How can you differentiate yourself as a writer in the industry?

Finding a niche is about inserting yourself where you’re needed most. And where you’re needed most is often somewhere you have unique insights. Identify where you’re needed most and where you can provide the most value effortlessly, show up there consistently, and repeat this for years. This will make you miraculously successful as a writer, entrepreneur, and creator.

Write what you know and know what you write. Being from a place of familiarity and knowledge, slowly expand outward, but never lose sight of your bread-and-butter topics and foundations. And like the old adage of once you think you have enough firewood, double it, do the same with the topics you think you know inside and out. Things are always changing and there's always more to learn. Keep up the pursuit of knowledge and become an expert in a particular area.

Find your voice. One of my writing mentors, Dr Ima Emmanuel, who lectured me back in uni would always say, "There are writers, and there are writers." This statement underscores the need for every writer to find their uniqueness. This comes first by reading other writers. The need for writers to read widely can't be overemphasised. Buy as many books as you can and read them, paying attention to how each writer weaves words, tones, sounds, etcetera, to form a beautiful piece. Second, do some soul-searching. Ask yourself what kind of writer you want to be and what kind of style best suits that niche. Third, start writing. Most writers spend all their time overanalysing and forget that the primary aim of writing is writing.

I am still in the process of narrowing in my topics and finding my niche. My writing has been about personal development and about learning to write. Finally my writing is about my trials and errors towards a healthier lifestyle. So I have been testing ideas. Now I am at the point where I have to narrow down my writing and focus more. It should involve more reading and research.

Much like a fingerprint, a writer's voice is uniquely theirs, a distinct cadence that echoes through their work and leaves an indelible mark on readers. As a writer, developing your unique writing style is a journey that involves a dynamic process of evolution. At the beginning stages, it is common to find inspiration in the voices of literary heroes and try to emulate their writing. Eventually, this journey leads to your authentic, confident, and unique voice. As you delve deeper into your experiences, emotions, and observations, you begin to incorporate these elements into your writing. This infusion of personal perspective adds complexity to your voice, transforming it into a rich tapestry of individuality.

Beyond the trends and tech, think about your approach. Let's keep it really simple for a second. Are you traditionally a first-person writer or a third-person writer? Do you know how changing this voice changes your text? Learn how to use both approaches effectively to better tell your story to the right audience. The nuances may be small, but learning something as simple as when to take a different vantage point when telling your story can be a game changer. So, yes, take courses, learn, read, and practice, but remember, it doesn't always have to be a mountain you're climbing. Sometimes just getting up a small hill can provide the achievement you were looking for.

The networking with other writers is hugely important and I say that as someone who has not been very successful at that. In my hometown in Denmark I tried to find writing groups but then only found a book club. I had more luck on a trip to England where I even made the effort of taking the train into London to join a group for the day. Until now I sort of have two type mentors. One I found online via the app Meetup and the other is my proofreader who is an American who lives in the Dominican Republic where I lived before for 15 years.