“Who do you write for?”, I asked. “People“, he replied.
“You can’t write for others.” I said. “Disagree“, he responded.
“It wouldn’t be you if you did agree“, I thought, then sighed knowing this was his prelude to one of his coveted debates.
This little text convo got me thinking.
I’ve ONLY EVER written for MYSELF. I write because I love reading what I’ve written more then anything I’ve ever read.
Perhaps this makes me sound an utter egotist. Let me explain…
When I write, it’s like my heart unraveling onto a sheet of paper. It’s not that the writings are brilliant, well-edited, or even comparable to the best writers of our times. It’s just that when I write, I have everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s like I get to create every dream, from the ground up. When I write, my heart is described in alphabetical form. And then, it’s there in front of me, and I get to read it—I get to read my heart out loud.
It makes my spirit soar. It makes my fingers feel like gold and cayenne magic.
I am my own favorite writer. I don’t think this is politically correct, or humble like I was raised I should be. But it’s the truth.
I’m surprised when anyone likes my writing. Because it’s so personal, it’s hard to understand that others have gone through near exact experiences that I have survived. That’s why I like to share what I write, because sometimes we need to read someone else’s heart, to understand our own.
Who do I write for? I write for myself. I always have, I always will. It gives me the deepest pleasure that no boy, gold or love could ever come even near close to.
I’ve noticed, when I write for myself, I am able to help, change and entertain others.
So when you read my writings, think not what my heart meant…..but rather,
what your heart felt—because my heart…
..she is yours.
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Tagged: blogger, keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart, why i write, wordpress, writers life, writers world, writing
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Yes, I love to read my heart outloud over and over.
Thoughtful change from the usual supply of nice poetry.
I know what you mean, I have to like my own stuff first, then I worry about “others”. A number of posts are awaiting publication because I myself don’t feel they are polished enough or “finished” enough in *my* estimation.
aw! i love this!
This is so relevant I love this so much.
Thank you.
YAY
Great-I write for myself and friends who share my feelings
If your heart is mine, and mine is yours, then we have one heart, so really you are writing for one.
We all just happen to be one and sometimes we really resonate.
I don’t rightly care, who you write for Ms. Coco, just that you write.
She is a beauty.
Aweeee you are such a gem, thank you thank youu.
Well written, well said!
nice post !
Well said
<3 much! keep on writing Ms.Coco..keep on touching the hearts and lives of your readers
I was thinking about this same subject today. And have the same answer. All for me! And I love it. But of course, I can’t help but also think that I blog in the interest of getting laid, or *gasp* falling in love, but that sort of thing is secondary to me. It’s hard to know if these things are ego-trips or not. What if we’re perfectly well-aware of what it is and how it may look to others? Perhaps it’s an anti-ego trip. Who knows? But if we know ourselves truly, we tend to find we know other people, and they know us. And we’re all more alike than different. Hmmmmmmmmm. I haven’t left any thoughts on you blog in some time. You’re frigging gorgeous. Nice picture! Still love this blog theme. It’s pretty sharp.
Writing is an exceedingly selfish activity. I’m totally fine with that.
I have always suspected that Coco’s left leg had been amputated at the knee, and now I have the proof.
But you probably have a helicopter in your backyard, so locomotion is not a problem for you.
Your’e a devil Vincent Mars.
Very beautiful piece Ms. Ginger. Never believe yourself pretentious – honesty like this is breathtakingly praiseworthy. Plus, it’s a great thing you love your writing – it means you will never stop, and bringing an end to such writing would be utterly criminal. Sweet dreams!
thank you darling
I write with others in mind, but I write what I want to read, which is good because I sincerely love to reread my own work.
A good thing about writing for yourself too is that it’s honest. If you write to try to please others, it comes across as fake.
You are NOT an egotist. We all write for ourselves. If we didn’t then how could the reader identify with it? What we pour out is emotion. Heart. Soul. Some writers pour out words. Not the emotive writer within us. For if we don’t feel what we write, then how can those that read us?
