Should authors write selfishly for themselves or thoughtfully for their readers?

Here are responses, with permission, from the authors:

Author 8

I think the best writing comes from a wonderful combination of these two elements. If, as an author, you write about something that moves or excites you, or interests you deeply, your writing will likely show this passion and be strong. (It's hard to write about something that you are not keenly interested in and this lack of enthusiasm will show in your final product.) However, I also believe that an author should always keep their audience in mind. If we didn't have people to read our work, what is the point of writing? When I write, I always think about the kids who will be reading my book. I try to write something that will interest them, excite them or move them in some way. I often remember my former students and try to write a book they would enjoy. So, the best possible book for me to write is one that I am deeply interested in and one that I know kids will like.

Thank you very much for inviting me to respond to your question. Please let your students know that I welcome their comments, questions, reviews and art work. My new website will be launched next week at www.deborahhodge.com. They can send things to me through the website or email me (next week) at deborah@deborahhodge.com.

I wish you all the best with your teaching and your students,

Deborah Hodge

Author 9

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What a question! You could ask yourself, 'should teachers teach selfishly for themselves, or thoughtfully for their students?'

Quite the same thing, I think, for writers. There's an element to writing that if a writer isn't writing, he/she becomes most discontent. A writer experiences plenty of joy [and angst and frustration], but the bottom line is that writing is communication. Ultimately, without the audience, there's really no point to the whole exercise.

Same as teaching, right?

Best,

Norma

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Author 10

While writing a story for publication, an author must be mindful of the intended audience to ensure the story's readability and relevance. But for an author's story to ring true and connect with readers, I think it must spring from the writer's heart. There also needs to be a passion that both drives the author to thoroughly explore the story's premise and fuels the author through the lengthy process from first draft to final revision.

Regards,
Karen

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Author 11

Thank you for your email. I am not sure whether this is a personal question or a class project question, so I will answer it as generally as I can. In my writing (and my personal opinion), I feel the writer has to be aware of both aspects. As a writer, I always write first and foremost based upon what interests me. I feel it's important to enjoy what you are writing about. I then feel it's equally important to think about what the reader might enjoy. This doesn't mean that I will deviate from my ideas just to satisfy the reader, however, I do pay careful attention to what will entertain the reader, what might make them giggle, or think, or question. I pay close attention to the language I use and how well it reads and is understood. I would never write a story about something that doesn't interest me just to accommodate a particular demographic of readers. It must first fulfill my needs and then I make certain that it takes care of the needs of the reader.

I hope this makes sense and helps answer your question.

Please feel free to contact me should you have other questions or you can visit my website at www.diannabonder.com.

Best

Dianna
Dianna Bonder Studios
Author/Illustrator

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