Every writer has a target audience.  We write with these people in the back of our minds because we want them to like our work.  This is normal and perhaps useful behavior but we must remember that no matter how hard we try not everyone will like our work.  Since we don’t know the audience personally we can’t predict their taste.   It’s like trying to serve one dish that your whole family will like; unless you’re a family of one, that is an impossible task.  So, how can we write to please the most people?

I believe it was Peter Jackson who said that he only makes movies that he likes because if he likes them then other people will too.  I think it’s so wonderful that he said that because it’s the best way to go.  A writer should write first and foremost for herself.  If you like what you write then other people will too.  This doesn’t guarantee that you will please everyone but it’s more important that you’re happy with your own work.

In order to write to please the most people you have to trust in your own good taste.  Even though we all have different taste I’d like to think that the majority of us can identify quality work when we see it.  If you’re doubting that you have good taste I can assure you that your taste is impeccable.  How?  You’re reading my blog so you must have good taste!