Finding your audience

Srivastava’s Every Word Matters not only highlights the difference in interests between writers and readers, but it also convicts the reader in a form that allows them to reflect on their own presentation habits. It’s expected, if you present your version of poetry to a science major, you would inevitably get different feedback than if you were to present it to your English professor. Our interests not only define who we are, or what we choose to write, but they also reflect in the way that we read. 

The most significant analogy that the author used in this chapter, was playdough. Why should one change their writing in order to please people, when everyone knows that the most impossible task is pleasing everyone! You should rather be one person’s shot of whiskey, than everyone’s cup of tea. Page 206 holds, “Writing isn’t playdough. It is not meant to be endlessly shaped to please everyone, which means deciphering our audience and writing for people who appreciate our perspectives and engage with our writing.” In other words, your words will only matter to those that speak your language. With this being the case, you will be able to get genuine feedback. 

Let’s talk about comedy, for example. If you enjoy writing comedy, why would you accept feedback from a chemist? There is a higher chance that they would take some offense to it, versus if you were to inquire from another person that enjoys comedy. Though they also may find it offensive, they would be able to help you correct it or enhance the way that you are trying to provoke humor on your chosen topic. It is most effective if you understand your writing enough to seek a person that understands it. 

It is also important to consider when you are exploring writing under a different genre. Just as we seek to teach, we must also seek to learn.