What Your Readers Want To Read Is Disgusting

Devourable. 2001. Karina Pawlak. Pencil and marker on paper. Limited edition 8 x 10 print available here

I read new writers and see them treading lightly. They want to tell, but remain safe. They want to tell the story, but not all of it, certainly not the septic embarrassing parts. They want to be vulnerable and convey feeling, but not too much feeling and not “that” feeling. So they tiptoe and write half assed.

Some want to share their trauma, but they don’t want to reveal the dark and sick thoughts the trauma evokes. They still believe it is their fault. So they hold back. Although that is another matter entirely.

Here is the thing: to be a good writer — a writer who really gets to people — you have to show them the innards. Some will grimace and turn away. That’s okay: those are not your people. You are not for them.

Readers are the greatest voyeurs. Dig deep and give them what they want. Give them the filthy entrails and give them your embarrassment. This is their food. Feed them as if they were the hungriest of children and they will eat out of your hands.

It’s okay to take baby steps at a time and test the waters. But eventually you got to be real and show the underbelly.

Not ready to do that?

Write fiction. No one will know. Just kidding, we will know it is all a representation of what is inside you anyways.

Feed us.

Kali. 1996. By Karina Pawlak. Pastel on paper. Limited edition 8 x 10 print available here.

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