Reaching Your Audience

I want to write.

No, that’s not right.

I need to write.

I’ve heard that the noblest writers write for themselves. I do write for me. I’m not so narcissistic to think that I’m fascinating. Sometimes, though, like many of us, I enjoy sharing stories. Since I was 12, it’s been a goal of mine to publish two books. One would be a novel somewhat inspired by the realities of my struggles, and the other would be a book of my poetry.

I want my writings to have an audience.

Making money would be great, but it doesn’t compare to having a legacy. Learn from my mistakes. Know that you are not alone.

I want people to know I’m honest, emotionally unstable, but able to make it through life-so far. I’ve struggled because I’m not an ideal anything. I get physically anxious. I’m not charismatic. I don’t like to dance around the point; I’m too lazy and I’m not a good dancer. I let you know what it is, and you decide from there if you agree. I know I’m good enough, and if you give me a chance, I’ll prove it to you. When expressed verbally, it sounds rougher than I mean it. I’m not good at selling myself, but somehow, I’ve been able to change my career path.

Cue cheesy book cover: If I Can Do It, So Can You.

I also believe in the use of writing for the catalyst of change. From Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, to Richard Wright’s Native Son, to Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, writing is an important start to change. Can you imagine writing something that leaves a lasting impact? It gives me chills just thinking about it. I’ve always been an activist at heart and use writing to express that.

I stopped actively writing years ago when I realized (1) I didn’t have much of an audience for feedback, and (2) my student loans were asking to be paid. One would think writing would help clear my mind. Going to school and working full time has actually made it harder for me to write because I feel like some creative portion of my brain is blocked by the everyday bullshit.

Now that I’ve graduated, my mind is clearer and I’m writing more.

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Stay tuned for the full article by guest writer and Proser, Migdalia Estrada (@Miggie), later today on The Official Prose Blog at: blog.theprose.com/blog.