Should authors write from the heart or write what pleases readers?
Recently one of my daughters asked: Which do you like to do better, read romances or write them?
Of course, she knows I’m an avid reader. I’m always buying new books and usually have multiple books going at one time. I’ve always loved reading, long before I was a published author.
And of course she also knows I’m a prolific writer—that I always have one project or another I’m working on. I’ve been writing and telling stories since I was old enough to formulate letters on paper.
I love both reading and writing, but I didn’t have to think twice about how to answer my daughter’s question. The answer popped out immediately: I love writing more.
I explained it to her like this: Yes, writing is more work than reading. And yes, writing takes more time than reading.
But I love the freedom to make up the story I want to tell, let it go whatever direction I want to take, create the kind of characters I like, add in the sizzling romance I prefer, and formulate the ending that satisfies me.
When put in those terms, my love of writing sounds a little self-centered, doesn’t it? 🙂
I’m basically writing books that I would enjoy reading. Personally, I think that’s where writing needs to start. Writers should tell the stories they want to hear. If they’re not writing the kind of stories that fulfill them, there’s the chance the story will fall flat for readers too.
Yes, writing starts with personal passion for stories. But the longer I write, the more I realize that my writing doesn’t end with myself. I can’t seek only to please my own cravings. . . because writing also involves the reader.
Some may argue that authors should write what’s on their hearts and not worry about what anyone else thinks.
That line of reasoning might be true in some cases. But for writers hoping for an ever-growing audience to enjoy their stories, the reader’s needs must remain a part of the equation. The professional writer has to balance personal preference with reader expectations.
Balancing my own needs with those of my readers means that when I’m deciding upon my next series (which I’ve been in the process of doing), I brainstorm all the topics I’d like to explore further. Then when I’m narrowing those down, I ask myself which ones would draw the most interest from readers.
Balancing my own needs with those of my readers means that when I’m plotting a new book (which I’m also currently doing), I brainstorm pages and pages of possibilities. From among the many ideas, I wade through them carefully deciding which are the most original and page-turning and will appeal most to readers.
In some ways, the reader is always present as a silent companion sitting on my shoulder. Not commanding or demanding, but quietly directing the flow of my passion. That kind of partnership produces a book that I end up loving. And that readers do too.
In order to keep the reader in my mindset, I have to stay in touch with what readers like. That means I’ve had to become a student of the romance genre, study market trends, and be savvy with what readers are buying. Now with over twenty books under my belt, I’m able to go back through my own titles and analyze why some books have done better than others.
Reading widely within the romance genre is one of the best ways to stay in tune with what seems to be resonating with readers. As I read, I ask myself questions like: “What makes this author stand out above the rest?” or “Why isn’t this author as popular as others in her genre?”
Ultimately reading helps me to stay in better touch with readers and their expectations.
So that brings me full circle. As much as I love writing, I wouldn’t be able to do it to my fullest capacity without reading. Ultimately, I’m relieved I don’t have to choose one at the exclusion of the other! I’m grateful that I can do them both!
What do YOU think? Should authors write from the heart or write what pleases readers?
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From the heart 💙
From the heart.
But if I would be a writer, I would have problem : How much I can uncover my feelings before my readers…
Loved this post, Jody. Writing truly is a balancing act. Lately my personal reading time has been miniscule. I’ve missed it, and I think I need to take steps to reincorporate it into my daily routine so I don’t lose the creative spark it brings. Thanks for the reminder.
What a timely topic! I just finished a l-o-n-g series, and the couple I was expecting to end up together, did not end up together. The writer apparently changed her mind in the last couple of books, and the heroine ended up marrying someone else. Since I’ve rushed through about 12 books in the past week and a half because I really, really, really wanted to see this particular happily-ever-after, I’m feeling ridiculously depressed and upset, even a day and a half after finishing. Yes, it’s the author’s book, so she can write what she wants. However, because I intentionally read books that have positive endings, I don’t know if I’ll read her books again because I’ve lost my trust in her. I’m very interested in reading the rest of the comments to the post.
What a brave thing to admit .. I like that you read the series with an expectation. I’m heartbroken for you and your version of the characters for not ending up together … but I wonder if a different reader was working their way through all 12 ‘seeing’ something different to your eyes and was glad she married someone else? How fascinating is it that reading is such a personal experience. x
I think the author should write the kind of book he/she would like to read!
