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During her surprise presentation at the SCBWI conference in L.A., Judy Blume shared this bit of advice, which I think is wonderful: When an idea hits you, write it. Do not worry about the audience. Do it your way and the story will find its way and its audience.
This inspired great conversations among my friends. Most of us agreed that we do consider the audience before we write. Thinking about audience may even influence our writing more than we’d like. Some (and I’m not dropping names) admitted that considering the audience too much or too soon has been a major distraction from the story at hand.
How liberating to not worry about the audience, at least during the first draft. Frankly, I have enough to fuss with while I’m trying to get a story idea pinned down to a beginning, a middle, and an end.
And each story does seem to find its own way. By the time I’ve etched out a first draft, for example, my protagonist is naturally of a certain age and a he or a she. The problems and situations are clear enough to determine the audience.
What do you think? When you are writing, or even reading, do you consider the intended audience before the story? Or do you consider the story before the audience?
I do think about the audience before I write, but, like you, don't really worry about it with that first draft (if I have any hopes of finishing!). TOO MUCH TO HANDLE! ha.
ReplyDeleteAfter that, though, I really spend a good deal of time fleshing out the themes/development/etc. and trying to mold and shape it for a specific audience.
I don't think much about audience at all, but that's because I was/am too ignorant to know any better. Now I'm glad I was!
ReplyDeleteI've always felt that if I would enjoy reading it so might others. It's important to be aware of the market though, unfortunately that's a reality. But it shouldn't be the main impetus behind your book. IMHO.
ReplyDeleteBeing still pretty new to this, I've always just written the story that was in my, let it find its way out. I guess I'm the target audience initially.
ReplyDeleteToo much to handle is right, Barbara! : )
ReplyDeleteIgnorance is bliss, Bish! : )
I go by that same premise, Lisa--if I enjoy the story, so might others (or so I hope).
I think that's brilliant and the way to go, Donna. I think that's what Judy Blume was saying, as well.
I feel a little guilty about this, but I never think about the audience. I'm really writing for myself... seems awfully selfish... and I hesitate to even admit that -- for fear of offending readers. I just hope that if it entertains or interests me, it will do the same for someone else... hopefully lots of "someone else's".
ReplyDeleteI try not to think of an audience. I know people will eventually (hopefully) read it, if not just my critique partners, but it's definitely not something to focus on. Anything to do with the end product is distracting. Especially during that messy first draft stage!
ReplyDeleteI don't think about audience except for the fact that I'm writing for romance readers or young adults. My stories pretty much emerge on their own. After the story is done is time enough to worry about audience.
ReplyDeleteI am really starting to believe that writing for yourself is wise, Doralynn. I hear more and more writers say this and i think it makes sense. Nothing to feel guilty about as long as lots of those someones are reading. : )
ReplyDeleteAnd we already have enough distractions, right Carol? : )
That's great, J.L.!
I've written for themed anthologies where I had to consider story and audience. But when writing a novel, I agree with Judy Blume - the story comes first for me. I write the first draft for me. Everything that comes after is for the reader - the audience. It's all the rewriting that lets the reader see what I experienced in the writing. Hopefully.
ReplyDeleteI think that's my main problem at the moment while I'm trying to decide my next project--I'm thinking of audience too much. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI have to be invested in my story, so the writing is for me. But when I revise, I imagine how the reader could relate to my story and try to accentuate that connection as well.
ReplyDeleteI don't think of audience when I write, but when I am conceiving an idea, I do consider the market. I'm simply not interested in writing something too close to what's already out there.
ReplyDeleteI only think about the audience when I'm getting ready to go on submission. But honestly, when I get a cool idea it's usually because it would be something I would want to read.
ReplyDeleteI think that often enough, writing for yourself and considering the audience is the same thing. For example, I write for a 12-year-old girl who's an advanced reader -- but that's who I was! I wish I could agree that you don't have to worry about it much at all and the finished book will find its audience. Unfortunately, not all books find their audience, especially these days when they're not given much time to.
ReplyDeleteSuch great comments and feedback! Thanks everyone. It seems like a lot of people write for themselves, first, and consider audience later. Although, I love your point, Marcia, about how writing for yourself and a target audience is the same.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the story. The audience doesn't matter until I'm editing. I write for myself first and if I think others will like it, I take it from there.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I'm so sad that I didn't get to make it to LA this year. It sounds like it was another fabulous year.
ReplyDeleteI'm having fun reading the comments.
I agree that you should write for *love* and worry about the audience 2nd. If you write from the heart, the audience will find you!
ReplyDeleteI think I consider the audience every single step of the way. It's so hard not to!
ReplyDeleteI do think of the age group as I write - imagine I'm in their head, think though how kids that age would deal with things.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see what everyone else is saying too
xx
You are in good company, Nancy! It seems most of those who commented agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI looked for you at the LA conference, Christy. There's always next year, right? : )
I love that line, alleged author:"If you write from the heart, the audience will find you!" Thanks!
Great comments, Peggy and Michelle. It is hard not to consider the audience, isn't it?
I think I may do both at once...since I still read books for children and young adults, the stories I want to write for myself end up being for children. But I do sometimes have to tone down my vocabulary slightly, although I will always believe that kids are much smarter than adults give them credit for.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have to say I love Bish's answer and I'm with her. Cynthia, you got us thinking again!
ReplyDeleteHi Faith--I believe kids are much smarter than adults give them credit for, as well. Thanks for commenting! : )
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maeve! I love Bish's comment, too. It made me laugh.
I have the target age range in mind early on, but I don't think about specific audiences or what's going on in the market when I'm writing.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.