Where the value is (finding your writing niche)

And how to remember it’s there in your lowest moments

Ever watched what a friend created or wrote and wondered… how could I do something like that? Or do you silently stalk follow others online whom you admire and wonder what it would be like to create for as wide an audience as they have?

One of the most belligerent purveyors of doubt is the person you see in the mirror every morning. If she chooses to compare herself, second-guess, or even whisper negative somethings in the quiet of her heart, she will silently chip away at the belief that may have once been there — or that may still be under construction.

So, how do we avoid that pitfall of comparing and doubting and self-loathing and, essentially, lying to ourselves as creators/writers/artists? Essentially, how do we find our people — the ones who want to read the stuff we right? What’s our writing niche?

It is simpler than you might believe.

Pay attention.

This is the advice I heard from author Rachael K. Adams a few weeks ago when I asked her how to figure out what kind of value we have as writers. Paying attention may mean taking a risk to ask a friend or a family member (or both!) what it is they need most from a book, a podcast, or an article.

If you want to write for children, it probably means getting honest and asking some children: What do you want to read about?

If you want to create art for those who need encouragement or who are suffering from soul or body sickness, what’s better than asking those in your own life what kinds of art would inspire them?

Another means of paying attention, said Rachael, is to listen to your own heart. What are the questions you are wrestling with as a person?

Maybe that’s where you begin.

Of course, all of this is just when you begin your project (your craft, your writing, your podcast). However, before you can even start the creative process, it might be worth asking yourself something deeper:

Do I believe that I have something to share that could benefit just one other person?

Rachael K. Adams and I met through a group called hope*writers (and by “met,” I mean we know each other as online writing friends). She and I both share the belief that we were created by a loving God who puts uniqueness in each one of us. That uniqueness goes hand in hand with a purpose, a gift, an offering: something we can share to benefit another human being, maybe even a whole group of human beings.

No matter where you fall on the faith continuum, you probably do believe that all people are created with differences. Different perspectives, different experiences, different talents and struggles and dreams.

Why are your differences any less important than someone else’s?

What makes you distrust the particular patina that is within you, the specific color of all your experiences, history, and the life you live today?

Another part of paying attention is to consider two things: your successes and your failures.

When you look at your email subscribers, patrons who have purchased a product from you, or social media comments, what are your wins? Have people complimented you on specific articles or quotes you’ve shared? (That’s a clue that those things struck a chord and may point to a need that only you can meet!)

Similarly, when you look at your failures, the times when you almost quit — or did — how did those moments shape you?

Rachael shared that when she attended her first She Speaks conference, she pitched an idea for a book that got three rejections. Imagine getting the courage up to share your idea and then being told three times that it wasn’t quite right. Guess what Rachael did?

She chose not to give up.

Instead, she returned to the same conference a year later and offered what she had. Her book idea wasn’t exactly what publishers were looking for, but they were very interested in a small lead magnet she had written. It was called “The Love Offering,” which you may know has turned into a very esteemed podcast where Rachael interviews other creators about the value they’re offering in this world.

She said that the rejections and two years spent working on a book proposal taught her just as much as the positive feedback she’d gotten. And it just encouraged her to keep asking questions.

Staying curious is something that Christian fiction author Francine Rivers told Rachael about; it’s how she begins every book. She starts with an idea that she herself is asking questions about, and it slowly twists and turns into the plot of one of her novels.

6 Takeaways of value

1. Pay attention.
2. Take a risk.
3. Choose not to give up.
4. Stay curious.
5. Ask questions.
6. Believe what you have to offer is unique simply because you are.

There is only one of you in this world — are you willing to hold onto that kernel of an idea that is pulling you through the discouraging times?

Instead of letting your doubts and comparisons trap you into thinking you are not enough, try looking the other way.

Notice what you want. What someone else wants. What the people at the table next to you in the restaurant want.

You’ll “hear” it in their facial expressions, their conversation, and even in the depths of your own heart.

You might just hear it at the dentist! Rachael shared a story about her visit to the dentist, and her hygienist said, “Oh wow, I listen to your podcast every week!” It was the little extra encouragement that Rachael needed.

And now, she imagines her dental hygienist when she sits down to write. The comment from her hygienist taught her that no matter how big or how small our audience is, we can continue to write for just one person.

To him or to her, your gift — your offering of creativity — means something.

Rachael’s new book, “A Little Goes A Long Way,” is based on the idea that your offering doesn’t have to match the philanthropic ideas of another creator. It doesn’t have to be a huge platform, a million-dollar company, or a cure for cancer.

What you have to give is the point. It’s where you begin.

And if those doubting traitors come back to your mind, just tell them that your offering is enough. If that doesn’t work, ask a friend to remind you of what is true about you — let him or her walk you to the closest mirror and say, “The value is right here. That’s where it begins.”

Need a confidence boost?

If you’ve felt stuck, slow, or even that your writing has gone backward, you are not alone. Writing can be a lonely gig — so the best thing I can think of is to join with other writers for a dose of encouragement.

You heard Rachael and I reference a writing group we’re both in; it’s called hope*writers. For the first time in several years, they are offering a live and in-person conference this fall!

The hope*writers Conference can help you find the direction you need to reach your writing goals. 

Some of the keynote sessions include:

The Secret to Accelerating Your Progress — discover the number one thing you need to unlock your creative potential so you can (finally!) accomplish your writing goals.

From Idea to Implementation: An Inspiring Journey —  hear a real-life story of what it takes to embrace your creative journey and follow your ideas from out there, “someday” dreams to a tangible, rewarding reality.

Making Your Key Move: Continuing with Courage and Confidence — hope*writers Chief Operating Officer Carla H. Hayden will help you reflect on what you’ve learned, reduce the information overload, and remove the roadblocks that often prevent you from moving forward in your writing life.

Tickets are still available — grab yours today. 

Your fellow writing friend,

Brooke

P.S. Check out The hope*writers Conference, November 3-5 outside of Charlotte, NC.

If you aren’t near Charlotte, you can still attend via the LiveStream Pass!

P.S.S. Are you curious about what hope*writers is? It is THE most encouraging writing group you can ask for!

**Ask me how I know — subscribe to “On Stories,” my Substack newsletter — and I’ll send a separate email JUST FOR YOU with a crazy-but-true story of how hope*writers encouraged me as a writer and as an editor. **

Thinking of becoming a hope*writers member? I am an affiliate for hope*writers, which just means I get a small percentage of income if you check it out and decide to join. I promise you: I wouldn’t be an affiliate for something I don’t believe in 100%.