I’m posting Monday Musings on Tuesday this week due to the long weekend. And due to the fact that I slept in. :) Don’t forget to enter to win Losing Faith. See side bar on the right.
I write YA. Most people who visit my blog also write YA. I don’t have a problem with this, for the record, though I’m happy to have other people visit: writers of other genres, non-writers, readers. But it’s mostly people who write YA because that is what we have in common and it’s natural for common interests to draw people together.
So thanks for visiting my blog, whoever you are.
But if you are a YA writer like me, who do you write for? Do you write for yourself? For teens, the ultimate end reader? Or, for other YA writers? (ie, the primary visitors to most blogs belonging to writers of YA).
Here’s the debate: If you write for yourself, then why bother integrating with the YA community? Because, let’s be honest, most of us started out because some industry pro stated that if we were serious about our writing we should get on the social network bandwagon and now! If it’s just for yourself, then write, quietly enjoy and move on.
If you write for teens, well, you do realize that they don’t frequent author blogs (especially pre-published author blogs), author twitter/facebook sites, etc? They don’t know about you just because you are an active member of the YA blogosphere.
Or, is it really important that you impress other writers of YA and have them love your book? Some people feel that this trend is changing the type of YA books that are being published (for the adult reader/writer, rather than the teen reader). I don’t really lean that way as I know that teen readers far outnumber YA writers and so even if we all get behind a certain book, it’s not going to determine how well it does over all.
So, what’s your answer? Who do you write for?
My answer? All of the above.
I write for myself because if I didn’t love writing, I wouldn’t have had the stamina to go the distance, no matter what the genre.
I write for the teen reader, because ultimately I want to sell books. I know I should say I want to impact at least one young person, changing their lives for the better and if I do only that, it will be worth all the pain—and I do, don’t get me wrong! I do want to make young people think and be happy, etc, but I also want a career. And I’m betting I’m not the only one there, if we’re all being honest.
And I write for the YA writer/reader. Quite frankly, I need the encouragement. This is a difficult road most of the time, and it’s nice to know I’m not alone. I’m happy to shout out a debut author trying to sell their first book, because I know how HARD it is to get to that place and because one day it might be me and I will be so grateful for the extra voices cheering me on. Who else really understands the agony of agent/editor rejection? The ecstasy of pounding out a thousand words? The satisfaction of a finished novel or ultimately the sale of a best seller?
Plus, I’ve learned a lot from many of you. I’m a better writer (and to get gushy here- probably a better person) for knowing you.
And I’m making friends. *waves* It feels great to be part of the online community of YA writers—with those that make lots of “noise” and with those who lurk quietly in the background. (I know you’re there, thanks to site meter :D)
So, I ask again. Who do you write for?
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I think along similar lines about this, but as one of the quiet ones, I have been hesitant to put myself out there much in the YA writing community. Call it social anxiety or not feeling cool enough. I'd really like to start a "geek table" where I could meet other shy writers like me.
ReplyDeleteLaurel -- you should do it! I'd join the geek table!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you. I write the kind of stories I like, the kind I wish I could have read when I was a teen. I'd lose my love of writing if I tried to force what I thought other people wanted. But I also want other teens and YA writers to love them (if they're published). After all, I want to make this my career, too.
ReplyDeletethe single biggest thing i've gotten out of blogging is education about the craft of writing. that is the big reason i blog. there's other fun things: getting to know sweet people, learn of new books, getting to cheer people on (something i truly love to do). but those aren't the reason i blog.
ReplyDeletei write my stories, because i love to write. i love to create stories, and even if my hands were chopped off and i could never type again, i'd still make them up in my head.
i write YA because that's where most of my ideas fall into. BUT i also, consciously choose YA for the same reason i do ministry work with teens- because i think the teen years are so incredibly important and difficult and formulative. i love teens, with all their difficulties and mood swings and newfound abstract thinking! and if i can bring them some entertainment, then that makes me really happy.
Very insightful post, Elle. I don't write YA, but as a writer I'd like to take a stab at these questions. I write for the reading audience I find myself in. So, I guess I write for me -- but with the intention of writing for an audience. I write what I'd like to read. I'd guess most of us would say the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI blog because I want to draw (and lend) inspiration and support to the writing community. I agree with what you said; most non-writing readers aren't signing on as followers of writer's blogs, especially pre-published writers. But look at Paranormalcy and Nightshade City, as examples. I'm excited for their releases, both of which I know about because of blogging. And I've been telling everyone I know about them too. I've bought copies, and my friends are buying copies based on my recommendation. That, to me, is reason enough to blog! LOL
Nicole - I agree! All your reasons to blog are great.
ReplyDeleteMelissa and Aspiring - we're saying the same thing, too.
I'm with you Elle - All of the Above! Though I do believe strongly in keeping the end-user in mind as I do things. I have discovered that I enjoy blogging and connecting with other writers...and when the occassional teen stops by to say hi, I LOVE IT!
ReplyDelete