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with their readers more than do other writers although some poets write only for self-gratification and catharsis and not for publication, but if such is the case then that writing is an avocation and not a vocation.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
Connectors -- conjunctions, punctuation, and transitional phrases -- allow readers... Read More
You sink back into your favourite chair with a new... Read More
SO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER?Many people have entertained... Read More
Calling all publishers, editors, journalists and freelance writers. It's time... Read More
Most writers are familiar with first and third points of... Read More
You can make a lot of money by writing and... Read More
May I tell you about a writing technique shared by... Read More
Many of the most effective low-cost marketing strategies require writing.... Read More
Many experts recommend reading as a way to get ideas,... Read More
Around eighty percent of nonfiction books today are written by... Read More
WRITING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT TO GET INTO UK UNIVERSITYHOW DO... Read More
Plotting a book can seem an overwhelming task when you're... Read More
You've finished your story, and you're pretty happy with it.... Read More
What to do when you get rejected.You've just finished your... Read More
Typically when falling asleep in bed at night great thoughts... Read More
What is a freelance grant writer? These individuals have a... Read More
Today it begins.I have always known I was a freelancer.... Read More
Clustering, also called Mind Mapping, is a great way to... Read More
Rudolf Flesch, a specialist in writing skills, ran classes... Read More
Peter Abrahams is the author of thirteen novels, including "The... Read More
Interested in breaking into writing or breaking into a new... Read More
Obtaining the skills for writing good business correpondence is important;... Read More
Having problems writing? I don't know why. San Francisco Chronicle... Read More
As a freelance writer, it is important to present yourself... Read More
The greatest gift you have to give to yourself and... Read More
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a... Read More
1. SECRETS TO SUCCESS2. MAKING A POWERFUL FIRST IMPRESSION3. AVOID... Read More
Many experts recommend reading as a way to get ideas,... Read More
There are a lot of tapes and books and CD... Read More
Based on the feedback that I have been getting from... Read More
Have you ever considered writing a book? If so, maybe... Read More
Pictures they say are worth a thousand words, but many... Read More
Don't they drive you nuts?You can visit all the rules... Read More
It turns out that "tips and templates on how to... Read More
So you want to be a successful author? You want... Read More
This is the ideal topic for us all to think... Read More
You must write a hypnotic persuasion letter to help you... Read More
A well-punctuated approach letter may make the difference between acceptance... Read More
Proofreading worksheets are a great tool to help individuals open... Read More
It's 6:00 p.m. You're dead tired, but instead of an... Read More
Q. I'm staring at a blank screen with an equally... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?Writing is a creative process and how... Read More
10 - You will always have a job. As long... Read More
1. Set aside a time to write and keep it... Read More
Have you ever read someone else's writing and thought one... Read More
(This excerpt is taken from my new writing workshop Writing... Read More
There is a lot of confusion about recommendation letters.Recommendation letters... Read More
Among the various foolproof methods used to boost traffic to... Read More
The first five pages of a novel are critical.Editors make... Read More
The tiniest things can be so useful when you come... Read More
Writing |