Should You Write About What You Feel or What Your Readers Want?
All Writers On Medium Let’s Find a Balance
The question of whether to write about what you feel or care about and not give a hack about your audience or do the reverse and not care about yourself can become a problem, especially for those who are just starting on Medium.
But that's not to say anyone is left out of the dilemma on Medium because even as typical writers on Medium, we constantly struggle with this fundamental question:
Should we write about what we genuinely care about or care more about the interests of our readers?
So this dilemma has got a lot of writers, and I believe you, too, wondering whether to choose your artistic freedom or audience consideration.
That’s why in today’s article, we will be discussing your artistic freedom and your audience’s needs and engagement, weighing the importance of self-expression against readers' expectations and vice versa.
Writing About What You Feel:
As a writer, writing from the heart has its advantages, and for me, the very first of them is the fact that your uniqueness and authenticity get to shine.
When you write in this manner, readers will feel your passion and emotions through which they will relate more with your writing.
When you explore how you think and feel in your writing, it helps you to become a better writer and it nurtures self-awareness.
The point here is that writing about what you feel will help you grow and become better as a writer.
This is because reflecting on what goes through your mind and what you experience will usually trigger an increase in self-knowledge.
Last but not least, when you write about what you feel, it brings to light your unique perspective.
Your experiences and views offer a distinct voice that only you have.
Writing What Readers Want:
Considering your audience has its benefits, too.
The first here is that it boosts engagement and community because the common ground increases when the interests of the reader are being met.
Resonance and relevance: when you channel your writing to your reader's needs, it increases the impact and relevance of the content to the readers and enhances the effect.
Another advantage of writing about what your readers want is that you cover a wider audience, which increases your visibility and growth.
Finding a Balance, The Sweet Spot...
Instead of choosing between the two, I advise writers to first of all start writing about how and what they feel and, as they publish, engage and observe what their audience is interested in, then merge their passions with their reader’s interests.
Here is How You Can Achieve This:
Engage with your audience and, with time, identify overlapping themes, and look out for topics that appeal to your emotions and readers’ expectations.
Research and listen, engage and read comments, learn your audience’s fears and, worries, concerns, and then address them in your writing.
Evolve and adapt, that's how it should be.
The content you create must mature, too, as you grow and learn as a writer.
Key Takeaways:
You’re free to write from the heart and about what you feel, but with your readers in mind.
Make sure you are authentic but remain relevant and appropriate.
What's Your Approach?
Are you loyal to the artistic vision of your writing or do you give the readers what they want?
Please feel free to share your experience and knowledge in the comments section below.
