I participate in wide range daily solutions as a publisher. One of the frequent questions I'm asked is, "How do I increase my reader response?" My first response is always the same "build a relationship with your readers by starting out writing from your heart." When your heart is open the connection is free flowing.

I participate in wide range daily solutions as a publisher. One of the frequent questions I'm asked is, "How do I increase my reader response?" My first response is always the same "build a relationship with your readers by starting out writing from your heart." When your heart is open the connection is free flowing.

The second is "forget the critics." Ask what's more important, the message to your audience, or critics. It really doesn't matter whether you are a literary scholar or someone with little formal education. Writing is all about the message being conveyed to the audience. It's not about you or those that enjoy critiquing your writing.

Some of the internationally acclaimed authors I know are not literary scholars, they are writers. Their personal manuscripts' are often a combination of random thoughts or impressions, which come to them in a state of higher awareness or excitement. Their books and published materials are formatted and perfected (grammatically) by editors. The sad part about that is in some cases the edited version diminishes the main points the author is attempting to covey. Personally, I prefer reading the original manuscript, as it allows me a greater opportunity to build a relationship with the true person, not the stage presence.

Consider following these simple three steps to build relationships and keep people interested in what you have to offer:

1. Start writing from an inspired state - Writing inspiration starts by clearing your mind. Do this by closing your eyes, taking a few deep breaths and opening your heart to a feeling of joy. Before you know it, you will feel a sense of peaceful presence within you. A sense of being alive and together, but without thought (more on this later). This is your creative starting place; a place free of critics, including yourself, which in most cases is the toughest of all critics. If you're a novice, don't worry...it doesn't matter. When you start writing from this peaceful, clear space, your writing will change from mediocre to magical right before your eyes.

2. Write creatively by eliminating thought - To achieve a totally creative state for writing, thought should not enter your state of consciousness. When you are totally conscious you will write creatively, guaranteed. You will find it impossible to be distracted by random thought. This can be accomplished with practice. Don't get discouraged if it seems difficult at first. The rewards will be worth it. Just trust that all the creative juices flow in the space between your thoughts. Open your heart and close your mind. Your state of Being will change to one of visualization and connection to the source energy, which allows free-form writing. During this state of free-form writing you are in the most creative mode possible.

3. Stay focused on the "message" you want readers to experience - It doesn't matter if you are a novice or seasoned writer. The most important thing is that the reader understands the message you are trying to share. Stay focused on the message in a clear easy to understand format. Who really cares if you are capable of writing at a doctorate university level? If the reader can't understand what you write, what does it accomplish? Again, keep your writing simple. Use words that convey a heart felt sense of connection with your audience. By doing this your message is guaranteed to reach everyone, and you ego will remain in check.

One of the best ways to stay connected with an audience is to be consistent with your style of writing. Once you find your "natural style" stick with it. This is who you really are; this is the person people listen to on a personal level. This will guarantee that they will be looking forward to the next "message," rather than hitting the delete key as soon as they see your name.