As I continue my writing journey, I’ve come across countless discussions on the best approach to crafting fiction. One of the most debated topics among authors is whether to write to market or write from the heart. Both methods have their merits, but for me, the choice is clear: writing from the heart is where my passion lies. Today, I want to share with you five reasons why I choose to let my heart lead the way in my writing.
1. Characters That Come to Life
When I write from the heart, my characters have a way of taking on a life of their own. It’s as if they step out of the shadows of my mind and onto the page, fully formed and ready to tell their story. I often find that the more I allow myself to connect with my characters on an emotional level, the more authentic they become. They speak, act, and even surprise me as the narrative unfolds. Writing to market might require adhering to specific tropes or character types, but when I write from the heart, I give my characters the freedom to be who they truly are, and that’s when they shine the brightest.
2. Scenes That Write Themselves
There’s a certain magic that happens when I’m deeply connected to the story I’m telling. Scenes begin to write themselves, flowing effortlessly from one moment to the next. This organic process allows the story to unfold naturally, with twists and turns that even I didn’t see coming. Writing from the heart means trusting in this process and letting go of the need to control every detail. It’s about being open to where the story wants to go, rather than where I think it should go. The result is a narrative that feels alive, unpredictable, and deeply satisfying.
3. Staying True to My Author Voice
One of the most important aspects of being a writer is developing your own unique voice. It’s the thing that sets you apart from every other author out there. When I write from the heart, I’m staying true to my voice—my way of seeing the world and interpreting it through fiction. Writing to market can sometimes feel like trying to fit into a mould that wasn’t made for me. I liken this experience to the time I've spent as a ghost writer where I was having to write to market for my client. But when I write from the heart, I’m not trying to be anyone else. I’m simply being myself, and that authenticity resonates with readers in a way that no market trend ever could.
4. Creating Stories That Matter
At the end of the day, I want to write stories that matter—stories that resonate with readers on a deeper level and stay with them long after they’ve turned the last page. Writing from the heart allows me to explore themes, characters, and narratives that are meaningful to me. It’s not about chasing trends or trying to guess what the market wants. It’s about digging deep into my own experiences, emotions, and imagination to create something that feels true and important. I believe that when you write with that kind of sincerity, it touches readers in a way that’s both powerful and lasting.
5. The Joy of the Creative Process
Writing from the heart brings me an immense amount of joy. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of losing myself in a story that I’m passionate about, where the words come easily and the hours fly by unnoticed. It’s this joy that keeps me coming back to the page, even on the difficult days. Writing to market might offer the promise of commercial success, but for me, the real reward is in the creative process itself. When I’m writing from the heart, I’m not just crafting a story—I’m engaging in a creative journey that feeds my soul.
Final Thoughts for Thursday: Which do you choose when it comes to Writing to Market vs. Writing from the Heart?
Every writer has their own approach to storytelling, and there’s no right or wrong way to create. Writing to market can certainly be a successful strategy, especially for those who are adept at spotting trends and crafting stories that fit within them. But for me, writing from the heart is where I find my true passion and purpose. It’s where my characters come to life, my scenes write themselves, and my voice remains authentic. It’s where I can create stories that matter and find joy in the creative process. And ultimately, it’s where I feel most at home as a writer.
So, whether you’re an author yourself or a reader who loves to get lost in a good book, I hope these thoughts resonate with you. Writing from the heart might not always be the easiest path, but it’s the one that feels most true to who I am—and that, to me, is what being a writer is all about.
Bonus
Here are a few highly regarded books that I have read that are often considered to be written "from the heart," where the authors' deep emotional connection and authenticity shine through:
1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
Lee’s only novel for many years, To Kill a Mockingbird was written with a profound sense of justice, compassion, and humanity. The characters of Scout, Atticus Finch, and others are depicted with warmth and depth, revealing Lee’s deep connection to the story’s themes of racism, morality, and innocence.
2. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison
Morrison’s Beloved is a powerful exploration of the legacy of slavery and the haunting effects of trauma. The novel is written with intense emotional honesty, capturing the pain, resilience, and love of its characters in a way that feels both raw and deeply empathetic.
3. "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker
Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a heart-wrenching yet ultimately uplifting story of a black woman’s struggle to find her voice and identity in the face of abuse and oppression. Walker’s intimate portrayal of her characters and their journeys is both deeply personal and universal.
4. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston
Hurston’s novel is a vibrant exploration of self-discovery, love, and independence. Written with a deep connection to her cultural roots and a rich, lyrical style, Hurston’s work is a heartfelt celebration of black womanhood and resilience.
These books are celebrated not just for their literary quality, but for the way the authors pour their hearts into their stories, making them resonate on a deep emotional level with readers.
If you're a writer, do you write to market or write from the heart? If you're a reader how do you feel about these two approaches to writing stories?
In case you found this post in a random way and don’t know me, Hello, my name is Fran and I’m an author. Discover more about me personally and my women's historical and contemporary fiction novels when you join my readers' community! Click on the link below to receive a free short story along with a monthly newsletter filled with exciting updates and exclusive content.
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