Finding Freedom in Writing: Embracing Diverse Interests
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Chapter 1: The Niche Dilemma
The common belief is that staying within a specific niche is essential for writers, but what if you don’t have one—or even want one? This question has been on my mind for quite some time. I aspire to be a dependable writer known for niche topics, yet I find myself captivated by countless interests, making it challenging to choose just one focus.
My writing style is well-defined; I excel in crafting personal essays and memoirs. However, even within those formats, I cover a diverse array of subjects. The struggle of forgetting what others say can be overwhelming, and the recent conversations surrounding niches have certainly affected me.
I can’t help but think that this fixation on finding my niche has contributed to my recent writer's block. Often, I’ll brainstorm an exciting article idea, only to question its value based on whether it fits a specific niche. I’ve been rather hard on myself, feeling the pressure to conform to a singular focus, but I simply can’t do it—at least not right now.
Maybe it’s not as critical as it seems.
Two of my latest articles tackled completely different subjects, yet both gained traction and earned me more income than I’ve ever seen in a single month on this platform. Moreover, my past successes haven’t revolved around any one topic, either. The only link I’ve identified among my most successful pieces is my knack for storytelling, often enhanced by incorporating external sources.
I write from a place of vulnerability, which can lead to complications. However, personal essays and memoirs are the genres that resonate most with me. Those are the stories I relish writing and sharing. Poetry is another passion of mine—I’ve started to share more of my poems recently, and the response has been positive, so I’ll continue that trend.
Section 1.1: Overcoming Creative Blocks
There was a time when my growth on this platform stagnated. I lost my motivation to publish regularly and engage with others, leading me to question the purpose of my writing journey. I halted submissions to larger magazines, stopped entering contests, and refrained from submitting my completed works.
It all felt futile, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of being either a poor writer or needing to establish a niche before moving forward. But then something unexpected happened.
Two of my articles, which initially garnered little attention, suddenly took off. Additionally, Insider Magazine reached out to me, expressing interest in a personal essay I pitched months prior.
What a revelation!
These experiences reinforced the notion that having a rigid niche doesn't define a good writer, nor do impressive statistics. More importantly:
True writing emerges when you disregard external judgments.
Writing flows when you immerse yourself in the words that pour out of your heart.
Good writing is about taking pride in your creations, regardless of whether anyone else reads them. Because, sometimes, they will.
Chapter 2: The Journey of Self-Discovery
This video discusses the hard truth about why many writers struggle to find their niche, diving into the reasons behind this common dilemma.
In this live session, the focus is on understanding stress in the writing process and uncovering the reasons behind it.