avatarkasey sparks

Summary

Kasey Sparks reflects on the importance of identifying one's writing audience, sharing personal insights on writing for self-discovery and processing, inspired by Dr. Seuss's approach, and invites fellow writers to discuss their motivations for writing.

Abstract

In a contemplative piece, Kasey Sparks delves into the question of who writers should write for, prompted by feedback from her sister regarding a book idea. Sparks acknowledges the value of writing for personal understanding and emotional clarity, drawing inspiration from Dr. Seuss, who wrote for himself. The article serves as an invitation for writers to engage in a dialogue about their writing motivations, whether it be for personal expression, connecting with an audience, or navigating the complexities of algorithms. Sparks encourages writers to share their perspectives and experiences, fostering a sense of community among writers on Medium.

Opinions

  • The author believes in writing for oneself as a means of self-expression and processing internal thoughts, similar to Dr. Seuss's method.
  • Sparks values the act of writing as a tool for emotional and mental clarity, allowing what's in the heart to surface after clearing the mind.
  • The article suggests that writing for an audience or an algorithm can be confusing but also acknowledges that these considerations are relevant in the writing process.
  • Sparks extends an open invitation to writers to share their stories and thoughts on why they write, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in writing.
  • The author's tone indicates a preference for authentic writing that resonates on a personal level, rather than solely for commercial success or algorithmic favor.

WRITING PROMPT

Who Do You Write For?

An invitation to share // A Counter Arts Prompt

Photo by Dim Hou on Unsplash

For a while now, I’ve been mulling over an idea I have for a book I’d like to write. When I asked my sister for her honest opinion about it she said, “I think you need to determine your audience and who you’re writing this book for.”

Hmm. Good point. If I’m going to write a book, I’d kinda like it to resonate with at least a few people so they actually buy it.

But here’s the thing. Most of the time right now, I write for myself.

And here’s one of the reasons why. Many years ago, I heard an interview with Dr. Seuss’s wife. She mentioned that he wrote for himself. If other people liked what he wrote, so be it. But he didn’t write for them. He wrote for himself.

That guy was pretty damn successful, so it seems like good advice to follow.

I also write for myself because it helps me process all the crap going on in my head. When all the crap up there spews out through my fingers and onto the page, I can often better understand it all.

And if I write long enough sometimes I discover if I get rid of enough of the crap, it clears a path for what’s in my heart to flow out.

So I guess I write for myself to myself as a way to empty my head so I can better hear what’s in my heart.

Have I confused you? I hope not. Because it makes sense to me.

So I ask all my fellow writers — who do you write for? Do you write for yourself? Do you write for your audience? Do you right for that confusing and dreaded algorithm?!! Or do you write for someone or something else entirely?

Post your own story. Write a comment. Fill me in. Share your 2 cents.

Pretty please?

Inviting these people and anyone else in Mediumland who stumbled upon this post: Christopher Robin| Will Hull| Squeeze the Avocado| yesnodunno |Ellie Jacobson| Mary Chang Story Writer| Carlos Garbiras| Vince Coliam| Vincent Pisano| GB Rogut| Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她)

And please don’t rail on me for ending my title with a preposition. :)

kasey sparks, © 2021

Thank you for reading. To quote Ram Dass, “We’re all just walking each other home.” If you’d like to join me on the journey, click here. If you’d like to access thousands of writers and their soul-stirring stories on Medium, click here.

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