Is This You and Your Readers?

“Who’s your audience?” I asked the man.

It was my third ghostwriting project, and my publisher flew me to Phoenix to spend the weekend with the author. He was a religious television personality and pastored a church of 15,000 people.

While I believe in my heart of hearts that the man was the real deal (read: not a fake), he did know how to garner media attention.

But he didn’t know his audience.

“My book’s for everybody,” he answered.

I knew this book would be an uphill climb.

When you write for everybody, you write for nobody.

You can pour your soul into your book. Beautiful cover, killer title, marketing plan… and still—crickets.

BUT. IT’S NOT. ABOUT. YOU.

I know I sound like a broken record, but if you want to be a successful author you must value your audience above your message.

To value your audience, you must know them. Their wants, their needs, their hopes, their aspirations.

And you must write to them, not everybody.

In last week’s Power Writers Report, we explored Erik Erikson’s final two stages of development to explain why we write books.

Today, we’re going to briefly explore the deep motivations of each of Erikson’s eight stages and how this knowledge equips you to write to them.

Let’s go!

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Here’s the truth that stings a little: writing to yourself isn’t the same as writing to your audience.

And if you want to understand your readers better—whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, or a compelling memoir—Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development offer a surprising (and powerful) key. Each stage shapes how people see the world and what kind of stories or wisdom they crave.

The basic idea is that everyone at every stage, gravitates toward one or the other:

• Trust versus Mistrust
• Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
• Initiative versus Guilt

and so on. 

As you can see, the first option is always preferable to the second option.

I'm not a therapist, but if you gravitate toward the second option, it's probably the result of something at happened to you at that stage.

So let’s break it down. Who are your readers really—and what are they looking for at their stage of life?

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Ages 0–1): Babies and Board Books

Okay, unless you're writing for the stroller crowd, you can probably skip this one. But if you’re in the children's book world, keep this in mind: infants need reliability, comfort, and safety. Picture books, lullabies, and tactile board books should reinforce feelings of warmth and care. Trust is the goal.

Write this way: Use soothing rhythm, repetition, and comforting themes.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Ages 1–3): Toddlers and “I Do It Myself” Books

Toddlers are learning independence, so they gravitate toward stories about trying, failing, and trying again. They love characters who struggle with zippers, forks, or using the potty. If you’re writing children’s books, this is gold.

Write this way: Celebrate effort. Show small victories. Avoid preachiness—and endless paragraphs that drone on and on.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Ages 3–6): Preschoolers with Capes

Kids in this stage are little adventurers. They want to explore, imagine, and lead—even if it's a squadron of stuffed animals. They're curious about right and wrong, often in black and white terms.

Write this way: Give them playful protagonists with agency (that means children make decisions for themselves, for good or bad). Let your characters ask questions—and sometimes mess things up.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (Ages 6–12): The Elementary Years

This is the age of trophies, spelling bees, and “Look what I made!” Kids are building confidence through achievement. Books for this group often show heroes overcoming challenges, gaining skills, and discovering they’re more capable than they thought.

Write this way: Encourage effort, not perfection. Stories about perseverance, teamwork, and resilience hit the sweet spot.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Ages 12–18): The Search for “Me”

Teenagers are figuring out who they are, what they believe, and where they belong. That’s why YA (young adult) fiction is a multi-billion-dollar industry. It’s all about identity. Whether your character is fighting dragons or acne, readers in this stage want to see themselves.

Write this way: Dive deep. Let your characters struggle. Show growth, rebellion, questions, and transformation. The Hunger Games sold zillions of copies because Suzanne Collins understood her audience well.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Ages 18–40): “Will I Be Loved?”

Young adults are exploring commitment, love, and connection—both romantic and platonic. Novels, memoirs, and nonfiction that touch on dating, friendship, betrayal, or heartbreak resonate deeply here. If you’re writing self-help or coaching materials, speak to the fear of being alone.

Write this way: Lean into emotional vulnerability. Reflect modern relationship dynamics. Explore connection in all forms.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Ages 40–65): The “What’s My Legacy?” Crowd

This is the stage where people start asking, “What have I really done with my life?” They want purpose, meaning, and a sense that they’ve contributed something lasting. If you're writing memoir, inspirational nonfiction, or even thoughtful fiction—this is your moment.

Write this way: Help your readers find legacy, reinvention, or new purpose. Give them hope that it’s not too late to create something meaningful. Speak to the urge to mentor, to give back, to leave a mark.

8. Integrity vs. Despair (Ages 65+): The Final Chapter

The word "integrity" here means integrated. Readers at this stage are trying to make sense of their lives. They ask: Was it worth it? Was I true to myself? Books that help people process their lives—especially memoir, biography, or spiritual writing—can be deeply powerful here. 

Write this way: Offer reflection and reconciliation. Show peace, beauty, even humor in life’s final act. And most importantly—offer dignity.

So… Who Are You Writing For?

Here’s the magic trick: don’t just imagine what your ideal reader looks like. Ask yourself what stage of life they’re in.

Are they building a family? Starting over at 50? Trying to forgive themselves at 80? Each reader brings their own internal struggle to the page. The more you write with empathy for that stage, the more your words will land.

If you want to write a book that actually connects with your readers—one that moves, inspires, or even transforms them—you need to know what’s going on inside them.

And Erikson’s framework gives you a map.

So, who is your reader? What season of life are they in? What are they afraid of… and what are they hoping for?

You have something to say. Let’s make sure it reaches the people who need it most.

👉Schedule a free 30-minute call with me to talk about your book and your audience. I’ll help you identify the right reader—and build a publishing plan that reaches them.

Click on the button below and let's discuss how to bring your story into the world.

Because your story matters—but only if it’s heard.

Let’s bring your book to life!