You are your first audience

Timmy, it’s one of those little things we tend to overlook – the fact that, when we sit down to write, we are essentially writing for ourselves as members of the audience. Hello there! Welcome back from the holidays; I hope you had a fantastic time. Anyway, let’s get back to the grind.

Now, why do I mention this often-forgotten but crucial detail? Well, because trying to cater to others is far simpler than satisfying our own creative instincts. Come on, Timmy, let’s not pretend otherwise. I can see that look on your face – a bit of skepticism when you know deep down it’s true. It’s just one facet of our insecurities, Timmy. We externalize what should be internal, relinquishing control over something that should be inherently ours.

It might sound contradictory at first, but it’s not. Power comes with responsibility, and let’s be honest, we usually don’t relish that. When we sit down to write, we often attempt to operate as if we’re just a creative machine, detached from the medium, a forsaken entity carrying out tasks solely for others. In reality, though, you are still an integral part of the entire process, as much part of the reader base as a writer in your own right.

We’re all familiar with the stereotype – the reclusive writer, tucked away from the rest of society, weaving tales with arcane symbols, enchanting paper and silica to bring forth new worlds and characters for the masses. However, that person remains detached and aloof from the whole.

Rubbish, I say, Timmy.

Why? Because now, we are part of the audience. With books more accessible than ever, it doesn’t require a person with vast resources and ample time to write. Buying into that old stereotype is an act of foolishness (unless, of course, you’re after the aesthetics – in which case, go right ahead).

Is there an element of truth in that stereotype? Yes, there was a time when only the affluent, and consequently educated, had the resources to write. Even with the advent of the printing press, the number of writers remained relatively few. However, this storm of creativity and creation has only recently begun.

So, it stands to reason that you will be your first audience. You are the one witnessing the book as it’s being written, the one engaged in the rewriting process, and ultimately, the one passing judgment. Cue anxiety, Timmy. It’s inevitable. But recall what I mentioned at the beginning – it stems from a need for safety. A mere, pitiful feeling shouldn’t hinder you or dictate your course.

Maybe that’s a bit harsh upon reflection; let me rephrase. It shouldn’t dominate your path. Yes, that’s better. What’s the difference, Timmy? Well, feelings guide us, to what ports, who knows? It depends on the individual and their life experiences. Many great works start with feelings or the desire to recreate emotions sparked by other stories. And therein lies the crux of it all.

If you, as the first audience, do not feel while you write – if nothing stirs inside of you other than your lunch – then you are doing it wrong. Or perhaps, you are working for other people. Because that is also part of the job, Timmy. A bit sad but inevitable. Yes, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to write for others, receiving neither recognition nor praise. But that’s fine; you can’t eat neither. In those times, it isn’t strictly necessary to consider all that I said previously; it will be a job, and how you tackle it will depend on you.

Remember, you are your first audience, something you’ll need to keep in mind at all times. The eyes of the reader are not the same as the eyes of the writer; they do not look at things in the same way. Delving into the technicalities and whether something works or not is beneficial for writers or those interested in writing, but the audience may not care, at least not subconsciously.

Why? Because the reader wants to enjoy and often does not desire to think. Even those who seek mysteries don’t necessarily want to engage in heavy thinking. Yes, they’ll ponder and delve into whatever convoluted murder mystery or political thriller you concocted, but at the end of the day, Timmy, they want to think about the fiction you created, not about anything outside of it. Yes, they may reflect on things about their lives after finishing a book, movie, or TV show that gripped them. But during the time they are focused on your work? I think you can answer that question.

You are also your first audience, given that you should write what you want to read. Writing is a long and challenging process that is not at all straightforward. If you add to that the fact you are writing something you dislike… let me tell you, motivation to endure will deplete very quickly.

To recap, you are your first audience. Write what you enjoy reading or watching; you are the first to see it, judge it, and measure it. You should see what you are working on through the eyes of the reader, as they are ignorant of whatever is going through your head while you work. It shows respect and attention to every detail of the process.

Also, the one stereotype that is true is that readers are composed, well-groomed, and clean, while those who write look like addicts about to enter rehab, to an extent. Very few of us are composed and clean while absorbed in writing. Now go run along and try to share notes with Neophyte; if you can’t find him, leave them with me, and I’ll pass them along.

Anyway, until next time.