Should writers prioritize creative risks or readers’ expectations?
Take today’s poll and join this week’s Dialoguers chat. I want to know what you think! Then stay tuned for Thursday’s follow-up post for more about what it means to take creative risks.
July Theme: Creative Courage
Big Question: What does it take to begin, risk, and share what you create?
Week 2: Taking Creative Risks
This month, we’re asking ourselves the big question: What does it take to begin, risk, and share what we create?
So far, we’ve explored creative and reflective writing prompts that have allowed us to discover the ins and outs of beginnings and the creative courage they take through written drafts. And we’ve discussed books that focus on beginnings and books that inspire us to write more courageously.
Last week’s dialogue also focused primarily on beginnings and asked: Do writers need to feel ready before they begin a new project?, which allowed us to uncover a lot about Why Beginning Feels So Difficult, But Doesn’t Have to Be.
And through those drafts and dialogues, we’ve discovered that creative courage is not the absence of uncertainty, but the willingness to begin while uncertainty is still present. And that creative courage often arrives after we begin, not before.
But most importantly, we discovered that whether we’re plotters or pantsers, have been writing for weeks or a lifetime, we’re not alone in the fears and concerns that sometimes arise when we stare at a blank page or head in an unfamiliar direction. And that creative courage comes with a level of risk that encourages us to become more curious and move beyond what we perceive as certain in exciting and consistently rewarding ways.
Which is why this week, we’re going to turn toward the question of taking creative risks and what it means to move beyond the familiar, fully embrace uncertainty, and make choices that allow our most original ideas to emerge. Because every story, every work of art, and every meaningful beginning also require the willingness to take that first risk that makes it all worthwhile.
Today’s question is at the heart of discussing what it means to embody creative courage because it motivates us, as creators, to consider one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when weighing creative risks: audience expectations. It also nudges us to delve even deeper into those important questions we need to ask ourselves about the creative risks we want to take and know we need to take, as well as those things that might be preventing us from taking those risks in the first place.
Whether you take creative risks all the time, are unsure of where to begin, or are simply interested in exploring the ways you can be more authentic and inventive in your writing, this week’s dialogue will unpack invaluable insights into what it means to take creative risks when weighing readers’ expectations, how doing so can lead to more self-awareness and creative growth, as well as how you can better approach those things that might be holding you back from taking successful creative risks.
Take a moment to consider today’s question and the different responses to it, then participate in the poll. And let us know more about what you think in this week’s Dialoguers chat thread. There are no strict right or wrong answers, only those answers that will help us better understand creative courage and how we want to better leverage it.
Drafting this Dialogue
Prioritize creative risks.
Every memorable piece of writing begins with a choice between playing it safe or trying something new. Writers who take creative risks may divide their opinions along the spectrum between the two while realizing that taking risks (even small ones) often leads to fresh ideas, authentic perspectives and voices, and stories that leave a lasting impression. Writers with this perspective, however, agree that originality is worth the possibility that some readers may not like the result of the creative risks they’re taking, and that it is better to prioritize creative risks over readers’ expectations most of the time.
If you strongly agree, you may also find yourself identifying with one or more of the following statements:
“I believe great writing comes from trying something new, even if not everyone appreciates it.”
“Creative risks are necessary to authentic storytelling.”
“If a writer is afraid of taking risks, then he or she should not be a writer.”— Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“A writer’s unique voice is more valuable than universal approval.”
“I’d rather write something unforgettable than something merely acceptable.”
“There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” — Brené Brown
“Challenging readers can encourage deeper thinking and meaningful conversations.”
“If my work pleases everyone, I probably haven’t said anything original.”
“Go into territory so new that you have to learn to write as you go.”— Margaret Atwood
Reflection
This month’s theme, Creative Courage, reminds us that meaningful creativity often requires stepping into the unknown. This week’s focus, Taking Creative Risks, encourages writers to experiment with ideas, styles, and perspectives that may not appeal to everyone. While creative risks can lead to criticism, they also create opportunities for growth, innovation, and authentic self-expression. Courage in writing is not about avoiding failure or prioritizing readers’ expectations, in other words, but about being willing to share something original despite uncertainty and potential criticism.
To engage in further dialogue, ask:
What examples of risky writing have changed literature or culture? Especially those I want to emulate?
How can writers and readers tell the difference between being original and or being confusing?
Is it better to write for the sake of artistic expression or for audience approval? And is there a way to balance the two in my own writing?
