A NEW AUDIENCE

For whom do I write?

It would be "cool" to proclaim I write for myself.

But it would also sound cool (and less self-centered) to say I write for others.

The reality? Ninety-eight percent of my current writing is informal, handwritten in scattered notebooks, and unintended for others' eyes.

In years gone by, I wrote to impress teachers, editors, and potential romantic partners. (It worked, but took its toll.)

My words helped raise money for good causes, brought comfort, induced laughter. I've had the honor to teach writing, as well as study with talented writers.

I am proud of lots of my work, embarrassed by quite a bit of it, indifferent to most of it.

I wish I hadn't worried so much about my "audience" -- their needs, their suppositions, their judgments. I wish I hadn't censored myself. I wish I had been braver, more passionate, more fun. I wish I had been honest.
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