This question often comes up in writing workshops, and classes. Audience is important to consider when you are sending your work out for publication, but I find it can be limiting to think about it too much when actually writing. Let’s face it, sometimes we feel vulgar so we write it, or we may feel romantic, and we write that, etc. The other thing that I find impacts and influences my writing is what I read. If I am reading a collection of Ginsberg, then my style shifts to his ever so slightly. This is something to consider when you pick up your next book. It is cliche, but very true, “You are what you read.”
This doesn’t mean you will become Ginsberg if you read nothing but Ginsberg, but you may fall into his cadence, tone, or music. However, if you limit yourself and read only one author then your work will be less dynamic. I am currently reading The Fall of America by Ginsberg, a book of essays on poetry and craft called, Real Sofistikashun by Tony Hoagland, The Lice and The Carrier of Ladders by W.S. Merwin, Some Angels Wear Black: Selected Poems by Eli Coppola, and Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror by John Ashberry. All of these will influence me subconsciously. I accept this, and strive to read poets whose craft I admire for a variety of reasons.
So, what I am saying is be mindful of your audience, and what you are being an audience to.
Until Next Time,
Ivy
The imagery that is around you will also affect your work….imagine reading Ginsberg at the foot of the mountains in New Hampshire and then imagine reading Ginsberg in a “Supermarket in California”…..