Any readers in this audience?
Thank you.
You’re important to writers.
Am I a writer if I have no readers?
It’s an interesting question.
Actor Charlton Heston discussed the conundrum about acting and writing without an audience in The Actor’s Life.
He said it was hard to be an actor if you don’t have an audience. But writer and painters can always produce with satisfaction–because they have a completed work.
Actors need an audience.
Anyone who writes a diary–or even a blog or Facebook post–can call themselves a writer.
That may be true, but without readers reacting to your words, an author can miss one of the greatest pleasures of publication.
Thankful for corrections interactions
The greatest joy of being a writer is hearing from readers.
Not necessarily thank yous, though thanks for thinking of us.
But sharing information with the author or insights gained through reading the material–is golden.
While I make a genuine effort to be accurate in my writing, I make mistakes.
When someone writes with . . . let’s say, additional information, I swallow and think about it.
If I question their correction, I do additional research to find the truth.
When I make an error–I correct it.
I made a snarky comment about a known and famous snarky son.
Somehow, he saw my post and wrote in indignation.
He was right. So, I apologized and corrected the post.
I’m more careful now.
Thrilled by readers with more information
In writing about the Chambers canon, I’ve had the opportunity to exchange emails with many people.
It’s all a joy.
In 2018, I wrote a dozen blog posts about Oswald Chambers’ legacy–his students at the Bible Training College and one soldier from Zeitoun.
Using my genealogy and research skills, I followed what happened to them after Chambers died.
Several became missionaries in China, several in India. One went to the African Congo with C.T. Studd. Another attended seminary down the road from me near San Francisco. He and his wife (another student) became missionaries in Persia circa 1927.
The stories were terrific, but even better was hearing from family members.
Out of a dozen people, only one family knew of Chambers’ influence on their relatives.
Sharing the information I had with family members was pure joy.
Why write if no one reads?
I’ve long known that I write to understand issues I cannot articulate in words.
Researching, thinking, finding alternate ideas and presenting them in a coherent form, helps me process better.
I’ve often written posts based on Bible studies I’m teaching. Doing additional research on the text enhances my faith and understanding.
I tell stories about some of the ridiculous things that happen to me while traveling–to warn others.
Stories about child-rearing, the Navy, and interesting history I stumble upon are worth the trouble if they help or provide insight for others.
In addition, if I’ve learned or experienced something which might help someone else, why not share?
Always thankful for readers
When I review my blog stats, I’m humbled and honored by the number of people reading my words each day.
Thank you.
I’m astonished at the people who read my daily Facebook author posts–my Utmost Responses.
As for books, a writer only gets one type of report card–reader reviews.
If you like an author’s book, please write a review online or wherever you bought it. I post my reviews on Goodreads.
The publisher looks at the number of reviews–not the quality or length. Two or three sentences, good or bad (about the book), are all it takes.
Writers thank you–because if they get enough reviews, a publisher is more likely to contract another book.
If you’ve read Mrs. Oswald Chambers or A Poppy in Remembrance, feel free to write any review you like.
And make sure you do the same for any of your other favorite writers.
On behalf of all writers–and readers–thanks.
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joynealkidney says
I’ve so enjoyed feedback from readers, whether of my very first book “Leora’s Letters,” to my blog posts, and of course Facebook! I had shoulder replacement four weeks ago today, and knew that I’d miss responding to feedback. Readers assured me they’d still be there, waiting for news. After two weeks and out of the sling, I could type again. Thank God for readers and feedback!
Michelle Ule says
Isn’t it fun, Joy? The best part about writing!
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser says
I make no pounds, not even pence,
but my words are readers’ fodder;
if I had no audience,
I doubt that I would bother,
It’s all about communication,
and smoothing a hard road;
cancer’s surely no vacation,
but if I can ease one man’s load
and offer up a point of hope
where light could not before be seen,
then I have no need to mope
for thus I live the dream;
through a single person, by God’s grace
I leave this world a better place
Michelle Ule says
Amen, Andrew. Your thoughts are worth reading. Thank you. Blessings, always. M