Your Story: It's a Gift
Friend, have you landed in a trap? When you create art, is the main focus all about getting a response? Does your emotionally-charged treadmill start up and keep rolling on and on beneath your feet? It makes sense, really.
Writing is unique in its process. Writers gather thoughts and ideas for a reader to see and unpack later. Eyes may land on the screen seconds after clicking publish, or they may take it all in years later on fresh pages with a cover. In any case, we live for the moment of engagement, don't we? (I can be impatient and, like Veruca Salt, I want it n-n-n-now! How about you?)
It’s for her!
The common thread between instant and delayed moments of engagement with the words is the reader. Don't miss this. Imagine your friend, the reader, sitting across the table from you. Wordsmithing is a conversation, even if time and distance intrudes. The stories we share create an opportunity for relationship, and it’s beautiful!
I believe any (and every!) genre supports the close relationship between the writer and the reader. The emotions an author evokes may be different depending on the genre, of course. You, the writer, decide how the reader will feel on the spectrum of emotions when she engages the content. A perfect match of writer and reader is powerful, and we need to both respect and celebrate that.
A quick side note: academics teach the reader by sharing experience and research; fiction writers tell stories for a range of purposes; creative non-fiction writers tell stories with purposes, too. (Suddenly we’re back to this post about who we are as writers.) And each of these writers’ readers find what they are looking for within the genre or by listening to select authors’ voices.
Something else will change the way you write.
It's a gift!
Sometimes we know we have a talent for writing, and sometimes we deeply doubt it. Still, it’s more than suspecting or possessing talent. In fact, if that's all it is, the treadmill waits. You'll evaluate talent by engagement, and that's an emotional ride.
Can I challenge you? Instead of a talent mindset, think about the words as a gift. Offer an opportunity for your reader to engage. Imagine giving her the very best gift you can afford. Your heart, mind, and love through carefully crafted words is a gift to your reader. Don’t toss the gift at them in a plastic shopping bag with a receipt. Take time to prepare and present your very best.
Maybe it looks a little like this:
The right gift. The best gift is selected with the recipient in mind. Likes and dislikes are considered. Quality is checked. The art is created out of love for the reader. You're not responsible for how the gift is received, but take special time and effort to choose to love someone through your gift.
Ribbons, not strings. The precious gift is presented beautifully, and you'll take time to wrap it and tie a pretty bow. But because it is a gift, it has no expectations or strings attached. Offer the best gift with your unique flair and presentation, then wait patiently for the recipient's response without pressing heavily or guilting anyone.
Sacred moments. The moment a reader's eyes take it all in is sacred. You chose, prepared, and presented the gift. Now the reader has an opportunity. Love this moment, but hold it loosely. Let the gift pass from your hands to the reader's. Sit back and enjoy the invitation to relationship you've offered and the moment your reader accepted.
Remember!
You're not trying to get anything. That will change your perspective in a hurry. You will write for your reader out of love for her. You’ll show up for her because she’s waiting for you. You'll be comfortable in your niche (and your own skin!). This is where you, the writer, will thrive! You'll fulfill the calling on your life using the talent you have to give a gift to the audience you've been given.Writer, you have a gift to give. Now give it.
