If You Write It, Will They Come?
And if they don't, should you care?
I’ve been thinking lately about audiences for our creative work. The topic of how to reach one’s desired audience is one I love talking about. There are entire books, websites, Substacks, podcasts, and a myriad of other sources devoted to it. (Dan Blank’s Substack, The Creative Shift, is one of my favorites…check it out.)
But I think the larger question—especially in the complicated, stressful context of our current world and our lives—is this:
When we’re engaged in creative work, should we be thinking about audience? Should we care who, if anyone, connects with our creative work?
In other words, who is art for? For whom do we create?
My answer? It depends.
Many writers and other creatives are primarily focused on the end product: creating something with wide audience appeal. While most with this goal strive to create quality work (there are always exceptions, but let’s not get into that—looking at you, AI-generated books), such creatives’ primary satisfaction comes from knowing that their work resonates with a lot of people.
Others are more invested in creating deep meaning for and connection with those who partake of their art, even if their numbers are small. At times, such an audience is might consist primarily of a singular person: the artist themself.
Is one approach superior to the other? Should we create “for an audience”? Or should we focus on what speaks to us about the art, knowing that a wide audience may or may not follow—and that ultimately, it doesn’t matter?
I’ve done some variety of both. While I’ve never written strictly to reach a specific audience, it’s not unusual for me to have audience in mind as I work on a project. Some of this stems from having built a base of loyal readers whom I know enjoy my work. Maybe you’re one of them—and if so, I’m grateful for you.
Other times, however, my work is more inwardly focused. I’m not talking about journaling, which I also do. Rather, I’m referring to specific creative projects that may or may not see the light of day, but that make me a better writer nonetheless.
Why? It’s because of what I experience internally when creating such work—insight, new understanding, clarity. These experiences are valid regardless of whether anyone else ever reads it.
These days, with the country and world in so much turmoil, I find myself turning creatively inward. What I’m working on at the moment is personally gratifying, and while I hope it will someday resonate with my audience, it’s okay if it doesn’t.
In the midst of great unrest, my creative work is bringing me satisfaction and peace. For now, that is enough.
What about you, fellow creatives? How do you approach your work? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
What if this merits further discussion?
Glad you mentioned that. On Monday, May 5, I’m facilitating the workshop “Identify Your Voice & Find Your Audience” at Douglas County Libraries (Castle Rock location). We’ll do a deep dive into two different writing approaches:
Intentionally adopting and honing a particular voice because you want to reach an audience to whom that voice appeals
Understanding your existing, distinct voice and identifying ways to reach an audience to whom that voice appeals
As stated above, there is no “right way” or “wrong way.” My goal for this workshop is to help participants identify what works for and is satisfying for them.
Registration is open and seats are limited. Hope to see you there!
Cool. Any other classes coming up?
Indeed! Check out these other classes and seminars I’m facilitating this spring:
Monday, June 9, 1:30 PM, Denver: Lighthouse Writers Workshop Lit Fest Craft Seminar “So You Want to Go Indie.” Registration is here.
Tuesday, June 10, 4 PM, Denver: Lighthouse Writers Workshop Lit Fest Craft Seminar “To Outline or Blast Ahead? That is the Question.” Registration is here.
Monday, June 16, 6 PM, Castle Rock, CO: Douglas County Libraries Writers Workshop: “Advanced Revision Techniques.” Registration opens May 17!
Great, but what if I just want to read?
Totally understandable! Much of the time, I just want to read, too. In fact, sometimes I wish I could go back to elementary school and hang out in the library. Or, better yet, browse the Scholastic Book Fair with a couple bucks in my pocket. What joy!
If you feel the same and you’re in the Denver area, the lovely indie bookstore Second Star to the Right, along with fun and funky brewery Fiction Beer Company—and me!—have you covered.
Second Star is hosting a “grown-up book fair” at Fiction Beer Company this Sunday, April 27, from 3 - 6 pm. I’ll be there, and among the stacks of other cool books to peruse (God, I loved the Scholastic Book Fair), copies of my Colorado Book Award finalist (Thriller), Anyone But Her will be available for sale.
Please join us!
What if I don’t like beer? Or I can’t make that date?
No problem! You can still come if you don’t like beer—but if the date doesn’t work, catch me at one of these fabulous upcoming events:
Friday, May 16, Denver: Colorado Sun, SunFest symposium, University of Denver: “So You Want to be an Author” panel with Andrea Dupree and Shana Kelly. More info is here.
Friday, June 6, 12 PM, Denver: Lighthouse Writers Workshop Lit Fest Business Panel: “Beyond Big Book Publishing—Hybrid, Indie, Self.” Registration is here.
Friday, June 27, 5 - 8 PM, Monument, CO: Covered Treasures Bookstore, Downtown Monument Art Hop. Save the date and check my website—more info coming soon!
No shortage of opportunity
…for connection and creativity this spring. I’m grateful to have so much going on, and I hope to see you soon!
I am happy you create art. I do not have that skill, however I do have other skills. It is good to be in a world where we all contribute with our different skill. Keep creating in any way you can.
Nice read...glad you're doing all those events!