Frequently Asked Question: When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

Today’s question is from the Insecure Writers’ Support Group.

Honestly, I think writing to market or, for that matter, assuming you can write in any genre that’s popular is a mistake.

First, “the market” is notoriously fickle. Who’s to say that WWII stories, for instance, will still be the going thing by the time you finish writing yours? And romance publishing house editors say they can always tell when someone has written a story because they think the genre is popular rather than actually loving it. The insincerity comes across on the page.

Write what you love. Tell the story that makes your heart sing. Don’t try to be someone you aren’t; most people can spot a faker a mile away.