By Xiomara Saavedra
There are rules to everything.
When you simplify an equation, you must use PEMDAS. When you come up with a science experiment, you need to have a hypothesis. When you start a drawing, you need to have an outline. When you write a story, you need to have a beginning, middle, and end.
That is, if you want the best results, of course.
But when it comes to writing blogs, Zenseer argues that while you can’t write carelessly, risking your audience’s attention, you also have to write for yourself. Writing, in this sense, isn’t about ignoring structure, instead, it’s about intention.
So when you start writing, you have to ask yourself: What am I writing for? Are you writing to keep the same group of people satisfied, or are you writing to stay true to yourself?
Zenseer’s perspective made me think about how important it is to remain authentic through your writing. To truly reach an audience that’s meant for you, you have to write the same way you think. To me, that means standing on your values, something we need to do now more than ever.
When I write, I’m not concerned with whether people will be upset by the way I think. I’m more focused on finding readers who understand why I write the way that I do. That connection matters more than universal approval.
For example, when I’m writing for the club I run on my college campus, Students for Social Justice, I’m not worried about whether authority figures approve. I write with confidence because I know where I stand and what I believe in. Writing this way, rooted in research and values, helps me connect with the people who are meant to read my work.
Writing for yourself also means creating pieces that feel personal. Your passion should quietly speak to the reader as they move through your words. If they can’t feel who you are in the writing, then what are you really writing for?
That belief is exactly why I chose journalism. I knew I wanted to write honestly, and I wanted people to hear my voice, no matter how often the media ignores people like me.
So if you’re asking whether I agree with Zenseer, I absolutely do. He isn’t encouraging careless writing. He’s pushing writers to honor who they are while still engaging the audience that’s willing to listen.
XIOMIDIA 