Reader, do you like this?

I can't decide whether this is the best thing about being a writer, or the worst. I think it's probably the best.

You often write something that you think is great that people ignore. And you often write something that you think might be borderline schlock that people love. And though you believe you have become a better writer over the years of writing millions of words, your ability to predict the reaction to your stuff is utterly unimproved.

What's more: Spending time reflecting on what "resonates" and what doesn't—well, that's pretty much the most reliable way to make your writing worse.

It's a wonder. It really is. And one of the reasons that writing does not get old, even as the writer does.

Comments

[Glynn]

I've experienced this for, what, more than 40 years? I write something I think is extraordinary - and no reaction. I write something that's a quick throwaway because I need a post for the blog - and it goes almost viral. And I can't tell you how to write the something that goes almost viral.

[David Murray]

Glynn, I know. Let's not think about it anymore.