Writers Must Make A Human Connection With Their Readers
- What do you really want to write?
Listing of the answers to the question: What do you really want to write? Are you wrting just to make money about topics you really dont care for or are you trully writing about your passion?
Do you feel you connect with your readers?
I was humbled the other day by a comment I received from one of my followers. She stated that she loved reading my articles because through them she feels like she knows me as a human being. She said I am so very real to her, that my words have given her an insight into who I really am. I was gratified by that comment because my goal in writing has always been to make a human connection, to somehow form a bond with my readers, to allow them to see me as a real person and not just a crafter of words.
Of course, as is my nature, I began reflecting upon her words. The mere fact that she found me unique said a great deal to me because by extension, if my being real to her was worth noting, it must mean that she rarely sees that in others. In truth, I can say the same thing. As I have grown older, I have seen less and less candid behavior in my fellow man, and more and more guarded behavior. Why is that? Am I the only one who sees that in society today? If I am correct, why is it that people are building taller walls around themselves? Why is there a need in many to camouflage who they are?
WHAT IS A WRITER?
“I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.” ~James Michener
“The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.”~Anaïs Nin
This article began as something completely different. This was to be a celebration of my 200th article on a site called HubPages, but somewhere between the idea and the actual writing, the article took on a different purpose.
Writing has always been a mystical voyage for me. When I read good writing I am transported into another time and place, and I am mesmerized by the words I read. The great writers, to me, are the ones who have that uncanny ability to make words come alive. They are able to reach inside of their readers and tug at their hearts, elicit tears and happiness, and twist the reader’s guts around their little fingers. They can paint a picture using language, and after you read their work you are reminded of a time in your life, emotions you once experienced, and you then re-live those moments all over again.
Writing is about passion for this writer. Writing is about connecting with the audience on a visceral level. As I stated earlier, I see less and less human connections in my everyday life today. There seems to me to be a reluctance to let other people inside of our guarded towers. During a time in our history when so many people are struggling, we are seeing more and more shrink away from connections, when in fact human connections are exactly what we all need.
We are a pack animal by nature. Since the days when we crawled inside of caves we have sought out companionship. We gain strength from having others nearby. We are able to find strength, compassion, empathy and understanding in our relationships with others. We are able to experience love through others. These are all at the very core of being human, and during these tough times I am reaching out, through my writing, to make more and more human connections.
THE VERY ESSENCE OF WHY I WRITE
Let me share a couple comments I have received on articles I have written; perhaps then you will gain a better insight into my motivation for writing.
“Thanks for touching my soul - I was also adopted as a baby and had a marvelous set of parents. I also wondered about my origins and the circumstances. You have opened up my mind onto a higher plane by your loving letter. It is the middle of the night and for some reason I couldn't sleep. Now a fountain of tears have washed away my tensions and I feel light and ready to sleep sweet dreams.”
I don’t know about all of you, but a comment like that feeds me for weeks. “Thanks for touching my soul.” That’s why I write! That’s why I spend hours in front of the computer straining for just the right words. Through my words someone was touched on a human level. Through my words someone had their tensions eased for a brief period of time.
That’s why I write!
“Bill, this is a beautiful, eloquent, and yes, disturbing piece of work . A story of the human conditions that rock one to the very core, as well it should. Though we now tout our once shunned war veterans as heroes, I believe we see only what we wish to. See only that with the honor we bestow on them, we somehow make up for their experiences. It is not often that the pain that will stay with them always is even considered. You have brought to the for front of our thoughts, the devastating cost to one's soul, when taking a life.
I for one am greatly touched by your beautiful work of art. With tears still in my eyes, I thank you for your superbly emotional look into a terribly sad subject.”
That’s why I write! The lovely lady who wrote that comment has since become a very dear friend. We have shared much about ourselves in emails: we have been a support for each other. None of it would have happened if I had not written words that somehow reached her.
THE BOTTOM LINE
I will never become rich writing for this site. I guess it could happen that I will be “discovered” someday, and money will follow that discovery. However, I did not write 200 articles with that in mind. I wrote that many articles because I have a passion for writing. I wrote that many articles because something inside of me compels me to reach out to others, through my words, to make a human connection.
Writing affords me a platform from which I can reach a maximum number of people. Writing allows me to spill my guts and expose my heart. I never have to worry about whether my writing is relevant because there are seven billion people on this planet and each of us has similarities that far outnumber our differences.
It is truly miraculous what we writers can do with our words. Just as painters and musicians do each time they practice their crafts, we have the ability to shrink this world just a bit. We have the ability to toss aside the carefully-constructed walls of protection and reach an audience on a very personal level. It is the human experience at its most basic level: Two people, reaching out, making a connection and being human.
