“The future is now.”
~Nam June Paik, mixed media artist
I started this blog four weeks ago. I didn’t know why I wanted to start, only that I was sure I should.
I had a good amount of children’s stories completed, a novel in its third draft, and a need for daily practice.
Why not work on my public voice, I thought.
So, after a floundering couple of weeks on Blogspot, I decided to take things seriously. I searched through a mess of domain names, and to my surprise, found Writer Dad dot com wasn’t taken.
I’m a writer, and a dad.
So, I bought Darren Rowse’s ProBlogger book, read it, and got to work. I started reading all the “How to Blog” blogs.
Everyone said I needed a niche. Everyone said I needed a niche. Everyone said I needed a niche.
The repetition was maddening.
A niche? But I just wanted to write.
I quickly decided that speaking to a niche would dull my voice, and until I discovered my niche, I should just speak as though over a cup of coffee, even if it’s to someone sitting at their own keyboard on the other side of the world.
This, it turned out, was exactly what I was supposed to do.
Allow me to share my three biggest surprises since starting the blog:
- Traffic at Writer Dad has faced a steady climb in both subscriber count and traffic since its first day online.
- The comment section has been lively, filled with well thought out comments and genuine exchanges. I’d like to give a special thank you to Vered, who found me on my very first day, commented, and shined light on immediate possibility. Private emails were surprisingly high, but the day after I put the contact page up, they doubled.
- Traffic is much higher in the evening, and the stays are longer. I’ve had days where the average time spent on the site was six and a half minutes. People are spending time on the site, reading multiple pages.
So, now I know my niche.
The Writer Dad reader likes to take their time and read. They like to chew, not swallow. They appreciate the mathematical beauty of the way words can be woven together, even if they didn’t know they felt that way.
People have always loved stories. That isn’t going to change just because technology is outpacing philosophy. It doesn’t matter what I say, as long as I say it well.
Which brings me to my point.
I’ve already talked about the new Renaissance, and the internet as the great equalizer. We’re in the first generation of a new breed of writers, and age doesn’t matter. A sixty year old lifetime graphic designer from New York has the same shot at putting together a unique and touching piece of work as a twelve year old child in India.
Tangible books are going nowhere; I’ll never stop buying them and neither will any of you.
But they can be complimented.
An author needs only a small, loyal audience to make a decent living. If he’s willing to change the model. The same is true for illustrators.
The author who illustrates his own book is rare. In fact, attaching artwork to manuscripts is heavily discouraged. It lessens the probability of getting published. You sell your words, and the publisher matches it to an artist.
Often this works, but isn’t it a bit like an arranged marriage?
In the new model, we use the communicative power of the internet to bring artists together. I know I said I would announce my first project tomorrow, but I’m doing it now.
Tomorrow, I’ll post the full text, and that will be all you’ll hear from me until Monday. Except, of course, through comments or email.
I chose this story first because it’s small, and has a great message about money that everyone should hear, especially now. As a society, we do not do enough to teach our children about money. Most of us expect that they’ll eventually just pick it up.
But If it’s not taught in school, and we’re not teaching it at home, where are our children learning it? They learn from our example.
Not from what we say, only by what we do.
Tomorrow’s story is called The Eighth Wonder of the World. I would give these words to newlyweds, or perhaps a couple expecting a child.
It’s short and lovely.
The entire text will be available on tomorrow’s post, and I will never remove it. However, if you enjoy it, or you think the message is worth the money, you can download a PDF for $3.50.
That’s the price of a latte; a small one.
I’m not a graphic designer, and yes, it will look like a brochure. I’m sorry.
But I will get an illustrator, and I will make it better. That’s what this is all about. My goal is to have most of my writing available as both a download, and old fashioned copy.
I have a fair amount of work in various stages, and I’m just finding my voice.
From now on, Friday is project announcement day. If you know of someone who might be a good fit for tomorrow’s words, please forward the link. If you think I might be on to something here, please forward the link. If you’re an illustrator, and you’re interested in joining a project, feel free to contact me. If you’re a writer and you’d like to join this community, I’d love to have you.
If you like tomorrow’s words, please pass them on; Stumble, Twitter, whatever.
I have thousands and thousands or words that are waiting, and I can’t wait to release them.
Writer Dad
If you enjoyed my words, please subscribe. I promise I’ll be back tomorrow.
About Sean Platt
I would love to hear more about your children’s book ideas and story ideas for kids. I think many of us want to write children’s stories, but have never taken that first step. I guess my creativity for stories ends, when I substitute my children’s names in the book:)
I would love to hear more about your children’s book ideas and story ideas for kids. I think many of us want to write children’s stories, but have never taken that first step. I guess my creativity for stories ends, when I substitute my children’s names in the book:)
Urban Panther: Yes, the dialogue is wonderful. It’s like having coffee with friends, all day long.
