One of my readers recently asked me who I write my blog for. They went on to observe that I don’t have a particular writing style, with some posts being quite whimsical and florid whilst others are straightforward and more simplistic (maybe that’s polite speak for boring). Could that be, they suggested, because I don’t have a specific audience in mind when I put fingers to keys? I would say all of that is fair comment.
My style of expression will vary depending on the subject of each post and probably my mood at the time of writing. Inspired or moved by a beautiful landscape or naturistic tableau, I may wax lyrical or I may write very little, letting images speak for themselves. Reflecting nostalgically on then and now, aided and abetted by a glass or two of red wine, I may gush excessively or lament.
A summary review of a recently visited place of interest, offering information, suggestions and my opinion to other would-be visitors, will be in a format and style which is different again.
So, who do I write for? In one sense, for myself. I write something that I would enjoy reading or would find useful. And I write for whoever else wants to read. I may never know those readers or what they think. Only other WordPress members can ‘like’ and comment (without having to submit their email address). Most of my followers, and readers generally, seem not to be WordPressers. If one person reads my blog and enjoys it, that is who I have written it for. They are my target audience.
Because I write here primarily for my own pleasure, I don’t tend to check stats very often. It’s a tiny blog and I’m not interested in tailoring my content to attract legions of followers, ha ha. Of course, I value and appreciate everybody who takes the time to read my humble scribblings, but I’m not doing this for fame or fortune. The chance would be a fine thing! When I do look at the stats, I am quietly delighted to see that a stranger, having looked at one of my posts, has enjoyed it enough to read on.
I write for that person and for anybody and everybody who is interested in reading my words, regularly or just the once. Everybody is very welcome and I’m thankful that each has taken the time.
One thing I haven’t done, up to now, is write for the sake of it, hence my reduced presence over the last couple of years when I have been out-and-about less and haven’t had as much to share.
I suppose this post could be said to be an exception of sorts, arising from one reader’s thought-provoking comments.
Our reasons for writing are as varied as we are as writers. If having read this you feel inclined to share your own story, I will be sure to read it.
Welcome to the Beautiful North 
What a thoughtful post with lovely images. As for the question of writing, well, I write to share mostly. Sometimes something I think other people will benefit from- a place I’ve found, a walk I’ve loved. Sometimes to share something where I feel like sharing helps me, like writing about aspects of life as an army wife.
Sometimes I write and don’t share at all, I just write for the process and that’s enough for me.
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I don’t think there is a better reason, Helen. 😀
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I agree with you writing is personal.
I started my blog because I wanted to practice my written English. Now I continue because I want to keep writing in French and it is the only time I have the opportunity to do it.
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That’s so interesting, Melodie. As your posts include both French and English, you still get to write for both audiences. I sometimes try to read the French version to see if I can understand a little.
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I think a lot of WordPressers have a similar motivation as yourself – I do. I started writing a blog to record my experiences that I previously recorded in a notebook. In some ways I miss that – writing in the notebook was a slower, and so, in some ways more pleasurable – but I do like having the option of including more photos and links to websites I’ve used for researching places I’ve visited or things I’ve noticed while I’m out and about. And I value the contacts made through what’s become a small online community.
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I agree, it’s a great community.
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One of the appeals of blogging is that we can express ourselves in whichever ways we choose, without having to conform to anybody’s expectations and without being pigeonholed.
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