As a writer, it’s important for me to think about readers. Who is going to read this book? I mean specifically. What are the demographics, geographical locations, values and interests of the people who are going to care enough about this book to actually buy it?
Some writers write for one “Ideal Reader.” Stephen King’s Ideal Reader is his wife Tabitha. She is the one he wants to wow. She is the one he imagines laughing or crying or cringing when she reads one of his stories. Author and teacher Holly Lisle defines her readers in terms of the values they hold and the types of stories they like to read.
I don’t think there is one “Ideal Reader” for Muskoka’s Main Street. I think – I hope – a lot of different people will buy this book for a lot of different reasons. But I do think there are some specific characteristics that would draw people to my book.
You are my reader if:
- You like a gripping story where real people overcome crushing hardship.
- You are interested in learning about what changed the face of Muskoka-Parry Sound from raw wilderness and built the Ontario of today.
- You are fascinated by entrepreneurs and enjoy learning about their lives, their motivations and innovations.
- You like history but only when it reads like an adventure story.
- You’ve noticed signs for “The Old Muskoka Road” and wondered what that’s all about.
- You’ve ever wondered what it was really like to be a pioneer settler in Ontario’s 19th century.
- You like to be shown facets of Ontario and its history that you might not know about.
- You like to travel “off the beaten path” and see where the old road might lead.
Are you my reader?
I am definitely your reader. I answered “yes” to almost all your points (I’ve never seen a sign for the Old Muskoka Road). I rarely put comments on your blog but rest assured I am reading it with great interest and can hardly wait until your book comes out.
Thanks, Shirley! Glad to see your comment on the blog and I’m delighted to know you are my reader!! This was a fun exercise inspired by the way Holly Lisle defines her readership. I hope it strikes a cord with people who might not think on first glance that a book about a road could hold their interest! LA
I have no connection to that area, but can’t wait to see it through your eyes, ears and penmanship!
Yes Yes Yes!!!!!! I look forward to reading your book for all of the above reasons. Lee Ann you have such great talent.
To wright a book about Canadian history. It needs to be told. People struggled so hard to make this country what it is. I commend you for your hard work. I also find it interesting to try and understand how a book is written. Keep up the good work!
Teresa
Thanks, T! Great to have you along for the ride… let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know that I haven’t blogged about!
Awesome list, I love it – especially the last one. I’ve never thought of your book before as being about “going off the beaten path,” but that’s an excellent theme and almost a mini-summary of what it is. I’m your reader!
Thanks so much for being such an important part of the writing of this book, Lynn. I’m proud to have you as one of my readers!
I too am your reader but I think you forgot one more reason someone might read your book. Although I do fall into a few of your other reasons, the main reason I am your reader is because I love your style of writing, making even very ordinary events seem extraordinary and fascinating. So the main reason I am your reader is I love the author and her way of telling a good story!!!
Thank you, Carm! This is very high praise and I’ll try to live up to your expectations!