Stephen King writes for his wife. “I listen closely to Tabby, because she’s the one I write for, the one I want to wow. 
Call that one person you write for Ideal Reader. You’ll find yourself bending the story even before Ideal Reader glimpses so much as the first sentence. I.R. will help you get outside yourself a little, to actually read your work in progress as an audience would while you’re still working on it. This is perhaps the best way to make sure you stick to the story.” From On Writing.
Do you have an Ideal Reader, someone you have in mind as you work, someone you want to please more than anyone? Do you have a mentor, a friend, a teacher, someone you want to see you do well? Someone you would hate to disappoint?
I've always had an Ideal Reader when I write, and have one now. And, there are a few people I think of when I am tempted to do something wrong. I often won’t do it just because I can’t bear the thought of one of them knowing I did it. When we have to make the tough calls, the ethical decisions, it’s good to have an Ideal Reader to help us stick to our story.
i've been thinking of writing some short stories to use in my classroom. i think it is important that i build literacy in my curriculum and sometimes the book just doesn't cut it. i have been considering writing up some short stories that incorporate science concepts and are entertaining. i haven't figured out just how i'll go about it....but i like the idea and i already have an editor :) we'll see how it goes. over the summer when things "slow down" i'm hoping to start on this project
Posted by: turner | April 19, 2006 12:33 PM | Permalink to Comment