A writer can never be self indulgent whether writing fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. If one writes only to please one's self, the likelihood of publication becomes remote. Editors and agents will become aware of such an author quickly and dismiss such writing with a brief rejection slip. Although self-gratification is always a part of one's writing, it should not be the most significant motive for writing. The reader, and not the writer, is and should be the most important reason for publication.
For writing to be significant it must be honest and thoughtful. If the author is frank and pensive, it is sure to connect with the reader because it has the reader in mind at all times. This is true of novels, short stories, essays, articles, as well as poetry. Poets seem to acquire this empathy with their readers more than do other writers although some poets write only for self-gratification and catharsis and not for publication, but if such is the case then that writing is an avocation and not a vocation. All forms of writing must connect with the reader if one is to seek publication.
Of course, writing as a career is the main premise of this article. If one writes only to satisfy his or her urge to express ideas or to clarify ones thinking with no thought of publication, then the only reader will be the author, or a most chosen individual with whom to share. The career writer cannot and should not think only of his or her reason for writing; the reader must then be the major consideration.
If the professional author writes for the sake of self-gratification or catharsis and not for the respect and dignity of the reader, the work will be vacuous and inane. That thoughtlessness and self-centeredness will disillusion the reader and dismissal will soon follow. Unlike the poet, other writers must be logical, clear, and helpful in some way-emotional, entertaining, informational, or educational-and in a style that the reader can easily understand.
Once a writer becomes self-indulgent, he becomes a prisoner of the mundane and the tiresome. If a writer writes only to please him or her self, the reader will soon realize that and will reject that author's work for someone who is more relevant to his or her condition and state. Because the writing is ordinary and mind numbing, it sentences the author to rejection and rebuff.
Although self-indulgence is possible, it is not desirable. Any writer, to be successful, must refrain from self-satisfaction and view the work with objectivity and ruthlessness, editing and rewriting with the reader solely in mind. This is the mark of a professional writer.
Charles O. Goulet has a BA in history and a BEd in English literature. He has several historical novels published that are available at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, and many other bookstores.
Charles O. Goulet
RR 1
Evansburg, AB
T0E 0T0
go1c@telusplanet.net
Plagiarism has been condemned lately by all types of experts,... Read More
In order to be successful with a newsletter, specialize in... Read More
Riding on the fumes of potential, you take pen to... Read More
So you've got your plot outlined, a title lined up... Read More
Building a new website can be extremely exciting. Seeing your... Read More
Writing papers and book reports has long been the bane... Read More
Plotting a book can seem an overwhelming task when you're... Read More
Long ago, movie directors mastered the technique of creating a... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?It's no use coming up with a... Read More
In the current job market, many editorial workers have turned... Read More
Back in the mid to late 1980s I was a... Read More
You may wonder why I have chosen this title of... Read More
For any great novelist, defining your cast of intriguing characters... Read More
The creativity of Jaisini is not designed to be preaching... Read More
Good writing requires self-examination. Why is one writing? What part... Read More
How to avoid mistakes that undermine your credibilityYou're probably already... Read More
Boost Brain Power Through WritingHave you ever noticed what happens... Read More
Freelance editing opportunities are out there, you just need to... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?What a plot is and what a... Read More
Next time you're tempted to use italics for emphasis... STOP!"Why?"... Read More
Here are 3 journaling or diary ideas that can contribute... Read More
Many writers write for the experience. Others dream of having... Read More
One of the nice things about being an author is... Read More
Tips for your writing journeySo, you'd like to be a... Read More
You must write a hypnotic persuasion letter to help you... Read More
maide service in Buffalo Grove ..Not all writers write good grammar. That's a fact. It's... Read More
If a writer considers writing to be a task, he/she... Read More
You have a new website, or a new business, or... Read More
There is an image most people carry of the artist... Read More
ADAPTATION 101Brimming with confidence, you've just signed the check purchasing... Read More
Rejection. This scary word plagues virtually every writer this side... Read More
You sink back into your favourite chair with a new... Read More
Becoming an author is probably a lot easier than you... Read More
If you're getting rejections from your submissions, please don't quit... Read More
It's 6:00 p.m. You're dead tired, but instead of an... Read More
What is Sense of Place? It's the image of a... Read More
You know, I really hate it when someone catches me... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?The writer, who doesn't have the time... Read More
Among the various foolproof methods used to boost traffic to... Read More
A poet isn't born; you must work at crafting your... Read More
Whenever you sit down to plot a story (or even... Read More
Suspense novels, unlike any other genre, need fast starts. Fans... Read More
In reviewing and browsing web sites over the years, I... Read More
There's a little known secret we writers like to keep... Read More
Punctuation, when used creatively, is powerful. Note, however, that when... Read More
11 Secrets from an Experienced InterviewerOne of the unwritten rules... Read More
During my 25-year career in a variety of professional positions... Read More
"If you want to change your life," Harry Beckwith wrote... Read More
1. PLAY A GAME LIKE SOLITAIRE....for half an hour or... Read More
Calling all publishers, editors, journalists and freelance writers. It's time... Read More
Writing |