Question:
Who do you write for?
I ask because authors always say to "write for yourself" and not your audience, which seems like sound advice. Lately, and this may be incited by my blues, I haven't felt like I'm writing for myself. I've been writing more out of habit than passion. I'm not writing for an audience, since I don't have one, but when I do write I can't help but think "What will my audience think of this?" Is that wrong?
I also want to broaden my reading shelf. Lately all I've been reading is M/M romance, which is good and all, but I think it's killed my creativity. Or at least tied it up and shoved pillows in its face. I used to write stories that didn't involve romance at all, but now there is always at least a romantic plot line. What happened to me?
(I, of course, have theories on the matter: Because I'm single and rather happy with the rest of my life and romance is the one thing I'm missing, that is what I tend to focus on and want happy endings for. Also, I think I write what I read.)
What's one book that you think is an absolute MUST read that doesn't involve/focus on a romantic relationship? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I ask because authors always say to "write for yourself" and not your audience, which seems like sound advice. Lately, and this may be incited by my blues, I haven't felt like I'm writing for myself. I've been writing more out of habit than passion. I'm not writing for an audience, since I don't have one, but when I do write I can't help but think "What will my audience think of this?" Is that wrong?
I also want to broaden my reading shelf. Lately all I've been reading is M/M romance, which is good and all, but I think it's killed my creativity. Or at least tied it up and shoved pillows in its face. I used to write stories that didn't involve romance at all, but now there is always at least a romantic plot line. What happened to me?
(I, of course, have theories on the matter: Because I'm single and rather happy with the rest of my life and romance is the one thing I'm missing, that is what I tend to focus on and want happy endings for. Also, I think I write what I read.)
What's one book that you think is an absolute MUST read that doesn't involve/focus on a romantic relationship? I'd love to hear your thoughts.