Eyes Wide Open

At the core of every human is a need for connection and a little self-centeredness. Both the reader and the writer indulge in both. 

Most readers like to understand a material without struggle. This makes them feel intelligent and affirmed in their ability—and inherently selfish. The rare kind of readers will challenge themselves or step out of their subject comfort zone. But the average audience– who most writers are targeting–want to be written for. 

More than anything, though, a reader wants to connect. It’s up to the writer to choose what is available to connect to. The material can be relatable, they could find interest to the information they’ve learned, or even feel close to the author. With nothing to connect to, there’s no reason to stick around. 

It can be difficult for writers to find a balance when writing what they want to but still catering to the audience. Writers share the inherent self-serving attitude of their audience. It’s often taught that writers should create for themselves to avoid losing voice or meaning in the words. After all, why would someone write if they don’t enjoy it?

Yet those who write are trying to form a relationship with a reader. Some may want to teach new information, help others who may relate to them, or even create a fictional world to explore with readers. Why would someone write if it wasn’t intended to be read?

The beauty of this dilemma is that the world has endless writers and will certainly never run out of readers. I don’t believe you can force someone to like your material or to care. You can only change who you are perceived to be through your written voice. And a reader can decide who to listen to. 

So, the real questions isn’t whether to write for an audience–you already are. Instead, ask yourself:

Who do you want your reader to be?

How do you want that reader to perceive you?