We write for readers.
When I wrote a middle grade novel, I was writing it for one person: my oldest child. I wanted to show her what was possible if she stayed true to herself.
When I wrote an essay about the baby girl we lost to stillbirth years ago, it was a project of healing and closure for me. But it was also for other women suffering in the invisible grief of pregnancy loss.
The tiny baby bird of a fiction project I’m working on now is for people who are curious (read: cynical) about the social expectations we have around romantic partnerships.
At the end of the day, we are writing because we have a message, someone we want someone out there to receive and tuck into the pockets of their hearts for when they need it most.
Maybe you have a specific person in mind as you write your current project. Maybe you just have a loose idea of “people who [fill in the blank.]” Or maybe you haven’t given this one second of thought.
There is no right or wrong here.
But your audience, the audience who needs your specific message, your specific story in the way only you can tell it, is worth considering.
We write for readers.
Who is your project for? Leave a comment and let me know!
In that spirit…here is this week’s Pep Talk! 💗
In other news...
I started a playlist on Spotify for the songs that are inspiring my new project. So far there are only four songs on it. But if you’d like to follow along and watch it grow alongside my story, here’s the link!
How’s my writing going? Thanks for asking! Here’s my Weekly Writing Report.
The Reading Like Writers Book Club is underway for May with The Mothers by Brit Bennett. Join us, you lovely writer you!
📖 What I'm reading: Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow by Steve Almond
📺 What I'm watching: Fargo (FX), Tiny Reindeer (Netflix), Big Mood (Tubi)
🎧 What I'm listening to: Peter Gabriel
What do you recommend? Leave a comment and let me know!
Around Writing Town:
Are you writing stories for children? I highly recommend this free newsletter from my friend Janet Fox over at Fox Tales. She is a multi-published children’s writer and experienced coach for writers of kidlit. Plus Janet is an incredibly kind and generous human. Check it out!
Here’s to writing with intention this week, beautiful human! 🌻
Warmly,
Stephanie
P.S. I'll be here when you're ready.
P.P.S. Love this newsletter? Please share!