Writing is not exactly a team sport. (26) a writer you spend most of your time chugging away by your lonesome, with only your words for (27) . But all the same, writing isn’t a one way street: (28) we’re not talking about diaries, all writing is meant to have an audience. You’re not talking to yourself, you are having a (29) .
Many writers are only (30) aware of their audience as they draft their stories. Some believe the reader doesn’t come into play at all until the story is finished, or the article on the editor’s desk. But since we write to be read, readers are an essential part of the writing (31) itself. Your audience is an implicit part of your writing, as much as plot and characters. Your implicit audience helps (32) your story; it sets your tone and defines your style; it determines in part your choice of protagonist; it is the "ear" to your "voice". If we know how to write and what to write about, (33) we also know who it is we’re writing for
You are not writing fur your writers’ circle, or your editor, or your mother-in-law who reads all your (34) drafts. No matter how important these people may be, they are not the "reader" I am talking about here, or (35) , they shouldn’t be. Writers tend to become hopelessly blocked when they try to please specific readers. Especially when those readers are themselves writers. Or mothers-in-law. Knowing your (36) audience will help you avoid that particular trap.
The simplest way to start getting a handle on your audience is to form a mental (37) of your ideal reader. What kind of person is he/she Where does he live, what kind of job, what kind of hobbies does he have What books does he read (and when, and how many) Chances are, your ideal reader is a lot like you. We write (38) when we write for an audience with whom we can (39) .
Sticking with that audience is more important than you think. Too-harsh criticism from fellow writers or editors can undermine your confidence to the point (40) you write just to suit their tastes. Uncritical admiration of relatives and friends can make you sloppy and lax.