Who to write for? - Writers Forum

Sniper McGee · 10-27-2007, 11:18 PM

(Sorry if this post is in the wrong place, move/delete it if it is)

Well, hello guys, I’m Bryce and I like to write.

There’s one problem, no one I know likes my work.

My parents are very religious (I’m not) and they don’t believe in violence or cursing in books, film or anything otherwise.

My girlfriend only reads those crappy high-school-drama novels and isn't realy up to reading some more serious stuff.

And most of my other friends are either not into the whole "reading" thing or are into entirely different genres.

So here the question, who do I write for? I’ve tried writing for myself, but I can never quite get the effect I’m looking for while doing that.

mi is happy · 10-27-2007, 11:49 PM

Just write for: your hart, yourself even though it didn't work, the common good, and your readers! Hope you have fun!

PS: Are your parents Mormon?

mwd · 10-28-2007, 12:38 AM

Interesting question. I guess I write for myself, though I don't think about it much. I just write. When I edit/revise I often do it in response to other people's comments. So maybe it's a mixture. But I don't think this is your real issue, to be honest. When you say something like:

"but I can never quite get the effect I’m looking for"

I think this is more a result of lack of experience rather than who you're writing for. And even when you are experienced, I'd be surprised if you always get the effect you're looking for. Failing to live up to your own expectations is, I think, pretty natural if you have any expectations at all. Which isn't a bad thing. Better to be overly critical than not critical enough.

All you can do is keep writing. Keep trying to achieve your desired effect, and if you can't, put that piece to bed and start a new one. Maybe once you get a little better you can revisit it and turn it into something you like more. Practice does wonders.

Wallmaker · 10-28-2007, 12:52 AM

I think I know what you mean. Stephen King says he writes for one reader, his wife, who he knows will tell him like it is and every laugh she makes is the highest high and every flaw she finds he knows is something he has to rework. We all want that one reader to write for... I think. Yes, write for yourself, and write for us here on the forums. But keep a look out for someone to be your reader in real life as well. I'd suggest the girlfriend if you ever write a teen type story. Or, what about a teacher/professor? Or make a friend here.

Good luck. Don't let the 'rents get you down.

-Kay

Sniper McGee · 10-28-2007, 01:29 AM

Thanks guys, its nice to have some advice. For the record, my parents aren’t Mormon, but we do live in the "Bible Belt" so things are alot tighter around here.

Mwd: You’ve got a good point there. I can see where you’re coming from with that. But I still do want someone who I can show a story to and then re-write it just for them.

And that brings me to my last point, Kay: The teacher professor thingy is actually a pretty darn good idea. I’ve got an awesome bio teacher I could do some sci-fi with, thanks.

But yes, I will also try to write for myself too, and I’ll try to post my stuff up here a bit more frequently for you guys to see.

ClancyBoy · 10-28-2007, 03:33 AM

I write the kind of book I would want to read.

Amara-J · 10-29-2007, 09:00 PM

I write for myself, first and foremost; but to make sure that in the event I want to distribute and share my writing with others (your 'audience), I solicit critique and feedback to make sure that:

1) my message isn't lost,
2) I'm getting through to others,
3) I'm not delusional about my quality of writing and standards,
4) I can improve in whatever area I'm lacking in,
5) and that the readers and I can enjoy the reading process.

Pretty much it.

By the way, I've found that if you try to put a 'cap' or 'limitations' on what you want to write, that works against you. If you think "I'll write romance because all my buddies are into romance novels" (general example) - sure, it might work, but half the time it might feel forced and you'll end up with half-hearted, substandard quality. Don't jump onto the bandwagon because everyone's getting on it. But never fear, just keep on writing.

Good luck!

Olly Buckle · 11-02-2007, 07:00 AM

Why does it have to be a real person? Couldn't you invent a character to read your work? As they passed comments they would become more and more rounded and complete until you finally had the perfect audience,

JohnN · 11-02-2007, 07:03 AM

Write for yourself!

It may be challenging at first but write from the heart as said above. If you make yourself happy, then you cannot complain too much. However, writing for yourself without an aim is pointless. Write something for a specific reason e.g. to make you laugh, cry or smile.

Now go and write!

lisajane · 11-03-2007, 12:43 AM

Just write for yourself. And if you don't know anyone irl to have them critique your story, that's what we're here for.

Futhark · 11-03-2007, 02:04 AM

Sniper, I know where you're coming from. I had the same problem a while back. But I had one of those standing-in-the-grocery-store-line epiphanies one day that solved everything.

Here it is, reworked and digitally remastered for your viewing pleasure:

Every writer is actually two people. The first person, obviously, is the person who does the writing, who gets the ideas in the most inconvenient places, who spends hours slaving over a story that may never see the light of day, but just has to be written. The other person is the reader. This person is the one who feeds the writer a steady diet of words, so the writer will always have something in the tank for the next project.

So, when you're writing, why not write to the reader? Give some of those words back. It's not a one-way street, you know.

And yes, I realize that this sounds like mystical, metaphysical gobbledygook. But it's been working for me for a few years, now. Just write the stuff that pleases the reader in you. Usually, you can't miss.