Does writing mojo depend upon readership?

Do writers write to be read, or because we have something to say?

That’s not a trick question. But it might be a two-edged sword. Maybe we write for the sake of expression, but we surely appreciate readers. And I think perhaps we write best when we believe someone will actually read the words we produce.

But a real writer will write anyway.

It’s like the orator who stands at the podium and speaks, with or without an audience. Or the vlogger, who posts an extra informative video online, not knowing if anyone will tune in his time. Or the singer, who belts out a big song whether anyone is listening or not.

If an owl hoots in the forest, but no one hears it, is he any less of an owl?

But isn’t the speaker, vlogger, or singer invigorated by interacting with the crowd?

I know I am energized and inspired when people post engaging comments on articles I've published or features bearing my by-line. My writing mojo improves when readers publish pertinent (especially positive) reviews of my books. 

Readership is worth a lot.

(If you’re reading, I hope you can feel the love, right about now.)

Book sales, subscriptions, page views and ad clicks help to pay our bills. But if readership is the only reason we write, we might be missing something.

Are you disappointed by the number of page-loads one of your blog posts has received? Wondering why the shares/pass-alongs aren’t where you want them to be?

Stay strong, wordsmith.

Write on. It’s more about the writing than the numbers. Your authentic and creative expression count more than readership statistics. Those will come. And sometimes they will surprise us. Often, my most-read pieces are not my personal favorites.  But perhaps those words spoke to readers more than I’d expected them to do.

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