doubt. Helping someone get over theirs is a way for me to get over mine.

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My promise for tomorrow is to advocate for other writers---because we all need it.

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This work is entirely original. Any AI tags is coincidental.