When I read the words of a cynical writer, I feel cynicism. When I read the words or a horror writer, I feel horror. When I read the words of a romance writer, I better damn well feel romance. The same goes with comedy. It better make me laugh. And erotica? What I feel goes without saying…
You write gorgeous words. Do not let someone’s cynicism get in the way of what you write. Write for yourself. For if you do, you write for the masses.
Well said.
Wether you do or do not write for others is irrelevant. With poetry especially, the words you write have to have some meaning to you. If they don’t, how can you really call it your poetry? Even scribbling random words. If they have a meaning for you, then you can rest assured and believe that they are important words.
However, it is not impossible to write for others. Writing something you know someone else will enjoy is enough for it to follow that train of thought. If you don’t have the confidence that your words will mean something to someone else, then yes, your writing is for you, but as soon as you know you can make others, even if it’s just one person, laugh, cry, smile, wonder–fantazise. Whatever emotion it is that your writing evokes, if you can make a reader want more, then you’re not just writing for yourself anymore.
Yes, well put.
Writers are like snowflakes – complicated, unique, and beautiful. Who knows why we write? The reasons are as varied as the words we choose to do it.
just luved your post so very much
thanks beautiful
“When I write, my heart is described in alphabetical form. And then, it’s there in front of me, and I get to read it—I get to read my heart out loud.”
Great point. I can relate, and I also hesitate to say how much I read my own writing. haha. But I’m also a bit of a perfectionist.
hahaha exactly
“because sometimes we need to read someone else’s heart, to understand our own.”
So true. Thanks for sharing your heart.
I write for myself, too. Sometimes I go back and read emails, texts, journals, and am just delighted with my findings! I’ve got to write for a grade these days, though, and that’s a bit more of a challenge for me. Not that challenge is bad! Still, finding ways to write for me, and for the grade, is sometimes difficult!
Love this. That’s all I have to say.
This reminds me of Didion’s take on journaling:
“I think we are well-advised to keep on nodding terms with the people we used to be, whether we find them attractive company or not. Otherwise they turn up unannounced and surprise us”
that is so perfect, i love that
Hi Ginger
Agree with you that majority of us write for ourselves. I do it too…I started writing because I needed an outlet for my pent up emotions at the time but now I write because I enjoy it…:)
exactly.
Is that you in the picture with this post?
Yes that’s me. Hello Freeda!
Hi! I thought so.
We can never be for sure about Internet and writers. 
How did you get your pen name?
Well I am a royal foodie…
You should always write for yourself. If it makes you feel less egotistical, one of the only tattoos I’ve ever wanted is a line from a poem that *I* wrote. That and a quill (but that may be unoriginal).
HA, girl after my own heart ;]
You really are a sharp writer. I hope you soon stop being surprised when people like your work. Allow the brilliance that flows through you to Be…!
that means the world to me. thank you very much.
Personally, I think that writing solely for yourself is not enough. I am not saying that what you are doing is wrong. In fact, it is quite beautiful and understandable (as I do write for myself for exactly the same reasons you have just expressed). I am also not saying that writing for other people is a writer’s obligation. What I am attempting to say here is that when you reach that moment when you discover that you are part of something bigger than yourself, you will have this urge to think, to act, to write for something outside of yourself, and inevitably, something eternal.
Because what happens if, hypothetically speaking, you go through an experience wherein you end up not liking yourself very much? You won’t trust yourself or are too disappointed in yourself and you won’t want to write. Like I said before, I think writing for yourself is more than fine. It is a beautiful experience. But I also think that writing could mean so much more to you when you write with a goal that goes beyond yourself.
Very true, I love your perspective. I’ve gained a lot through everyone’s feedback on this subject. Have a pretty day!
All I know is that you are too cute for reality. Some thing strange about that, I know…
ha ha ha! why thank you friend :]
Perfect. Just loved this. Yes, each writer stand up and say, “I am my favorite writer!” Thanks for the inspiration.
