Maybe They're Just Not Interested

I'm a show-off.  I can't help it.  But I'm not alone.  Because I know at least once in your childhood you have said, "Hey Mom, look at me!"

Face it.  Everybody likes to be the center of attention.  Unfortunately, not everybody can be your Mom.  Therefore, some people simply won't be impressed.

I learned this lesson the hard way just after I learned to solve the Rubik's Cube.  Every chance I got, I demonstrated my new skill to everybody.  Well, the problem was that I didn't figure out how to solve the Rubik's Cube until adulthood.  Now, if I were still 8 years old, perhaps the story might be different, but most working adults have no interest in seeing another so-called adult playing with a toy.

Even still, I found a small percentage of people who were genuinely fascinated with my Rubik's Cube abilities.  They truly appreciated what I was doing.  They actually cheered me on.  I had found my ideal audience.

Find your target audience.

Now think about your writing for a moment.  At some point you need to accept the fact that you cannot please everybody.  This is a fact.  This is a guarantee.  But don't sweat it!

Some people simply are not going to be interested in your writing.  They are not your target audience.  Try to ignore the naysayers.

The great thing about writing fiction is there are so many different styles, genres, subjects, and lengths to write; you are bound to find readers to please.  When you do find your target audience, they will clamor for your writing.

Remember not every reader out there is going to be like your Mom, but they do exist.  So keep writing!


Have you ever felt discouraged targeting your writing to the wrong audience?