1 Simple Mistake That Can Kill Your Writing Quality
Hint: It’s not how you write, it’s what you write.
Imagine writing about the same thing…
Over, and over, and over again. But who cares, right? It comes with the job. Some writers love forcing themselves to caress their fingers onto the keyboard in hopes of writing an article about the same damn topic for the millionth time.
I’m not one of those writers — and most people aren’t.
Let me explain.
Your Niche is More Than a Topic You Write About
Everyone has different perceptions of what niches are. From my experience, it could mean three different things:
Something you’re interested in
Something you have experience with
Something that you have a strong opinion on
The array of niches that writers can pick from is endless. For some writers, it’s a no-brainer what their niche should be. For others, it’s hard. But that’s not what this piece is about.
Niches are more than writing topics — they’re quality indicators.
Emotion is the strongest indicator of quality writing. You can’t deny that your best writing comes out of fear, anger, sadness, etc. Passion articles are the best ones. The reader can feel your emotions bleed through the blank canvas. It’s a magical experience.
What happens when you write about the same niche forever?
Your quality falls into the abyss. You’re too tired of the topic. You’re bored. And if you’re bored while writing, why would you continue? Money? You’ll muster up the energy to get the article done, but your writing quality will die because you lack the passion it takes to drizzle that emotional sauce on it.
You’ll Get Torn Apart Without a Variety of Niches
My articles about writing get the most engagement and moola.
I pushed this niche to the limit a few years ago. I got too money-hungry. I wrote about ten straight articles about writing. I was about to throw up at the thought of writing another one.
My writing quality plateaued. I hated writing articles about the same topic to the point where I didn’t care about improving my writing. I began to hate writing — and that’s a true sign you need to switch up your niches.
Thank god I always keep two spare niches in my handy-dandy backpack (social justice and life lessons). I wrote tons of articles on these two niches and I perked up again. My writing quality got better. I practiced different writing formats. I focused more on techniques I needed to improve, rather than forcing my fingers to pump out the piece.
My writing fire had risen from its ashes.
Now I’m full speed ahead.
Find three specific niches. You don’t want to overdo it because writing about everything is difficult.
Three niches is a sweet spot.
Never Let The Moola Steal Your Passion For Writing
I only saw dollar signs in my work.
I didn’t do that on purpose. I just got too freaking bored of the niche I wrote in. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on your most profitable niches, but it becomes a problem when you lose your passion.
You begin to forget why you write — subconsciously.
It’s all about balance. I don’t expect my social justice articles to do as well as my writing articles (sometimes they will), but I don’t care. I’m beyond passionate about racism. I can’t stop writing about that or my other niches.
You can focus on your most profitable niche, but know when to take a break from it.
The last thing you want is to become one of those poser writers who are in it for the money. Ugh, now I know how those people feel. Writing for the sake of money alone is an icky feeling. You can’t sustain a writing career unless you love every single thing you’re writing about.
If that means alternating between your three favorite niches, so be it.
Recap For Your Memory
Find three niches. See what you have experience with. See what you’re interested in. See what you have a strong opinion on.
Figure out which niches are the most profitable and balance them accordingly. Don’t allow yourself to get bored. Don’t allow yourself to fall in love with the money.
Stay passionate.
And write on.
"Variety is the spice of life" my Dad used to say. And it's true in most things...especially writing!
Wise words. Thank you.