Elaine: We all have something to say, and it was my pleasure.
Cath Lawson: Yes, it’s difficult, but I think it’s so necessary, and I don’t think parents do enough. They see their parents making charge after charge, and then think money isn’t tangible. I actually heard a child in the store the other day ask his mother if she was going to use, “Daddy’s Magic Card.” Wow, I thought.
Scott: I run a nursery school with my wife, so I read about a hundred children’s books a day. It was only natural that I started drafting my own. I think in rhythm, rhyme, and repetition rather easily, so I just started doing it. Once you start writing, the creativity just shows up. It’s pretty cool. I think any dad can do, if we think of our own children as the audience.
Urban Panther: Yes, the dialogue is wonderful. It’s like having coffee with friends, all day long.
Elaine: We all have something to say, and it was my pleasure.
Cath Lawson: Yes, it’s difficult, but I think it’s so necessary, and I don’t think parents do enough. They see their parents making charge after charge, and then think money isn’t tangible. I actually heard a child in the store the other day ask his mother if she was going to use, “Daddy’s Magic Card.” Wow, I thought.
Scott: I run a nursery school with my wife, so I read about a hundred children’s books a day. It was only natural that I started drafting my own. I think in rhythm, rhyme, and repetition rather easily, so I just started doing it. Once you start writing, the creativity just shows up. It’s pretty cool. I think any dad can do, if we think of our own children as the audience.
Writer Dad,
As you may (or may not) know, I devote a weekend post to a reader’s suggestion. Though YOU may not be blogging this weekend, I will. And CONGRATULATIONS! You just won this weekend’s “Rita’s Reader’s Choice” Blog!
You will get your blog – and the WHOLE coffee story – as a result of your win!
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The FIRST Time I Almost Got Expelled from College
Writer Dad,
As you may (or may not) know, I devote a weekend post to a reader’s suggestion. Though YOU may not be blogging this weekend, I will. And CONGRATULATIONS! You just won this weekend’s “Rita’s Reader’s Choice” Blog!
You will get your blog – and the WHOLE coffee story – as a result of your win!
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The FIRST Time I Almost Got Expelled from College
Niche, SMITCH! Telling an aspiring writer that he/she needs to find a niche is like telling an aspiring body builder that he needs to focus on ONE muscle. How can anyone develop as a person when they are trapped inside a niche?
Andy @ bloginyourface.coms last blog post..Pictures taken at exactly the right (or wrong) angle
Niche, SMITCH! Telling an aspiring writer that he/she needs to find a niche is like telling an aspiring body builder that he needs to focus on ONE muscle. How can anyone develop as a person when they are trapped inside a niche?
Andy @ bloginyourface.coms last blog post..Pictures taken at exactly the right (or wrong) angle
Rita: Wow. I haven’t won anything since last week when I was on this website, and I was the 999,999 visitor. They had a flash parade and everything. Seriously, thank you. I am really excited and laughing right now.
Andy: You can’t. My niche is being myself.
Rita: Wow. I haven’t won anything since last week when I was on this website, and I was the 999,999 visitor. They had a flash parade and everything. Seriously, thank you. I am really excited and laughing right now.
Andy: You can’t. My niche is being myself.
Congrats on doing so well even with such a young site. It’s great that you have started with a general theme rather than niching it down when you’ve got no clue yet as to what it should be. Your writing style is simple and inviting!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..How To Build Intuitive Awareness For Inspired Actions
Congrats on doing so well even with such a young site. It’s great that you have started with a general theme rather than niching it down when you’ve got no clue yet as to what it should be. Your writing style is simple and inviting!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..How To Build Intuitive Awareness For Inspired Actions
What a great discussion you’ve sparked here. I’ve actually wanted to read all the comments.
I really like your idea of posting your work here for free and having a purchasable copy as well. Great idea!
Chase Marchs last blog post..We’re Coming Up Short
What a great discussion you’ve sparked here. I’ve actually wanted to read all the comments.
I really like your idea of posting your work here for free and having a purchasable copy as well. Great idea!
Chase Marchs last blog post..We’re Coming Up Short
Hi Writer Dad,
Congratulations for the success of this blog. It is amazing how quickly you have built an audience here and your passion and commitment clearly shines through.
I understand your predicament in regards to niches too. Like Cath, I felt I was blogging to ghosts in the first three month of my blog, but I didn’t have direction then. I actually tried to follow in the general “make money” blogging niche which of course didn’t work out.
