Chapter 1: A Writer's Journey Begins

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a writer. In second grade, I penned a simple poem about an apple tree, and when my teacher featured it in the school newspaper, my passion was ignited. That moment solidified my desire to pursue writing as a career.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the landscape of writing and publishing was starkly different from today. The industry was filled with gatekeepers, and submissions were sent via mail, leading to a much slower process. The only criteria I needed to meet were those set by my editor.

This environment shaped the way Generation X writers honed their craft and approached their work. Unlike today, we weren't bombarded by content mills, social media, or vast audiences eager to consume our creations. Our focus wasn't on algorithms, follower counts, or sales funnels—concepts that simply didn't exist for us.

In those distraction-free days, I wrote purely for the joy of it. I explored personal topics like eating disorders, a subject close to my heart, despite my own struggles. I delved into women's issues, composed poems, humor pieces, and dedicated much of my energy to crafting novels.

Did I consider who would read my work? Honestly, the answer is no. When preparing something for publication, I ensured it adhered to submission guidelines, focusing more on formatting and word counts than on whether it resonated with an audience.

Explaining this to younger generations, who often conflate writing with "content creation" focused on audience engagement, can be challenging. But here's the reality: as a soon-to-be fifty-year-old Gen Xer, I've navigated the unpredictable waters of writing successfully. Before investing in another course on audience-driven writing, consider that your audience may not want that at all.

Chapter 2: Writing for Yourself, Not for an Audience

Many have asked me how I determine my writing topics or gauge audience interest. In a culture that emphasizes writing for an audience, my perspective often surprises people.

I don't write for an audience; I write for myself. I often jest that my writing approach is somewhat selfish. Generally, I don't contemplate my audience's interests while composing. I don't research their concerns to create content that might address them. My focus is on expressing what I want to express.

One might argue that this approach is self-serving, claiming that all artists are selfish, but I disagree. Here's why: Writing fosters connection.

While there's validity in the contemporary advice to cater to your audience—identifying their issues and offering solutions—there's another path to growth that may seem outdated but has served me well. After examining your analytics and demographics, you'll uncover a fundamental truth: We are all complex, often lonely beings in a chaotic world.

What sets us apart as humans is our ability to connect, transcending confusion and isolation. This innate quality drives us to seek meaning, often through storytelling. The human brain is wired to derive meaning from narratives.

When you share compelling stories, those with a similar quest for meaning will gravitate toward them. It's instinctual.

Chapter 3: The Essence of a Compelling Narrative

This leads to a common dilemma among writers, particularly those aspiring to grow their audience: What constitutes a good story?

The typical answer suggests discovering the narratives your audience craves and writing them. While many find success with this model, my philosophy diverges. I write about topics that ignite my passion, spark joy, or inspire curiosity. I don't concern myself with whether my audience will find them valuable.

Why? Because we are emotional beings, drawn to stories that resonate with our feelings. Those experiencing heartbreak will identify with my reflections on romantic struggles, while women who longed for motherhood may find solace in my expressions of grief.

Critics often challenge my decision to eschew a specific demographic or niche, but my audience is wonderfully diverse. Those who follow my work include men of various ages, conservative women, and even college students—individuals who might not have engaged with my writing had I targeted a narrow group.

As for my subject matter, I maintain a niche defined by my unique experiences: feminism, childlessness, singlehood, sexuality, and relationships. Each of these facets is encapsulated within my singular voice amidst a world of billions.

Chapter 4: The Balance Between Self and Audience

Not targeting or pursuing an audience doesn't equate to ignoring them. Having a platform, no matter how small, is a privilege I respect deeply. Anyone can stumble upon my writing, which comes with a responsibility to communicate thoughtfully.

I share my healing journey through my work but strive to avoid inflicting harm with my words. While truth can sometimes sting, I aim to ensure my writing doesn’t cause intentional pain, no matter the topic.

Good writers continuously work to captivate their readers. I craft my essays in a manner I would enjoy as a reader, knowing that our mammalian brains often function similarly. My preferences in storytelling likely mirror those of many others.

Even though I don't chase a specific audience, I believe it's essential to keep them in mind throughout the writing process. Every piece you publish is a chance to build trust and strengthen the bond between writer and reader. Ultimately, this connection is vital for audience development.

Chapter 5: Embracing the Ups and Downs

It's important to acknowledge that my approach isn't without its flaws. Following conventional wisdom and crafting content that aligns with audience expectations may yield more consistent views and followers.

However, sometimes embracing the highs and lows proves more effective over time. There have been essays and poems I've published that garnered minimal attention—my musings on nature, for instance, may not resonate in this space, even if renowned authors were to write about it.

Yet, these topics hold deep significance for me, and I feel compelled to explore them, even if it means facing low engagement. In the long run, those who notice will appreciate your authenticity, even when it doesn’t lead to immediate success.

Moreover, when you write from your heart, you're more likely to touch others deeply, causing your words to spread organically. (Consider the impact of sharing relatable, heartfelt experiences on platforms like TikTok.)

Writing authentically may lead to some lows, but it also opens doors to incredible highs.

If you've been searching for the perfect formula to determine what your audience desires, I'm afraid I can't provide it. While pursuing that path isn’t inherently wrong, it isn't the only route to success.

Be daring. Write boldly for yourself. Allow your genuine passions to shine through your words, and let your audience discover you.

Remember, everyone has a story worth sharing, and the world craves our diverse voices. When we embrace our narratives, the right people will find us at the perfect moment, and that’s what truly matters.

Inspired by a question from Janis Gross.

© Y.L. Wolfe 2024

Y.L. Wolfe is a gender-curious, solosexual, perimenopausal, childless crone-in-training, exploring these experiences through writing, photography, and art. Discover more of her work at yaelwolfe.com. If you appreciate her writing, consider supporting her on Ko-fi.