IWSG - August: Originality or Reader Pleasing?

It’s that time again, to gather together as writers and blog about our insecurities. 

The following post was written for the Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly blogging event created by author Alex J Cavanaugh. Alex's awesome co-hosts for this month are: Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery! Be sure to visit each cohost and Alex. Visit the IWSG website for a list of other bloggers participating. The optional question this month is, When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

May I say both? First, I needed to ask myself, why do I bother to write at all since I’ve not published much in years? 

I enjoy writing! I also write to empty my brain of stories. Writing is a drain cleaner to my brain. If I didn’t write, there would be a clogged drain of backed up stories. Writing provides a way to dump the stories that play in my brain and clears it so that my mind is free to create again, and it will…create another story. 

Now to answer the question. I enjoy writing original stories something you might not consider or that will surprise you. My wild imagination chants, "Write that crazy stuff." However, I also write with readers in mind. I want them to fall in love with me—in a writerly way. I want my stories to touch their (own) imagination and play with their emotions, but would also like for the reader to consider other options, not just happy ever after endings as the only way. 

As a reader, have you read a story where the characters and/or setting stay with you? As a writer, do you think it’s either-or (write for the reader or write for yourself) or do you do both? 

Write on!

T.