Zack Nichols asked Brent Weeks:

When you set out to write, how often do you find yourself in the dilemma between writing what you think other people will satisfied with and what will satisfy you? Is there a middle ground?

Brent Weeks I attempt to write the best, truest story I possibly can. If during the edits or rewrite phases of crafting a novel I see that particular elements of my story have tripped up readers I respect -- my agent, my editors, certain beta readers -- at that point I take a good hard look at what I was trying to do versus what it seems I've actually done on the page. A story is a collaborative effort, so if the blueprint that I've drawn for readers to build their story-house with is terribly confusing to them or nonsensical, then I do take into account that the blueprint might be flawed. Other times, I'll decide to stick to my guns and believe that though some readers couldn't make sense of the blueprint, the blueprint itself was still good, and will allow many to make the most satisfying story-home for themselves possible. There's an odd balance that must be stricken between confidence and humility.

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