For the record, I’m not a fan of this post’s title. I’d rather it be: Whom Do You Write For? But I’m a grammar girl. Anyway, it’s an important question no matter how we choose to phrase it. When we sit down at the blank page or the blank screen, are we doing it with an audience in mind or are we doing it for ourselves? I have a hard time answering this one. Sometimes, I feel like I am aiming for something, a certain cuteness, a certain flavor, a certain something that will appeal to a bevy of imaginary people I imagine reading my words. Usually, those are the pieces that fall flat or flop. It is when I sit down and just write something that matters to me, or means something to me, something that helps me think or process or progress that I produce something real and maybe even good. I really need to remember this. Because this is not just about writing. It is about life. I think when we do things without worrying about affirmation and applause, when we do not concern ourselves with fitting a certain mold, when we are most ourselves, living and loving in a way that feels natural and easy, things usually work out pretty well. I know, I know, easier said than done.
I am going to try to keep all of this in mind here on this blog and out in the world. That intentions matter most, that who we are day to day is paramount, that it is not the number of comments or subscribers or gold stars that matter most, but who we are and how we feel.
Who am I? I am a mom and a wife and a friend and a writer. I am a seeker, a stumbler, a smiler. How do I feel? I feel exhausted and inspired and eager to keep editing this messy and wonderful draft that is life. Because the work is never done, is it? There aren’t enough red pens in the world.
This post? I wrote it for me. And also for you. Because maybe something in here speaks to you. But if not that’s okay too. Off to snuggle my sweet and sleepy girls toward bed. Hope you guys had a good Monday.
I think about this question a lot, especially when working on academic pieces where the audiences are absolutely tiny. But even when we “write for ourselves,” we have an audience, albeit an audience of one. We affect ourselves by writing as much as our words affect a reader for having read.
Similarly, we express when we write, but the reader expresses when she reads. That inner voice with its own pitch, stumbles, and slurs — when our words are readable in a variety of voices, we do our best. And this is worth aiming for, because the writer’s reading voice changes for having written and for having read.
I love this comment. Am wrangling kiddos, but more soon. And I just popped over to your blog. Look forward to reading!
So much that has me thinking here… The compelling idea of the “audience of one”… the idea of affecting ourselves by writing… the possibility of reading being expressive. You have reminded me of another reason why I write, namely to think about things differently, to see slightly different angles and hues, to understand. Writing this tiny blog post at 6ish on a Monday night has done just these things. Thank you.
You’re too kind. I’m just doing what I do. For what it’s worth, I don’t follow or comment on many specific blogs, but I do both with yours, because you consistently make me think of such things.
(Much of my comment above is derived from my work in academic philosophy, where the audience is often you + a couple of anonymous referees. Readerless pursuits like this are all about the writing, and when pursued wisely, prepare you for the *this*. So here we are.)
Amen. I agree entirely that our intentions and the place from which we come is the most important. I’m also a grammar girl, as you know. I swear I almost got fired from my first job when in my first month I challenged a senior managing director because he was about to present a slide titled “Where We’re At.”
Where We’re At. That’s too funny.
I think I am asking these questions because I am torn between the pure intentions side and the “outcome/results” side of me… I think if we are all being honest, we will admit to having both sides even if one is more prominent. A cool thing I am realizing though – admittedly four years into this gig – is that the pure/plain intentions often create the best “results.” Go figure. Anyway, kind of fun and revealing to have these odd-time light bulb moments.
When I write I am true to myself . At the end of the day I believe that’s all we have- our truth. A good thought provoking post.
Stay inspired !
Beautiful post, Aidan. The work is never done….so true. And that’s what makes it beautiful and inspiring and hopeful.
The reference to doing things without worrying about how they are perceived (or even received) and how those things often turn out to be our best or most true certainly rings true for me. Though, of course, without any kind of acknowlegdement for achievements, it’s really quite hard to get motivated. So many things to think about – thank you!
This is a really interesting question and dilemma for many. I think my response would be in the form of a question: does it only have to be for one person? My blog is mine, all mine. But, what I want out of it is a platform to explore my thoughts as well as a platform to interact with others. I would be completely lying if I said I only write for myself. That said, I do write selfishly, because I entertain what appeals to me and get great satisfaction when it appeals to others, too.