That’s why I write!
Here is another point to think about as you go about your day, mixing and matching words in that unique style that is yours and yours alone. Long after you are dead your words will remain. Whatever you are writing now has a forever shelf-life; your words are, in a very real sense, your legacy for generations to read and learn from. Long after you have breathed your last breath there will be people who will connect with your words, generate emotions from your words, and yes, be changed by your words. If that doesn’t fill you with a passion for writing I’m not sure what will.
I now walk on a road that was paved by giants. Thousands came before me, breathing the passion into me, and teaching me the importance of writing. I am now the protector of that road, the living continuation of that legacy. It is a responsibility I take very seriously. I do not have to be a giant in writing; I simply have to be the best that I can be.
That is why I write! The human connection! The legacy! The passion!
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
"Helping writers to spread their wings and fly."
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Comments
Bill, I am thankful for Hub Pages, because it has led me to such wonderful friends like yourself, and now I am gratified in believing that there are still those of us, who may make a difference in this rough world in which we are a part. Thanks for being a friend.
what a beautiful and thought provoking hub. You truly are one of a kind! A great heart with endless love you share in the style and content of your writing. voted this up and tweeted! :)
So true Raciniwa! I feel very blessed to be connected to a great group of human beings through Hubpages.
i agree with you on that Bill that we will not get rich on writing in this site yet we still get rich through our friends who inspire and are inspired by us...keep on...be a light to others...
A deep insight into the heart of a writer
I have suddenly found a new hero, A real life hero who can connect with people! U are truly an inspiration to me sir! Felt every word of it, like u always want!Thank u :)
And you mean the world to me, my friend!
What a wonderful turn you took, Bill. I have no idea what you originally intended for your 200th hub, but I know all too well how intent can be turned by a fleeting circumstance or thought.
You have you touched so many with your honesty, love and genuine concern. I know you've touched me and have become a friend for life. You are a giver, dear man. The world needs more like you!
OMG!! Who told you how clumsy I am?? I demand to know!! My Dad did not call me "Grace" for nothing!
OH bill.........speaking of "connections!!" I have been DIS connected for close to 11 days...........First I had computer issues for which I needed to rely on a Geek to repair.......because all I can do is totally destroy a computer further.........3 days and $115.00 later, I then discovered I had a HubPages "glitch" which prevented me from, posting comments, publishing a hub and a number of other hair-pulling situations........I am using this opportunity to vent....could you tell? I don't know if HP is working on it slowly, at all or what! There are a few hubs that I can comment on..........The past 2 weeks would be a real pain in my AAAAAAAAAA except, during this time, I have been presented with a new grandson.......HE is Exquisite!! TTYL....I hope!!.......I'm sure everyone is wondering what the HELL happened to Effer.......especially since I live so close to Niagara Falls!
As a poet, I look again and again at the issue of touching the heart or writing for the head. Both are acceptable --and in some camps, one is preferable over the other. But elitism always feels lonely to me--and so, again and again, I write for and from the heart--or try to. And I think you do do. I think that is why you are successful here and perhaps in other parts of your life as well--when the inside and the outside of our lives match, I think we are often in good shape--
Thank you for touching my heart.
Hi Bill. Another heartfelt hub, how do you do it? The comments you mention must give great satisfaction.. It clearly illustrates that you are indeed helping others with you efforts.
Voted up and more.
Graham.
Writing is a way of expression. It's an outlet for everyone. Thanks for this hub.
Voted up.
Bill, you are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents and your passion. Please never stop.
Congrats on #200, as well as on those lovely comments! Some writers touch our world in a way that makes us feel a little more human, and you're one of them.
And I am glad you write. Your followers win. Nice hub, my friend!
Bill. you may read my hub, "The influence of Friendship and Devotion", and get a clue as to why I chose the unusual hub name. I suppose at this late date, I have overcome my feelings about the transgressions.
Hi billy, the connection I have with you and others on here still never ceases to amaze me, I started writing on here because I have always written stories etc, on bits of paper, sending them of to be published or in my case most of the times not! haha! but the one thing I never would have thought of is the fact that I get to know wonderful people like you, and read such fantastic words, so heres to your next 200 hubs!
I enjoyed your work and sometimes find that to label it as a hub seems a little demeaning. Then I remember that what we all write are hubs,also, and that each one represents who we are and our feelings. Thanks for another great hub, Bill.
