When we talk about writing stories we often get caught up in discussions of genre, writing techniques, and a plethora of other story-related topics. I want to discuss how you, the writer, are your first audience. And, how you, as your first audience boo yourself right off the stage.
When you sit down and write that first draft, pen in hand, or fingers typing rapidly on the keyboard - whether early in the morning, in the heat of the day, in the stillness of the night - you are, even if not physically alone, writing alone. The first person who reads the work you wrote is yourself.
You’re saying, no, duh?! But think about that. Are you bored? Are you discouraged? Do you even find your own story interesting?
You Are Your First Audience
If you’re bored, your readers will get bored. If you feel apathetic or just okay about your ending or middle or beginning, a lot of readers will too.
Speaking as a reader, for a moment: we can tell.
The question is: what was it that made you want to write this story (blog, essay, article)?
Something about it drew you. Something about it touched a cord inside of you that’s an intrinsic part of your being.
Do You Find Yourself Interesting?
I don’t mean in a conversational sense. I also don’t mean in a “would you date yourself” sense. I mean that part of you that is drawn to certain stories - stories, that if you let them, will become a hallmark of your writing. Do you find those stories interesting? Why? What about these stories inspire you to write your own?
Those stories that sparked that particular story that you’ve been working on for years, typing, deleting, backing up onto that Google Drive only to forget your password when you get a new email - that story. Where did that come from?
Stop Shutting That Part Out
You silenced that part of you at some point. Not wholly, it comes out in other parts of your life, but in your writing in particular. Maybe someone told you that stories like that aren’t marketable. Maybe you got caught up in genre conventions and tropes and plot twists currently on trend. For whatever reason, this caused you to shut that part of you down, and now you’re bored. Or slogging through scenes you feel are necessary or character tropes that are popular (but not you).
Find Yourself Interesting Again
That part of yourself that wanted to write that story? That part of you makes you interested in your own writing. I bet, if you let that part out, you’ll find your story interesting once more. You will find yourself, as your own first audience, applauding as the curtain falls.
Pretty much all I write is nonfiction, but wow is this relevant for that too. It’s all about the story. Seems basic but easily neglected. Thanks for this piece!