I've been doing several university classes that are mainly based on personal opinion (politics of the education system and such), and there have been a lot of complaints about the marking of assignments not being the fairest. I've also been called a 'sell out' because I'm giving the marker exactly what he wants to hear... just because I'm getting top marks for it.
But, this got me thinking, when writing are writers aware of what their audiecne wants? I can say that when I write, I write for myself... but, I also induldge in a lot of YA's so I know exactly what's out there and what's interesting, so I guess I know what the audience wants.
How about you? Do you write what for an audience or do you hope there'll be an audience for when you finish?
Weekly Goals 23-12-24
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I pretty much write things I would want to read and if someone likes it too, that's fantastic!! If I think about someone else when I write, I won't enjoy it.
I think the audience is always part of it. Otherwise, who are we writing for? :)
I actually teach my students how to figure out what the teacher wants for future reference. Awareness of your audience is crucial for success.
I agree with Jemi. I suspect the main point of these classes is to make you aware of your audience. That is NOT selling out. It's one sign of a good writer.
I think that it can backfire when writers purposely set out to write what they think people want to read, people are smart and know when they are being pandered to.
I have to admit that I keep an audience in mind when I'm writing. Not because I'm trying to be commercial but rather I try to keep things age appropriate. I have to ask questions like, is this funny to a 12 year old or lame and childish.
I do both, but with my last WIP, I was thinking more about me, and with my next WIP, I more consciously thought about the readers.
Great, great post!
I write what I would like to read and hope for the best.
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