Congratulations on 200 hubs Bill! What a wonderful topic for your milestone. You really have touched the lives of many hubbers through both your hubs and your comments left on hubs. We feel like we get to know you and my that is power within your words! Take care xx
I'm happy if I can make you smile. I'm sending warm hugs back from a cold Finland! :)
200 hubs! It's amazing how you keep cranking out such inspirational work. Your articles have touched and inspired so many people, even your own son in finding his birth mother!
I know your articles sure have inspired me personally. Your passion for what you're doing is obvious. Writing is a great way to make a human connection. Real connections. I'm so glad to have found you here.
You are making differences in people's life writing personal hubs about your experiences in life. You are a great inspiration to so many people. I'm sure you've been a wonderful teacher to your students. They remember you, because my own experience tells me that you never forget a good teacher. You may have quit your teaching career abruptly, but do you know what? You're still a teacher to your followers here on HubPages. Look at those numbers you have reached - already 200 hubs, congratulations! You have almost 900 followers, thousands of comments and people admire you. We love what you're doing and I think you love what you're doing. Take care, my friend! :)
Billybuc,
You should not be surprised by the influx of highly inspired comments, you are reaping what you sew. In your hubs, you put so much of yourself into them. Some of us write more practically or commercially. Your well seems to be a little deeper than some people's. Excellent hubs and it is always wonderful to strive for a human connection as a writer.
Bill
The amazing legacy you are weaving tranfers to so many of us. We all are better for having a piece of you in our tapestry. Beauty of the written word is the best way to explain your style and I so look forward to every new article you write.
You spot light such an important and endearing part of a writer and you carry it well my friend. Your words of leaving something behind had me reflecting on something I wrote for Dad. When I was finished I said "There you go Dad. You are immortalized for eternity".
Your writing, talent, personable style and honest sincerity is so rare and I am better for having access to you as a dear friend.
Love, hugs and warm days to you and Bev.
Your forever friend,
Beckie XXOO
You have expressed what a true writer feels about his/her task in life. We may not get rich doing this, but it fulfills our purpose in life. To share what wisdom we know with others about living a full life. Blessings to you and Bev.
Wow, Bill! All i can add to this LOOOOOOONG list of comments is that not only are you a great, insightful writer - but - you are a humble one as well! very sexy!
Bill, congratulations on your 200th hub! Respect!
You do have a gift for touching others through your writing. Like all good writers, you make us see the world through your eyes.
Thank you for reminding the rest of us that we have the potential to do the same.
That would be great Bill, I make an awesome cup of tea... *smiles*
You are welcome. As long as you know how much your writing and your visits are appreciated!
Hi Bill,
Congratulations on hitting that 200 mark of hubs written. This one was an especially fine one because we got to know more of what inspires you. You not only write from your heart and bare your soul in a manner that teaches us all the true meaning of writing, but you are leaving a wonderful legacy for countless others who may take up that pen or computer keyboard to transmit their own thoughts in the future. As you indicated...words are powerful. Thanks! Up and beautiful votes plus sharing.
Hello. Well, I have not read much of your work because I am new, but you certainly do know how to make a human connection through writing. Thanks for sharing yourself with others.
Bill,
Awesome hub Bill! I defInitejy agree with the fact that writing helps us to connect with our reaeders. You connect in a beautiful way to your audience which can be seen by your comments! Thanks for your inspiration Bill!
Billy, every word you write, in every article, touches the reader, and as others have said before me here, you are a great inspiration, support and friend to many, including me! The human connection is never so prevalent as in your work and illustrated by the amount of times I see your name appear in other Hubbers' work, every life you touch you makes a difference!
Congratulations on 200 hubs... keep up the good work my friend, All the best from the riverbank in England, Jen
Hello Bill, this is so well presented and expressed from the bottom of your heart. You are right, it is about the connection between the writer and the reader. When you are able to touch someone else's life with your words in a way that can help them, by giving something of a great value, then in return that gives you the satisfaction and fulfillment that cannot be compared to anything else. I can see you have a right mindset as a writer, but you also have a great mindset of an entrepreneur. It's not about 'taking money', it's about providing a great value to lives of others. Money is nothing but the measure of the value you create for other people. It's an exchange of energy. With that in mind, I believe continuing this wonderful journey in a right direction will bring it's fruits for you in a long term. So keep up your great work :-)
Bill, this is a hub that should be read by everyone who is into writing.The last line says it all and I believe a great writer manages to touch the reader's heart. This is what you do Bill.
My congratulations to you on this wonderful milestone of having reached 200 hubs. It is indeed a pleasure to have read some of your writings. I wish I had more time to read the ones I haven't. I'm sure to do it one day.
Voted all the way up and across. Shared this beautiful hub.
