Who Should an Author Write For? Themselves or the Reader?

[Mehmet]

🟠 Discussion Topic: Should Authors Write What They Want – or What Readers Expect? 🟠

Lately, this question keeps circling in my mind — especially when I look around at today’s books and how many of them feel shallow or overly market-driven.

Are we, as writers, meant to express our inner truths, or are we supposed to tailor our stories to reader expectations and trends?

📣 I’d love to hear what you think! Please feel free to share your thoughts, join the discussion, and of course, introduce your books. This group is here so that we can support each other, not just as authors, but as fellow creatives navigating a difficult publishing world.

💬 Engaging with others, giving feedback, or simply exchanging thoughts helps everyone grow. In today’s crowded literary space, it’s harder than ever for new authors to be seen and heard — but it’s not impossible if we work together.

🤝 Remember: you can’t move forward on your own author journey unless you're also helping others on theirs.

✅ Read each other’s books
✅ Reach out
✅ Give suggestions
✅ And if you feel called to, help someone’s book gain visibility — all on a voluntary, supportive basis.

Much love,
Mehmet

[Jane C.R.]

That is a great question. For me, the best books are the ones that leave an impression - and in my experience, often amateur writers have succeeded where some of the top ones haven’t. I would like to say that best-selling books are the best books, but I don’t believe it is always the case. As for me, I write to fulfil my life’s passion, but my wish is that my books encourage people to think, not just entertain.

I published my first book in 2017, and I continue to learn things every day! I joined Goodreads a few years ago, but only became active late last year, and have learned a lot since. I feel that life as an independent publisher can be a solitary journey, with little support available for new authors. We are all in the same boat, so to speak, and I agree with Mehmet that supporting each other makes everything easier and a more pleasurable experience. In an environment where friends are merely icons to add to one's author page, I am privileged to have met a few genuine people I can call friends who are prepared to support one another.

[Shailendra]

Wow very interesting question, I had pondered on this myself but I am clear in my head. I cannot help but write for myself. If my sensibilities and sensitivity get reader who can appreciate it nothing like it. But if I start writing for audience/readers, I dont think I will be doing justice to the reader and most importantly to my own self.

[Shailendra]

My first book, I wrote just out of my imaginations, I did not for once think or sdjuct my story as per what could be the readers liking. Not that it doesn't cross the mind, but eventually, the adjustment could happen if I genuinely find or get convinced that I am not doing justice to my own story.

[Mehmet]

Shailendra wrote: “Wow, very interesting question, I had pondered on this myself but I am clear in my head...”

Welcome to the group, Shailendra. Your contributions mean a lot to us — thank you.

Best,
Mehmet