Only later (along the way) did I discover my love and passion for writing and that is how I found my calling. Some might call this a niche too, which technically speaking it is. But contrary to what many think of niches, it has actually helped the success of my blog.
A niche mustn’t be evil.
Monika Mundells last blog post..Humble Reality Check And The Art Of Living
Hi Writer Dad,
Congratulations for the success of this blog. It is amazing how quickly you have built an audience here and your passion and commitment clearly shines through.
I understand your predicament in regards to niches too. Like Cath, I felt I was blogging to ghosts in the first three month of my blog, but I didn’t have direction then. I actually tried to follow in the general “make money” blogging niche which of course didn’t work out.
Only later (along the way) did I discover my love and passion for writing and that is how I found my calling. Some might call this a niche too, which technically speaking it is. But contrary to what many think of niches, it has actually helped the success of my blog.
A niche mustn’t be evil.
Monika Mundells last blog post..Humble Reality Check And The Art Of Living
Evelyn: Thank you. It feels very natural. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
Chase: Yeah, the comments have been wonderful. Really rewarding. Thank you for participating.
Monika: I don’t see how good writing isn’t a niche. Maybe someday soon, someone will explain it to me.
Evelyn: Thank you. It feels very natural. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
Chase: Yeah, the comments have been wonderful. Really rewarding. Thank you for participating.
Monika: I don’t see how good writing isn’t a niche. Maybe someday soon, someone will explain it to me.
@ Writer Dad: Oops, I see where you are coming from now. Forgive me but I thought you were opposing niches and didn’t see to fit into a niche model.
Good writing is certainly a niche. As is a niche that is totally geared at milking people for their money, while supplying information they crave. The former is a niche were bloggers offer free information, based on their experience and knowledge. (This bloggers cares about his readers)
The second is a niche were bloggers (or website owners) offer free information with the intention of having readers click on various ads on the site. That niche is totally geared toward satisfying one thing only – to make money. (This blogger couldn’t give two hoots about his readers).
So, I guess we agree then, unless I really don”t get what you mean. In that case, you have permission to knock me on the head, but please be gentle. :-)
Monika Mundells last blog post..Humble Reality Check And The Art Of Living
@ Writer Dad: Oops, I see where you are coming from now. Forgive me but I thought you were opposing niches and didn’t see to fit into a niche model.
Good writing is certainly a niche. As is a niche that is totally geared at milking people for their money, while supplying information they crave. The former is a niche were bloggers offer free information, based on their experience and knowledge. (This bloggers cares about his readers)
The second is a niche were bloggers (or website owners) offer free information with the intention of having readers click on various ads on the site. That niche is totally geared toward satisfying one thing only – to make money. (This blogger couldn’t give two hoots about his readers).
So, I guess we agree then, unless I really don”t get what you mean. In that case, you have permission to knock me on the head, but please be gentle. :-)
Monika Mundells last blog post..Humble Reality Check And The Art Of Living
Monika: You and I are saying the same thing. Imagine that I wrote this first: Sigh, I don’t see how….
It was a statement of resignation. I don’t see why everyone has to have a niche, and if they do, then I don’t understand why good writing can’t be it.
Monika: You and I are saying the same thing. Imagine that I wrote this first: Sigh, I don’t see how….
It was a statement of resignation. I don’t see why everyone has to have a niche, and if they do, then I don’t understand why good writing can’t be it.
@ Writer Dad: Got you! Glad I haven’t totally lost my marbles then. :-) Keep it coming. I’m off to hit that orange button up top now.
Monika Mundells last blog post..Humble Reality Check And The Art Of Living
@ Writer Dad: Got you! Glad I haven’t totally lost my marbles then. :-) Keep it coming. I’m off to hit that orange button up top now.
Monika Mundells last blog post..Humble Reality Check And The Art Of Living
I’ve realized that I’m the same old guy hidden behind the paper in the morning, sipping my coffee and checking on the world. The difference is that I use a laptop and my world is all about blogs and the inspirational good news of people who are reaching out to share their dreams and their struggles. This is all so much better than the horrifying tales of how people hurt each other.
Realizing this, I knew as you do that Blogging is a valuable work of art, a new genre defining itself every morning over cups of coffee around the world. How incredible, that I sit here in my little place in Vermont and am touched by people in South Africa, France, Japan and all over the States.
Ours is a generation that also changes the whole way that Dad’s operate and are seen in the world. Being man enough to articulate the joys and frustrations of fatherhood is a brave walk in fairly unchartered territory. Being man enough to articulate about any emotions is a welcome change in the world.
