Write Honestly

Writing honestly can be one of the hardest things for you to do. There is a tendency to write the content that you think others want to read rather than the content you want to express. There is also a tendency to write in the style that you think is expected of you rather than in the style you prefer. This is a common inclination among writers. Writers, after all, seek acceptance among their readership and it is natural to want to please readers. The irony, though, is that readers don't want the complacency of the expected. They want to be surprised, inspired, shocked, fascinated, changed by your writing. And what they need from you is honesty. They need you to write from your heart and be courageous with the truth. If you water down the truth, readers won't be moved by your writing. But if you give them the raw, unsoftened truth of your message, they will respond to your honesty. Writing about difficult subjects in particular demands this type of veracity from writers. But no matter what your subject matter, readers need you to give it to them straight. This requires boldness from you and a commitment to both emotion and intellect. Good writing requires both. Look beyond the surface of your ideas and dig down to the message that lies beneath them. Give that message to readers as simply and honestly as you can and they will respond with respect and gratitude for your vision.