Your Role as a Writer

AUDIENCE
You may think that you are writing for yourself and your own pleasure but I'm sure that at some point, you will want people to read what you've have written and for it to have an effect on them. That's what I am aiming for with this blog, after all.

As the writer, you play a huge role in delivering the right material in the right way. First of all, you must identify your audience. All that means is you need to figure out what sort of people you want to be reading your writing: for me with this blog, I am aiming at readers and writers of all ages whom I can help with their writing, rather than elderly men who enjoy fishing.


You won't get far if you want to write a self-help book on smoking for children but retune your audience to middle-aged men and women and you're off!

Once you have decided on your audience, you need to think of methods - these differ depending on who's reading the writing. Children enjoy a simple plot with a happy ending whereas many adults will delve into a complex, unpredictable (though not ridiculous) plot with any type of ending, as long as it satisfies.

Although writing is a very personal craft, the idea is to tune it to your readers so they will get the most out of it. This may involve cutting parts that didn't work, no matter how amazing or well-written they were. Writing is a sacrifice.

GENRE
What sort of story do you want to write? This is your genre. For a tale about girl-meets-boy, your genre would probably be chick-lit or young adult. You have to research your genres beforehand and check that your story fits into one. You may find that your book is very character orientated but don't worry - that would settle in the genre of literary fiction. For every book there is to write, you will find a genre, be it crime, historical fiction or adventure. 


Keep your genre in mind as you write - try not to veer off the tracks and venture into other territories as your readers will be confused and unsatisfied if the action-packed adventure story morphs into a romantic chick-lit. Don't get me wrong, it's perfectly fine for a romance to evolve over the course of an adventure book but don't let it take over. Remain in control of your story, plot and characters, like a dog on a lead. You can give all three some leeway and the sense of control but ultimately, you're the commander.
Here is a useful site with genres: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/35-genres-and-other-varieties-of-fiction/


THINGS TO REMEMBER
The reader comes first: your job is to satisfy their wants and needs.
Make sure the book is what it says on the box.
Don't disappoint anybody.
Keep in control.
Have fun!

Please post any questions and comments below, or email me.

Lydia