I figured out something very important today with regard to my book. I’m writing for a very specific audience and have been following online forums with a passion to ensure that my finger is on the pulse and all (it’s also an excellent source of procrastination). The SFD has been hard enough (when it comes to fiction), adding to it is that I feel like I’m underestimating my audience if I allow myself the SFD. There’s no research, no contemplation, no… perfection – and these people deserve only the best.
But the lesson I learned today isn’t about how I need to relax and be willing to write badly knowing that I can edit/polish later – it’s a discovery that’s actually sort of insulting to my audience (so forgive me if you ever should join that esteemed group).
They’re not that smart.
OK that sounds bad. But here’s the thing: I’m not that smart either. I am one of them. I’m writing for me (in more ways than one). This book is not intended to educate anyone, it’s not supposed to do anything other than be fun, relatable and an easy, enjoyable read. It doesn’t have to be movie fodder, doesn’t have to win any literary awards, doesn’t have to garner that “Today” show interview I’ve been practicing for… it just has to tell a few good stories.
Sort of takes the pressure off.