Hello Billybuc, Look at all your wonderful warm and deserved comments from all the people that you do touch. As soon as I see your name in the comments part of any hub, I smile and read your comment first - because your thoughts are always expressed so beautifully. You give me something to aim for - as your words too are intertwined with the readers' emotions. Up, beautiful and shared.
This is really all left me. But don't feel sorry for me. I had a great life. Too bad I didn't write it down.
The wonderful thing about writing is that it's a method of communicating that can reach millions across space and time. Who knows how many people will be reading this hub, and perhaps for decades or hundreds of years from now. Voting this Up and Interesting.
It is truly good to see that there are others such as yourself Sir Bill, who write from the heart, write for making connections and spreading happiness, to seek out and eliminate negativity as much as we can. You have expressed this beautifully my friend. I'm glad I got to know you.
I have made some dear friends since i started writing. I feel that i know them, even if they have an avatar picture that's not them. It's strange in a way, we're like family. So i can relate. I feel that i know you Bill. I love to write. I can't imagine not writing poetry. It's a new life for me. I am grateful to Hubpages for allowing new writers to express themselves, not very well in the beginning but learning and growing along the way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts..Enjoyed...
You truly deserve all of the followers that you accumulate. You write great hubs. Congratulations! Keep going strong,Billy. We will keep reading them.
And, that's why people love you! Every hub you write feels like a conversation over coffee with an old friend - the one you've known for a long time and with whom you could talk about everything!
Boy have we connected here on hubpages and in a major way Bill, all of our words combined here, are pretty powerful to say the least.
I love this hub here, and you know what I just got finished doing to show such a appreciation for the likes of you as a fellow hubber who writes brilliantly. Your performance on hubpages is one that demands such a thing and the attention of many many viewers, as well as followers who are here to support your righteous cause.
You inspire all of us with your words of wisdom, human logic's, and pure reason. it appears that it is all for your insatiable love of humanity as well, I also sense that you crave for others to better themselves throughout every line you write, and besides the life examples you show others about yourself, whether it be by explaining an imperfection of your own, or by trying to show of a true lived experience that can lead others to some sort of life victory of triumph over personal strife.
Bill you have achieved a great deal here and in a very short time, and it really doesn't matter the number of hubs we achieve in writing as you have stated here as well. Its all about the core fiber of a persons inner self, and what true quality they possess, and have to offer to the rest of the globe.
You really make it happen here on hubpages and for folks worldwide I'm sure and in a major way. Outstanding selfless performance bro, keep it going man I'm with you all the way.
I was blown away by this hub pretty much, and I don't have to say I will vote it up, and share it, because you already know what I will do with it. Congrat's!!!!
A great reminder to WHY we write...excellent job!
You mean there is a real being behind these words? Wow, I just thought you were a superb software program created to entertain and keep me out of trouble! :)
Most excellent hub, my big bro! I'm just in it for the fame and fortune! :)
Today, Bill, more than ever, I have found that out in the real world, I'd best be guarded. Not long ago, I was accosted in the parking lot of a grocery store by "The Hugger", although, unfortunately, my experience was more aggressive and earned him my title as "The Creepy Tongue Kisser". Two days later, in a different grocery store around the block, I was approached by another odd, lonely dude. I throw down the gauntlet. I am taking care of me from now on.
I write because it is the one way I can be heard, safely, from a distance. I am not a person who overreacts, but watching the news and through my own personal encounters, I reserve my openness for here alone. And, because I do feel safe, I can be completely, no holds barred, honest.
Thank you, Bill, for another important topic handled in your impeccably warm style.
billy, this was an inspiring hub. You so eloquently expressed what being a writer is about. And you brought up quite a few points that I hadn't thought about, like how our writing lives on and how if we don't affect one person, we might affect another.
I enjoyed this. Voted up.
Interesting insight into your motives for writing. We're all motivated in different ways, some by the wish to pass on information regardless of feedback. That might sound a bit clinical, but the authors don't really need the feedback because they're complete within themselves. A bit isolated from the 'herd' maybe. Others like to read/hear that their writing 'touches' their readers. It helps motivate them. Some fall between the two chairs; they enjoy the plaudits, but that's not why they write. Me? I enjoy the comments, some being helpful - I've been put right on some by readers. It shows somebody DOES read them (almost 16,000 readers can't be that far wrong, but only a small number leave a 'mark' on the page).
Wow... and what a passion, You've really given us something to think about. You are right of course, it is an amazing thing to be able to touch someone you have never met with a few words.
I think we build walls because we feel vulnerable, society has changed so much in recent times, but we still need the warmth of friendship, maybe just the knowledge that someone else shares your pain or your joy for that matter.
Another amazing write.
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