Chapter 1: The New Era of Writing

Have you ever pondered whether you can truly be called a good writer if your work isn’t gaining any readers? This is a question I find myself contemplating often, and I suspect many others do as well. In the end, who holds the authority to make that judgment?

Before the rise of social media and the digital revolution, the path to becoming a published author was a challenging journey. Being labeled a "real" writer meant you were part of an exclusive group, with an audience eager to engage with your words. Gaining recognition often depended on being chosen by a reputable platform willing to publish your work.

However, in today’s landscape, countless platforms are available for anyone to share their writing. In fact, the options can feel overwhelming, and the best part is that many of them don't require any financial investment.

In this modern age, declaring oneself a published writer is no longer an unattainable dream. Now, anyone with a laptop can easily compose a few paragraphs, click "Submit," and consider themselves a writer. It’s become almost as easy to find a decent long-form essay as it is to grab a cup of coffee; regardless of how many selections are out there, you’re bound to discover something.

Yet, amid this abundance of content, how many pieces truly possess depth and meaning? How many articles are genuinely memorable or capable of stirring something within you?

While my previous question might sound exaggerated, it’s hard to deny that there’s a considerable amount of subpar writing circulating today. I can even admit to having published a few lackluster articles myself, which leads me back to my nagging question: Are you genuinely a good writer if no one reads your work?

I find myself wrestling with this thought daily—each time I log into Medium, publish a new piece, revisit my past writings, or dream of authoring a book. I can’t help but compare myself to others in the field.

The straightforward answer might seem to be the readers themselves or perhaps individuals with credibility—like award-winning authors, respected editors, or distinguished publications. Others might argue that it's all about metrics: the number of reads, responses, shares, likes, tweets, or claps.

But what if nobody—absolutely no one—has taken the time to read your work? Does that mean it lacks quality? And, by extension, does it reflect poorly on you as a writer?

This dilemma is as perplexing as the age-old question: "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?"

So, perhaps that’s the crux of the matter—we might never have a definitive answer. What does it truly mean to be a writer if no one engages with your words?

Ultimately, only you can measure the effort and passion you’ve poured into your writing. Only you can assess the authenticity of your words right up until the last period. And at the end of the day, all you can do is write and hope your work resonates with readers. The rest, as they say, will unfold in time.

Section 1.1: The Role of Readership

Exploring the significance of audience engagement in assessing writing quality can lead to deeper insights.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Audience on Writing

The first video, "Can You Be a Writer if You Don't Read?" delves into the essential relationship between reading and writing, exploring whether one can claim to be a writer without engaging with the written word.

The second video, "Are You A Good Writer? How to Tell..." provides practical advice on assessing your writing skills and the importance of reader feedback.