Summary

The author reflects on the significance of readers in a writer's journey, acknowledging that while writing can be a personal endeavor, the interaction with an audience is crucial for growth and validation.

Abstract

The article "What Have I Learned From My Readers" delves into the author's introspection about the role of readers in their life as a writer. Initially, the author acknowledges that writing can be a solitary activity, serving personal pleasure or therapeutic purposes. However, the desire for growth inevitably leads to the need for external readers. The author describes the transition from writing for oneself to seeking an audience as a natural progression, akin to a child's expansion into broader social circles. The author's realization of their writing's impact comes not from follower counts or income, but from the interactions with readers through comments and engagement. The article concludes with a heartfelt thank you to readers, emphasizing their essential role in a writer's motivation and the collective aspiration to influence the world through words.

Opinions

Readers are seen as an integral component of a writer's development and success.
The author initially believed that reaching milestones like 100 followers on Medium was a sign of growth, but later recognized that true validation comes from reader interactions.
The author values the support and feedback from readers, considering their presence and silence as meaningful forms of communication.
Writing for oneself is valid, but sharing one's work with an audience is portrayed as a necessary step for a writer's maturation.
The author dismisses the importance of social media metrics and instead highlights the significance of genuine reader engagement.
The article suggests that without readers, writers would be trapped in a cycle of self-reflection, unable to extend their influence beyond themselves.

What Have I Learned From My Readers

Readers hone each writer’s life with tiny actions

This is a personal introspective analysis of my real and potential readers. It could also be the case in which you, reader, and you, writer, can relate to.

Readers are essentials

Readers are an essential part of a writer’s life.

You could write for yourself, for your pleasure only. That’s OK.

You could also have many other valuable reasons to write and keep your writing for yourself. Like when you’re journaling, or making a diary with therapeutical intent. It’s OK either.

You are the first reader of yourself, obviously. It has to be this way.

But I guess, sooner or later, your desire of growth will lead you to need an external reader other than yourself.

Everybody ‘s talking to you about your niche, your tribe, your audience.

So that, for sure, your solitary work as an author, at a certain point of your voyage will need a reader. A specific one. Hopefully more than one.

When coming out of your early childhood your small familiar world had to expand into larger social relationships. The same does your work as a writer. It needs to be revealed to the world. You want readers to show them your writings.

My writing and my readers

While panting at social media and technological issues, my writing seems to start getting out to the world, out of an early childish age.

There’s nothing to laugh at, don’t you dare! Show a bit of respect for a mature woman.

I realized I was growing the moment I reached 100 followers on Medium. Liar. That’s not true.

I started thinking about being a serious writer the moment I saw my real, yet tiny income for my writing. Another lie.

I believed I could eventually make it as a successful author the exact moment a few readers started interacting with my articles, by commenting and clapping for what they read. Absolutely true.

My valuable readers are kind and support me with their presence. They let me hear their voice. Even when they don’t show up with a message I understand what they mean.

Conclusion

Dear readers, go on reading. You form a big part of the reasons why a writer is still writing. Thank you for every moment you dedicate to us writers. Without you, we would remain in a circle of narcissistic mirroring and we would not be able to take over the world. Word after word.