Writing for Readers
by Tracy Shawn
When we writers create with readers in mind, we can craft our stories into more vivid, engaging, and, well…readable works. Why? Because writing for readers keeps us more engaged in the process, increases awareness of how our writing will resonate with others, and inspires us to work that much harder to create captivating scenes and charismatic characters. Of course, anything that hones our storytelling skills (such as creating a strong hook, showing instead of telling, and writing beautiful prose) will elevate our craft. But how to blend tried and true techniques with reader-centered writing? Below are three basic—yet powerful—guidelines.
Remain a Dedicated Reader
After writing all day (and cleaning the house when I’m stuck—which happens all too often), grabbing a bowl of popcorn, collapsing on the couch, and streaming my favorite show (well, to be honest, several shows) until I’m lapsing into sandman territory is more than tempting—and rather addictive.
Yet, if we writers don’t take time to read every day, we’re doing ourselves a disservice. Why? Reading not only refines our own writing, as we continue to learn by example of what works and what doesn’t, it also helps us remember what it’s like to be the reader.
What keeps you turning the page? Why did you get bored at certain sections? What techniques did the writer use to pull you into the story? Reading every day, then, helps keep your own writing vibrant and alive. Reminds you that you’re not just writing for yourself—but for your readers.
Remember Your Audience
Be aware of how your genre and storyline will affect your audience. For instance, if you’re writing women’s fiction about a female protagonist on the verge of a separation, your audience may lean toward females between 25 to 39, as this is currently the common age range for women going through a divorce.
Of course, this doesn’t mean your story will only appeal to this audience, but it helps you, as the writer, to not only decide on the age of your protagonist but to also research what life stages your target audience may be facing and include those in your protagonist’s journey (such as fear of aging, professional goals, and decisions about partnership and parenthood). In this way, you’re not only helping the reader feel more connected to your protagonist but also crafting a more relatable story.
Write What You’d Like to Read, What Story You’re Bursting to Tell, What has Made a Mark on You
Don’t just write for “the market.” Write what you’d like to read. Write what story you’re bursting to tell. Write about what has made a mark on you. Using any or all these motivations will keep you interested as the writer—which translates into more interest for your reader. Blending your own experiences, conflicts, hopes, and fears into your work creates more relevant and pertinent stories—allows your readers to feel less alone and more connected.
Even the most distinct struggles facing your protagonist can offer readers universal messages on the human condition and lessons about such themes as growth, the nature of relationships, and the importance of perseverance. So, don’t shy away from writing about the pain, the beauty, the challenges of being human. Stay true to yourself, stay true to your craft, and keep that joy of writing—and reading—alive and well through daily practice.
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Tracy Shawn is based on the coast of California. Her novels Floating Underwater (2021) and The Grace of Crows (2024 as a second edition) have won a variety of indie book awards. Her short stories and poems have appeared in several literary publications, including a featured work in Spillwords Press. She’s written numerous articles for print and online publications and is currently working on her third novel. Visit Tracy Shawn at: www.tracyshawn.com
THE GRACE OF CROWS
S
aylor Crawmore’s ongoing anxiety has not only disrupted her life, but as Saylor fears, may have also affected her teenage children.
Even though her husband scoffs at her concerns—tells her that their kids are fine—Saylor still wonders if her issues have caused what she suspects is her son’s obsessive-compulsive disorder and her daughter’s body dysmorphia. Through all this, Saylor must also contend with her narcissistic mother, who blames Saylor for her own unhappiness.
Saylor has tried everything she can think of to combat her fears, including self-help books, therapy, and medication. Nothing, so far, has worked. Yet, when she reconnects with her childhood friend, Billy, Saylor begins to hope. Homeless and alone since his teens, Billy brings to light Saylor’s buried memory about the fateful night that led to her anxiety. Sage-like and empathetic, yet also paranoid and delusional, he vanishes after their encounter.
Devastated, Saylor sets out on a quest to find him again, a journey in which the kindness of strangers leads to her own acceptance and healing—while also revealing a long-held secret that ultimately unites her to Billy in a way she never thought possible.
BUY HERE
Category: On Writing
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