Can a controversial yet innovative book still be considered successful if it doesn’t appeal to a large group of readers? If so, then what makes it successful? To whom? And why?
When does taking creative risks become irresponsible or start alienating too many readers? And does that matter?
Prioritize readers’ expectations.
The purpose of writing is to communicate with readers. From this perspective, success is measured not by how bold or unconventional a piece is, but by how well it connects with the people it was written for, its intended audience. Writers with this view believe that taking unnecessary creative risks can distract from the message of what’s written and reduce their ability to effectively reach their intended audience, in other words, so it is ultimately better to prioritize readers’ expectations over taking creative risks.
If you strongly agree, you may also find yourself identifying with one or more of the following statements:
“Effective writing succeeds by meeting the needs and expectations of its target audience.”
“A story succeeds when its intended readers understand and enjoy it.”
“A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.” — William Strunk Jr.
“Clear communication is more important than experimentation.”
“Writers should prioritize connecting with readers over taking creative risks.”
“Nobody wants to read your old diary except you.” — Donald Murray
“The audience is the reason the story exists.”
“Good writing isn’t about shocking people, it’s about reaching them.”
“Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.”— Neil Gaiman
Reflection
This month’s Creative Courage theme can also remind us of the importance of making thoughtful, intentional choices that best serve our audiences. And this week’s focus on Taking Creative Risks reminds us that not every writer will or should experiment in the same way, or at all. Sometimes courage entails resisting the pressure to be different simply for the sake of being different and what is perceived as ‘originality’ in other words. Instead, writers may demonstrate creative courage by communicating clearly, staying true to their purpose, and creating work that resonates deeply with the readers they hope to reach.
To engage in further dialogue, ask:
How should writers identify and understand their intended audience? And what if they get it wrong, even without taking major creative risks?
Can a writer be original without taking major creative risks? Or is there a way they can take only minor creative risks instead? And if so, what’s the difference?
Should commercial success influence a writer’s decisions? And what limitations does considering this place on reaching readers’ expectations versus taking creative risks?
How will different audience members respond to the same piece of writing? And how does this factor into meeting readers’ expectations?
When should a writer choose clarity over experimentation?
My Reflection and an Invitation
As usual, I am caught between these two options, which indicates how compelling this question is upon further reflection.
While I absolutely see the value in taking creative risks and always believe some element of risk is important when evolving as a writer, I also see the value in sincerely considering and caring about audience expectations. And ultimately, I’m left wondering where the middle ground exists between these two options, and if there is one?
Does the answer to this question ultimately depend on things like what type of genre a writer is exploring? Is it better to prioritize creative risks when writing Sci-Fi but not Romance, for example?
Or does the answer to this question ultimately depend more on things like what a writer’s goals are? If a writer wants to sell more books, they will likely prioritize audience expectations over experimentation then, right?
I want to know what you think!
Join this week’s dedicated Dialoguers chat thread to discuss this topic further as we continue to explore Creative Courage this month. I’d love to have a much richer and more meaningful discussion about this.
Feel free to share any thoughts, questions, or observations in the chat—whatever comes to mind. Some of what comes up in our conversation may be included in Thursday’s follow-up post, where we’ll explore this topic more deeply and look at how understanding creative risks can strengthen both your own creative courage and that of the community.
I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s perspectives and getting the conversation started in the comments or chat!
Please don’t forget to like or share this post if you enjoyed it. Thank you!
Continue Exploring July’s Creative Courage Theme
This week’s Posts: Taking Creative Risks
Taking Creative Risks: Writing Prompts to Build Creative Courage
Week 1: Beginning Before You Feel Ready
Beginning Before You Feel Ready: Writing Prompts
Do writers need to feel ready before they begin a new project?
Beginnings and endings are linked in a lot of ways…
Why Beginning Feels So Difficult, But Doesn’t Have to Be
Books That Made Me Want to Write and Take Creative Risks
Consider going more in depth with this month’s theme with July’s Creative Courage Writing Collection.
The writing collection is designed to help you explore creative courage from different angles: discovering your voice, strengthening your craft, experimenting with new approaches, and reflecting on the writer you are becoming.
The free Drafts and Dialogues posts that will be published this month will explore the outward side of creative courage—beginning, risking, and sharing— and should complement this collection quite well, which invites you to go much deeper into the internal work of creativity with 30 guided writing prompts and craft exercises, reflections, as well as three options for guided monthly writing challenges for those who want to go even further than that.