Chapter 1: The Myth of Writing for the Audience

Many years ago, I penned an extensive article on LinkedIn that garnered over 1.5 million views, 59,000 likes, 3,800 comments, and 5,000 shares. The inspiration came from a news story that deeply resonated with me, prompting an emotional outpouring. The overwhelming response from individuals around the globe, many of whom expressed that my writing moved them to tears, was astonishing.

I never once considered what the audience would gain from my piece; I simply felt compelled to write and share my thoughts. Thus, when I hear established Medium writers insist that "you should always write for your audience and not for yourself," it leaves me puzzled and filled with self-doubt. My writing typically stems from my heart; I focus on topics that inspire or intrigue me, hoping that others will relate.

Moreover, the advice to "write with the reader's value in mind" adds to my confusion. Let me explain why. Much of this guidance originates from Medium authors who are focused on selling courses and helping people craft a writing career. This explains the prevalence of self-help and "how-to" articles, which align with their business goals.

There's nothing inherently wrong with this approach. If I were to start offering writing courses, I would likely follow suit. I personally follow such authors to learn from their expertise. However, it is concerning when these writers present the notion of "writing for the audience" or "what's in it for them" as absolute necessities for budding writers, without any disclaimers. This repeated messaging can significantly influence aspiring writers still finding their footing on Medium.

For me, when I read self-help authors speak about providing value, it subconsciously leads me to believe that my writing must include specific takeaways—tips, actionable points, or knowledge that readers can apply to their lives. In reality, value can be much broader and deeper than this. Keep reading to understand.

Writing is a form of creative expression and storytelling. When someone insists that stories must convey specific messages, it can stifle creativity. Such constraints limit the breadth of imagination, confining how far and wide our thoughts can wander. A story can encompass anything and everything.

In this regard, the advice to prioritize audience expectations can be misleading for new writers. It risks extinguishing their writing aspirations before they've even begun. New writers may feel pressured to create content that delivers value, leading them to disregard their instincts and instead overthink the value they should provide. This confusion can cause delays in their writing process, as they focus more on perceived value than on simply getting words onto the page.

Alternatively, this mindset might lead to the creation of subpar self-help content, ultimately diminishing their motivation. Unless a writer has carved out a niche, it’s nearly impossible for them to predict what value their article will deliver to readers.

Many stories have achieved remarkable success without being written with audience expectations in mind. Take Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," for example. He wrote it as a personal reflection, never intending to cater to the struggles people face in achieving their dreams. “The Alchemist was just a matter of looking back and finding a good story, finding a metaphor for me to understand myself," Coelho explained. The book, born from his heart, resonated with countless readers and became a beloved classic.

Yes, Coelho's work offers value, but it emerged from genuine emotion, not market analysis. This reinforces my earlier point: the value of writing transcends mere self-help advice. Value can manifest in emotions, laughter, tears, and shared experiences. It can spark fascinating conversations without necessarily imparting actionable knowledge.

This is the mindset I believe writers should adopt: create from the heart, and your words will find resonance with others. Over time, some pieces will flourish while others may not, and that’s perfectly normal. This is the essence of creative work.

Since I started engaging with Medium in November last year, I've appreciated its evolution. A few years ago, it was dominated by self-help articles, which led me to stop visiting. Today, however, Medium showcases a diverse array of topics, including grief, mental health, humor, memoirs, and much more.

Let's explore some noteworthy examples from Medium:

• Margaret Dean's debut article, "The View from Here," is a collection of observations and reflections from her daily life. It went viral, contradicting the notion of writing solely for an audience.
• Maria Garcia's article, "The Infinite Shades of Saudade Blue," received significant recognition for its engaging vibes, despite not delivering traditional value.
• Jacqueline Dooley's writings on grief, particularly her latest piece "I Love The Place Where The Egrets Go," offer profound glimpses into her life.
• Jess West's humorous account, "Searching for Shere Khan," chronicles her adventurous quest to see a tiger in India.

While we should strive to engage our readers, it’s essential to focus on crafting stories that captivate them. That’s the responsibility of a writer, and it can only be achieved through consistent practice.

Therefore, let’s dive deep into our thoughts and express whatever is on our minds, without worrying about who will benefit from our writing. In the realm of creativity, we can never predict what will resonate.

LinkedIn is the premier social media platform for career and self-help discussions. I still can’t explain why I published that seemingly out-of-place article, but it struck a chord with many.

The world is vast, and as long as a story is well-told, there will always be individuals who connect with it. On some occasions, those connections will multiply.

Note: I hold no objections to writers promoting such advice, provided they offer context or disclaimers. This will help new writers develop a broader and more objective perspective on the writing landscape.

Chapter 2: Understanding Value in Writing

In this video, "How to Write the Right Thing (ft. The RSI)," learn how to align your writing with your authentic voice while considering audience engagement.

Explore insights from "Revealing Character Secrets (Fiction Writing Advice)," which delves into the depths of character development and storytelling.