We, on the other hand, write very much for our audience.  I knew I wanted to write boys' books when the boys in my school kept asking me where all the good books were, meaning books that they would like, not necessarily good literature!  I knew then that there was a need for books for boys, and not necessarily the kind of books adults think they should be reading, but something that appeals directly to the mind of an 11-year old.  Thank goodness Mike is still young at heart.  He just seems to know instinctively what kids would like.  Believe me, if I were to write selfishly for myself, the words "Fart Chart" and "Boogerman" would never have entered into the equation! 

     I think there is a good case to be made for both types of writers - the passionate (or selfish) story tellers and those that try to please an intended audience.  I don't write for myself or out of any strong desire to be a "writer", but rather for the kids that I hope will pick up our books and read them.  I am always thinking will the kids like this, or will they find that funny?  Pleasing our audience is my passion.  So I guess in either case, there is something driving the writer, and if the end result is that a wonderful piece of literature or an audience-pleasing novel is written, it's all good. 

     I once heard one of the Beatles interviewed and he said they weren't writing songs anymore; they were writing houses and swimming pools.  I'm sure there are many authors who do the same.  Perhaps that's what you meant by authors writing for themselves?  I think it was Hemingway who said you write your first book for love and the rest for money.  Even if it was money motivating him, he certainly gave us some very fine books.  And Dickens wrote to keep out of debtor's prison, apparently!   

I'd love to hear what you think on the topic.

My answer is: it depends. Ideally, of course, I hope to do both. I am going to be more interested, and most invested, in projects I am passionate about. So, in that case, I am writing selfishly I suppose. But once I've finished a draft, I have to consider my audience. (Many times, of course, this is predetermined. For instance, I will know for sure that I am working on a project for emerging readers.) Will my story work for my intended readers? Am I talking down to them? Am I writing the best story I can? Is the language too simple, too difficult, too boring? These are all things I will consider, so in that regard I hope I am writing "thoughtfully for the reader."

Best wishes,