- Michael
Write for yourself, but share for others…
…I see no wrong in this, no moralistic qualm to cause issue or concern.
As you said, this is how we all learn
Whether through shared (similar) experiences or not,
we can all relate and take in, understanding
the metaphors and images within,
Not for the sake of the human condition,
but in the power of an honest heart
and with the benefit of an open mind
It may just help us all to climb higher and,
for those of us who let it,
inspire.
Here with, thanks to you Coco
Yes, we write to document, not only our minds and hearts…expressions…and to work feelings through; also to communicate to others and validate who we are and hopefully assist others.
Lovely. I write because a story comes to me in the night. In the morning I write. My stories are about people who survive&thrive. I’ve written six books published by Vanilla Heart. There is humor, romance, suspense, conflict and often bad guys. I open my veins and let emotions fly; fictional characters come alive and speak to me. Ah, the wonder of writing.
I write for myself- but as you say in the last line about your heart is my heart- I write From that collective entity FOR that collective entity somehow. Even if none of my friends get it or if I’m to shy to share it.
“gold and cayenne magic”…. I really like that line.
I know exactly what you mean when you say that you’re surprised when someone likes your writing (although you for one have no reason to be) due to the personal nature of the whole ‘creative process’.
What’s in the pot in that picture? Some sort of herb? I really want to know for some reason…
Thanks for checking out my blog Black & White- I’m glad you liked my short story ‘The Family who Spoke Soo Slowly’
That is actually one of my first short stories.
I’ll be checking out more of your writing- But I didn’t intend to type this long a comment (ha) so thanks again, and keep it up!
Definitely nodded in agreement while reading this. But it only applies to my writing. Not exactly the same reasons why constantly laugh at my own jokes… or wink at myself in the mirror… or ‘like’ my own status updates on facebook….
…or cry myself to sleep
“When I write, my heart is described in alphabetical form.” I LOVE this
YAY thanks
I don’t understand the idea of writing for someone else. I mean, quite literally I cannot get my head around it. It’s as foreign and incomprehensible to me as an Arabic engineering lecture!
I write because I want to, occasionally because I need to (an idea has taken residence in my brain and won’t stop pestering me). As you’ve seen on my blog, a lot of my writing is surreal and random and in a way I guess its my way of being crazy to avoid going crazy!
I wouldn’t write something unless I wanted to write it. I wouldn’t be able to – I would be sat there with a blank page on the table and a blank expression on my face!
Ugh yep..tht reminds me of English glass blah
Absolutely true. My best writing was done when I was writing for myself. My worst was when I was trying to write for someone else.
Good post. I write for my spirit too, but I’m thrilled when my words touch someone else’s heart.
When Charles Bukowski was asked who his three favorite writers were, he famously replied: “Charles Bukowski, Charles Bukowski, and Charles Bukowski.” Write on!
[...] Who do you write for?. [...]
I don’t write FOR anyone per se – I write to lighten my heart of the disturbance created by the world and humanity in general.
Thanks for following my blog.
Amazingly well-said!
For whom do you write?
Loved this. Like you, I love reading what I write . . . over and over and over.
[...] Who do you write for? [...]
[...] Who do you write for?. [...]
sweet! x
One certainly writes on some thing that hovers in her/his mind so enormously.
validation… ! I read and reread what I write… sometimes I tweak, sometimes I just read and enjoy… the structure, the sound of the words, the feelings they evoke. sometimes I corner friends and read a favorite blog out loud (so far they are lucky, I have only been writing/blogging for 3 weeks) Thank you for your honesty! Perhaps just now and then, it is ok to be less humble and let the confidence of our self belief shine…
Hugs… have a great day!
Coco, you darling, I’m damn-well ravished by you. What possible gift can a new American admirer drop in your comments? How about this! Leaf through some Colette. I feel like you two ladies share an elemental femininity. Anyway, her writing ravishes me, too.
[...] Coco J. Ginger From the blog site: http://courtingmadness.wordpress.com The original posting is: http://courtingmadness.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/who-do-you-write-for/ [...]