Who is your Audience? Advice on How to Write Good’er

Most of us are aspiring writers. One question I have been asked since I started writing is, "Who am I writing to or WTF (who) is your audience?" What is funny is that I don't want anyone I know to read my work with the exception of the girls I am into, my best friends and the one person I am the most closed off to, my Dad.

I am 31 and see myself as an average person. I have personally succeeded a little more than I have failed and by my measure I will never hit my projected "aptitude." However, I am happy and my parents/friends are supportive of my single-semi-hippie lifestyle. What I am trying to describe is that I am probably like you with just a few caveats (older being the main one).

One thing I have learned is that none of the people I care about read what I write. But it is important to note that I write with them in mind (subconsciously anyway.) This is not a bad thing. These are people who find your style of communication entertaining, informative or persuasive. Writing to them is important because it allows us to become comfortable with what we write. At least someone will agree/like what you write.

You will find what your target audience likes by gauging 3 things; What you are good at writing (what you know), what your point is and most importantly how you will please the audience you are intending to target.

There is a lot of bad writing on this site because of 2 reasons:

1. Inexperience

You do or did suck at writing at some point. No worries because no one is good when they start. You will get better the more you do it. (Most of you are better than me in most ways)

2. Fear: People are afraid to be bold or don't offend because someone will trash you.

There are very few original thoughts in this world. The great part is that you are probably writing about a medium that is new and has no equal. You have the chance to be original. Do it. In three years someone will do what you are thinking about doing right now. DON'T WAIT!