I write from the heart. I read a ton of stories. But, my everyday life is what influences my writing the most. 🙂
I think if you write from the heart, the stories will find their way to the readers that need it and will enjoy it. ❤️
I say from the heart!
I love what you shared; any time it seems an author is heavily leaning to one side or the other and not striving to balance the two, they don’t ever seem to produce anything excellent. It’s like there’s no reason for them to push themselves to grow and become better writers and storytellers without that balance act.
Thanks for sharing this point!
I believe if the Lord gives you something to write about you should along with sharing what is on your heart.You have such a way with words and great imagination I really enjoy your writing!☺
Wonderful post Jody! I think there has to be a balance like you said. As a reader, I’m most invested in stories where the author shares their heart, but also gives the reader what they want!😉
I’d say you & Karen Witemeyer are prime examples of striking this balance. 😊
Loving your Orphan Train series! Keep up the wonderful storytelling! ☺️
I think you should write from the heart, using your brain as a moderator. If God has placed a certain thing in your heart, it needs to come out. If every author tried to always write what the readers want, I think it could get boring. Too many seem to want the same thing over and over again so they don’t have to think much about it while they read. Just my opinion.
Interestingly when starting out, the opinions of others are taken to heart by characters such as myself. I don’t tend to walk around with a certain knowledge that my approach is the right one, hence I do research and absorb others’ advice. Even when it is conflicting from a previous person’s advice. aaarrrggg!!!
For NaNo last november I wrote from the heart. 20,000 words
Then in January I panicked and cut 13,000 of them in horror that people would not wish to read them.
Then I read Stephen King’s ‘ON WRITING’ and became all inspired again to revisit some of the dark shadows of the cut chapters. I saw a way to rewrite them .. into new characters which would be less obvious to any single person who may read it in future …
I think a balance is nice….each enhances the other
I think there is a balance when the author writes from their heart I think it comes out better and pleases the reader. I think you have to feel the story and that pleases the reader. Your books come from the heart and stir the heart!
what a wonderful blog.
I think if a writer writes from her/his heart, the readers they want to reach will definitely read them.
I think most readers are pretty perceptive. If an author is not writing from the heart, readers will sense that and not be drawn in. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t require planning and analysis, but a book written from the heart will rarely not attract readers.
I love that you strive to strike a balance…I think most of life is like that! I can also assure you that there are books out there that hold absolutely zero interest for me…entire genres, in fact! But that doesn’t mean the writer shouldn’t write what is on his or her heart. That being said, I’ve read books where the author was trying to fit a formula or writing yet another book to appease an audience long after the light has gone out…that’s no good either. The balance is the way to go!
What a fantastic post, and so timely for me to have found you and your wise words.
I’m attempting to write a novel. I don’t have the confidence to even refer to it yet as a ‘debut novel’ because that assumes there is an end result which others will wish to read!
I am thoroughly enjoying an Curtis Brown Creative online course, am a member of the Romantic Novelists Association in the UK and have never been happier than I am right now on this journey of meeting like-minded people. Yes, most are online in places like wordpress or as members of online FB reading groups, but they are real people who have gone through the isolation of writing and understand the low days.
I shall follow your blog with interest as I continue my own journey and also add one of your title to my kindle!
Have a great Sunday. x
Thank you for your article, Jody!
Ultimately, I believe we as writers should seek to effectively express what moves us as individuals. As they say – what comes from the heart touches the heart. I agree with Jody that we need to be aware and stay in touch with what readers are going for these days so we can reach them effectively.
We should also broaden our scope as well. I think we can glean a lot of valuable insight from reading novels published fifty, one hundred, even two hundred years ago… who knows, maybe some ideas and techniques that were moving people then might come back around… A favourite Christian novel of mine from the 19th century is “St. Elmo” by Augusta Jane Evans. I read this book first when I was 15 and continue to read it and love it. Ms. Evans effectively combines romance, sensation, and Christian elements to create a stunning and timeless story. Highly recommended.
Speaking for myself, one thing I feel I need to be careful of is that I don’t compromise my own convictions as a Christian writer in order to please public opinion. If my convictions are strong on a certain theological topic, for instance, am I going to shrink away from having my character express a very strong opinion – or ask a very daring question – on that topic? Will I soften it so it doesn’t come across as ‘harsh’, or will I dare to have my characters ask really hard, compelling questions of themselves and their circumstances, traditions, beliefs, faith, etc. in order to stir my readers to ask those same questions of themselves?