There’s your niche!
With your permission, I’ll add yo to my blogroll.
Kip de Molls last blog post..Best Laid Plans
I’ve realized that I’m the same old guy hidden behind the paper in the morning, sipping my coffee and checking on the world. The difference is that I use a laptop and my world is all about blogs and the inspirational good news of people who are reaching out to share their dreams and their struggles. This is all so much better than the horrifying tales of how people hurt each other.
Realizing this, I knew as you do that Blogging is a valuable work of art, a new genre defining itself every morning over cups of coffee around the world. How incredible, that I sit here in my little place in Vermont and am touched by people in South Africa, France, Japan and all over the States.
Ours is a generation that also changes the whole way that Dad’s operate and are seen in the world. Being man enough to articulate the joys and frustrations of fatherhood is a brave walk in fairly unchartered territory. Being man enough to articulate about any emotions is a welcome change in the world.
There’s your niche!
With your permission, I’ll add yo to my blogroll.
Kip de Molls last blog post..Best Laid Plans
Hi there Writer Dad.
I didn’t realise you had only been going for 4 weeks! Wow!
I think a wonderful thing about this blogging world is that there are no rules – we are making it up as we go along. I reckon ANYTHING the experts say can be proven wrong if the blogger is acting from true inspiration (with which the true experts would agree, I think)
Robins last blog post..Letting Creativity Just Slip In
Hi there Writer Dad.
I didn’t realise you had only been going for 4 weeks! Wow!
I think a wonderful thing about this blogging world is that there are no rules – we are making it up as we go along. I reckon ANYTHING the experts say can be proven wrong if the blogger is acting from true inspiration (with which the true experts would agree, I think)
Robins last blog post..Letting Creativity Just Slip In
Dude, glad I’ve met you. And niches? I don’t know that I ever have had one.
Dude, glad I’ve met you. And niches? I don’t know that I ever have had one.
Monika: Your marbles are all safely rolling around in your noggin.
Kip de Moll: You do not need my permission, but you have my thanks.
Robin: Experts are street signs. We’re still the drivers.
Becky: Glad to meet you dudette. Your post last night made me laugh.
Monika: Your marbles are all safely rolling around in your noggin.
Kip de Moll: You do not need my permission, but you have my thanks.
Robin: Experts are street signs. We’re still the drivers.
Becky: Glad to meet you dudette. Your post last night made me laugh.
There are those who know how to work it and those who watch them do it. Clearly you know which side of the line you’re on. Good on you!
There are those who know how to work it and those who watch them do it. Clearly you know which side of the line you’re on. Good on you!
You have a wonderful blog, and I really enjoy your writing style. Congratulations on all your success so far!
You have a wonderful blog, and I really enjoy your writing style. Congratulations on all your success so far!
Hey Writer Dad – wow, only 4 weeks! You’re an old pro! I cringe at the advice to find a niche too. I like to just write. I’m behind on my reader so I have to go find what you’ve so perfectly built up my anticipation over and read the goods now.
Emilys last blog post..Blissfully Domestic!
Hey Writer Dad – wow, only 4 weeks! You’re an old pro! I cringe at the advice to find a niche too. I like to just write. I’m behind on my reader so I have to go find what you’ve so perfectly built up my anticipation over and read the goods now.
Emilys last blog post..Blissfully Domestic!
New Age Bitch: Wow. That’s my first curse ever here on Writer Dad. At least it’s after the kids’ bedtime. That’s a well put compliment. Thank you.
Lance: Thank you, Lance. I’m really glad to have you.
Emily: I hope I didn’t build it up too much.
New Age Bitch: Wow. That’s my first curse ever here on Writer Dad. At least it’s after the kids’ bedtime. That’s a well put compliment. Thank you.
Lance: Thank you, Lance. I’m really glad to have you.
Emily: I hope I didn’t build it up too much.
Sorry to respond so late to this. I just discovered it in my BUSY feed reader.
Thank you for the special mention, and good luck with everything. It was easy to discover you and to fall in love with your blog. You are a great writer.
Vereds last blog post..Are You A Parent? Stressed Much? You Should Check Out UpToUs
Sorry to respond so late to this. I just discovered it in my BUSY feed reader.
Thank you for the special mention, and good luck with everything. It was easy to discover you and to fall in love with your blog. You are a great writer.
Vereds last blog post..Are You A Parent? Stressed Much? You Should Check Out UpToUs
Vered,
I’m SORRY to respond so late. I just discovered your comment, and I have NO excuse.
Vered,
I’m SORRY to respond so late. I just discovered your comment, and I have NO excuse.