We're not keen on the idea of the story sharing its valence with the reader. But the reader's own life 'outside' the story changes the story.

The reader becomes God, for all textual purposes. I see your eyes glazing over, so I'll hush.

It can become an exercise in trying to get the reader to like and admire you instead of an exercise in creative art.

I often think I can see it in myself and in other young writers, this desperate desire to please coupled with a kind of hostility to the reader.

To be willing to sort of die in order to move the reader, somehow. Even now I'm scared about how sappy this'll look in print, saying this.

Life is like tennis. Those who serve best usually win.