A lot of people Write. Some do it because their work requires it, using manuals and examples that show them how to do it, or how to adhere to a certain style. Others just like to write, because they have something to communicate, something they believe is different to what’s already done. There are certain people, however, that only write to connect.
This is where the reader pauses, scratches their head, and wonders what the heck I’m talking about. Let’s explain it: I’m referring to Writing just to make as much people as possible to relate with what is written. An excellent example of this are horoscopes. When a horoscope expert writes, he has two objectives. One, if he actually believes he can predict future outcomes using astrology, is to help people overcome their problems and face reality, or even warn them of potential catastrophes. The other (and this one is quite different) is to be read by as much people that relates to what’s written as possible.
A lot of what makes this type of writing interesting is connected to this second objective. Horoscopes don’t work like a personalized crystal ball, with specific, person by person indications on what to do. No, what makes a horoscope is its intention to be massive. To accomplish that, they need to generalize as much as possible. Let’s analyze a translated example of a (translated from Spanish) horoscope for my sign, Aquarius:
“This Friday, certain doors that remained closed to you will open, and with the impact that surges from the moon and the direct aspects of Venus and Jupiter, you’re entering a cycle of internal rejuvenation. There are solutions, yet also hesitation, in your hands. In the afternoon, you’re plagued by some certain indecisive tones. Don’t let those make you fail to reach the goals you’ve set. If you need advice, seek an older person with known experience. A lot of times, people out of the scene can see farther that those living it.”
First, and demonstrating my first point, this horoscope uses the position of certain planets as validation for certain behavior. Then, it indicates there are solutions in my hands, yet also hesitation. This applies to anyone living on this planet. It’s very easy to be hesitant, or indecisive. Sometimes this hesitation may be something extremely important (Do I change jobs, or do I continue to suffer mine, yet stay safely employed?) or something with very little significance (Do I bake a cake, or a pie? I like both!). If the reader isn’t living a moment like the one described, they might think it might come by on the future, or simply stops reading that horoscope, and grabs another. If the reader feels they are living a moment like that, they see it as help for the future.
As you can see, writing to connect can be very lucrative (self-help books move a lot of units), but it can also have a negative impact on our writing: we lose out own style. Part of writing is communicating something unique, something personal, something we are going through. Not every reader will relate to it, and that’s natural. Every life is different, and everyone has different experiences. If we write assuming every experience is equal, we will only spawn text that’s vague, without a soul or personality. When a novel, story, or even poetry, is written like this, it could sell, it could be read, it may have an impact, but it will probably won’t stand the test of time.
