It’s a simple but important question: Why do you write?

There are a lot of reasons people write. Some people want to build a brand. Some people want to make money. Some people want a creative outlet. Some people want to leave a legacy. Some people just want to prove the naysayers wrong.

All of those reasons have their place, but there is another good reason that we rarely talk about.

Here is what young adult author Jon Green said: “Don’t make stuff because you want to make money—it will never make you enough money. And don’t make stuff because you want to get famous—because you will never feel famous enough. Make gifts for people—and work hard on making those gifts in the hope that those people will notice and like the gifts.”

When we look at our writing as a gift, it puts a whole different spin on it. Instead of just making a product, you are making something that comes from the heart.

Your writing can be a gift as well as a product, of course. But it must begin as a gift you are giving to the world.

Today’s Challenge: What gift can you give to others through your writing today?