An Audience!
In her excellent collection of essays about the writing
life, (Bird by Bird) Anne Lamott tells
of her experience teaching writing classes. She writes that her students do not
so much want to learn how to write better, but how to get an agent and how to be
published. Her answer, that they should learn to write better and even then,
most will not be traditionally published, satisfies no one. They are hoping
that by taking her class they will get an introduction to the main table or at
least to her agent or editor.
This is less a quest for riches than a need to put one’s
skills to use and connect.
Because a writer is seeking readers. An actor is seeking an
audience. We know our stories well, but we want you to hear them. We also want
to hear yours. We want to reach out beyond the confines of our own minds and bodies,
and be connected to others out there.
And so we conjure and we laugh and we marvel and we bleed
onto the page, or the stage, and are surprised anew at how unfazed the world is
by our offerings.
This is the real story of creatives. Mind you, we’re also
surprised when the world takes notice. We never know what to make of it.
I use the plural tense of “we” here not as the Royal We, but
because I am fortunate to be connected to other creatives in my family and many
friends, and we all share this.
We want to connect with you.
8 comments:
It's funny, I always thought it was the story that wanted an audience :) I'm just its servant.
Right on!
That, too ;)
It still takes me by surprise when people seem to enjoy my writing.
Love,
Janie
I know I do :)
You're right. We want others to enjoy our creations.
So right. The work isn't complete until it connects with a reader. That's what it's about, not fame or riches at all. Love the way you put this, Mirka!
So true. Although some people think all writers are rich and famous! Ha!
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