I’ve been writing for over a decade, and in that time, I’ve learned a fundamental truth that every writer must embrace: Writing is not an end in itself. Writing exists as a means to connect with readers and create impact. Let’s explore this seemingly obvious realization and how it can take your writing career to new heights. Let’s unravel the secret that many aspiring writers overlook—the most important thing all successful writers need.
The Myth of Writing in Isolation
“Writers write. Period. End of sentence.” It’s a mantra we often hear, and it holds undeniable truth. Writing is the essence of our craft. However, as I’ve learned through years of personal experience, writing is just the first half of the journey – and it’s not even the most important part.
Writers don’t just write. Writers write to an audience. If a million-word novel is crafted in isolation, never to be read, does it truly exist? Effectively, no. The most important thing every writer needs is a reader.
The Misconception I Once Held
For the longest time, I believed that dedicating countless hours to writing in isolation would eventually lead to success. I thought the sheer act of writing would magically attract readers and, subsequently, financial success. However, reality hit me hard.
Plenty of writers die before their work ever reaches a significant audience. Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickinson, and Franz Kafka are just a few examples. These authors gained huge audiences after they died and their work became worth millions. The only factor that made the difference was that these authors’ works were allowed to be distributed and reach a wider audience only after their death. These artists could have potentially enjoyed some of the financial gains their works generated if they spent a little more time finding their audience.
The Unspoken Secret
Here’s the secret no one tells you: the value of your writing is intimately tied to the number of people who read it. Your words, no matter how eloquent or insightful, only have power when they’re shared and consumed. If your work remains hidden in the depths of your notebooks or computer folders, you miss the opportunity to attract a valuable readership and, consequently, financial rewards.
The Shift in Perspective
I adore writing. I spent years writing for the joy of crafting sentences. But, if your goal extends beyond personal satisfaction, you must acknowledge a crucial truth—writing itself is not the most important thing. Sharing your work is just as important – if not more.
The Transformative Power of Sharing
Sharing your writing is where the magic happens. It’s the bridge between the writer’s realm and the reader’s world. It’s the act that transforms words on a page into a shared experience, an exchange of ideas, emotions, and insights. When you share your writing, you open the door to a community of readers who find value in your words.
How to Share Your Writing Effectively
- Create an Online Presence: Establish a digital platform—a blog, website, or social media profiles—to showcase your work.
- Engage with Your Audience: Build a connection with your readers by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and understanding your audience’s interests.
- Utilize Publishing Platforms: Leverage platforms like Medium, Wattpad, or Amazon Kindle to reach a broader audience.
- Guest Post and Collaborate: Expand your reach by guest posting on relevant blogs or collaborating with other writers and influencers.
The Most Important Thing All Writers Need
Sharing your work and attracting your audience is the linchpin to your success as a writer. Your audience is the catalyst that propels your words from mere scribblings into a vibrant dialogue with the world. So, as you embark on your writing journey or seek to refine your craft, remember this simple yet profound truth—the most important thing all successful writers need is not just the act of writing, but the art of sharing what they’ve written.