ABOUT THIS EPISODE
A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT
Why do you write?
It sounds like a simple question, but your answer may be the thing that keeps you going when the words aren’t coming, the sales aren’t happening, and nobody seems to notice the work you’re putting in.
In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I talk about an unexpected encounter with a reader that reminded me of something every writer needs to remember: there’s a real human being on the other side of the book. Someone is reading your words, entering the worlds you create, learning from you, laughing with you, or seeing something differently because you decided to sit down and write.
Your income can be part of your why. Your ambition can be part of it. Your need to tell stories can absolutely be part of it. But when the work gets difficult, it helps to remember who you’re doing it for.
Figure out your why. Remember your reader. Then keep writing.
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TIMECODES:
00:00 An unexpected encounter with one of my readers
01:13 Being recognized as a writer
02:01 Remember the person on the other side of the book
02:58 Stephen King and the idea of the ideal reader
04:47 You may already be reaching readers without realizing it
05:36 Writing is about more than fame or money
06:15 Who are you really writing for?
07:20 Recognition isn’t what makes your writing worthwhile
08:11 Why every writer needs a strong “why”
10:04 The human being on the other side of your work
10:32 What’s your why?
If you’re a writer trying to build a career, publish better books, grow your audience, and navigate the writing and publishing world without all the noise, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical, experience-driven guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, and building a creative career.
And leave a comment: Why do YOU write? What keeps you going when the work gets hard?
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