Ever watch a "skilled" bouncer at a popular club and see who he allows in and who he doesn't? It's all based on maintaining a certain look and vibe inside - don't let anyone in that will change what the customers pay money to come and see.

This is what publishers do. I've been in a Book club for 8 years and I can't tell you how many books have been selected that read the same way. Same basic characters, same lost love approach, same focus on death, heartache and -- did I mention death?

And that's fiction!

I agree, write what is meaningful and seek out one's audience. It's soul-wrenching, I can tell you that, but I'm not sure there's another way.

9 out of 10 top writers on Medium write Listicles and How to Make $$$ on Medium (Buy my course!). It's a feeding frenzy and at the end - all the Eaters have been eaten.

Good article, Walter. Meaningful.