Authors Tools Blog

Today is Blog Action Day.  This year the focus is on poverty.  I feel that everyone should focus on propagating abundance rather than eliminating poverty. It’s much more useful to focus on the positive.

If anyone understands poverty and abundance, it’s writers. The 2006 US figures show that half of all writers earn between $34,850 and $67,820.  The lowest paid earn less than $25,430 and the highest earn more than $97,700.

The gap in earnings is enormous. Forbes recently released figures for the highest earning authors. Romance authors didn’t show up on that list (except for Danielle Steele, who really isn’t a romance writer). I’d like to think that the big names of romance told Forbes that it was none of their business what they earned.

We write for many reasons. Fame and fortune isn’t usually high on the list.

Although most of us aren’t making great fortunes, we know abundance with plots and story ideas. We have scores of characters whispering in our ears demanding that their stories be told.

No matter how much or how little we make, there are people all over the world who have fewer choices and resources than we do. One organization I’ve found that actually makes a difference is Kiva.

Kiva lets individuals lend small amounts of money to entrepreneurs in developing countries. As a lender, you can study the requests and loan to the person you chose. Most loans are less than $25.

I’ve been a member for a couple of years. I’ve found the experience very rewarding. If you are looking for a way that you can make a difference, check out Kiva.

Whatever else you do today

• think thoughts of abundance
• give thanks for what you have
• practice a random act of kindness

Write on,

Lynn Jordan