“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.
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Dave Fowler 08.14.08 at 12:41 am
WD, I’m looking forward this.
You really do know how to create a sense of anticipation!
I’ve never ‘Stumbled’ anyone or anything because I’ve never found out how to do it. I’m going to find out today so that I can be ready.
Dave
Barbara Swafford 08.14.08 at 12:41 am
Hi Writer Dad,
As I was reading this, I was thinking of what I published today. I checked and saw you had already showed up. Great minds? Yes!
You have found your niche.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Your Audience - Hitting The Bulls Eye
Alex Fayle 08.14.08 at 1:40 am
Wow - such success in such a short time - it’s because you have passion and know what you want. Well done!
Alex Fayles last blog post..Introducing the Lab-Rats
Ulla Hennig 08.14.08 at 2:19 am
Writer Dad,
I am looking forward to tomorrow!
Ulla
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Rhapsody in Green
Karen Braswell 08.14.08 at 2:56 am
Everyone said I needed a niche. Everyone said I needed a niche. I love your posts, Writer Dad. I, too, am new at blogging, and have been told I need a niche, and yet a niche is the one thing I don’t have. Lots of words, but no niche.
You, however, are doing an awesome job without a niche. I check my feed everyday, anticipating what your next post will be. Your style invites readers to come in, sit down, and have a good read. That’s what it’s all about. Looking forward to The Eight Wonder of the World.
Karen Braswells last blog post..The Brick
Kool Aid 08.14.08 at 3:02 am
I can’t wait to read it!
Kool Aids last blog post..trifle
Ryan 08.14.08 at 4:31 am
Thanks for not having a niche. It would make your blog so much more dull. And your writing is fantastic, and it does seem like you know what you want; both of those things combined make for a good read. In fact, there is no other blog currently that I enjoy reading more.
Sal 08.14.08 at 5:08 am
WD, have you been reading my mail again? I have actually been working on a post for finances, but could never get it to where I wanted it to be. I can’t wait to read The Eighth Wonder of the World and I am locked and ready to Digg, Stumble, Tumble, Filp, and basically just jump up and down and scream. The antisipation in this room is so thick, I can hardly wait.
Sals last blog post..What is a blog?
Paul 08.14.08 at 6:24 am
Those who say you need a niche are assuming you need a big audience. I blog for myself. If others find my musings interesting that’s great. If not, fine. You undoubtedly have more readers than I do already and I’ve been blogging for a year, but I wouldn’t change a thing about my blog. And I’m glad to see you won’t be changing yours either, despite what the “experts” say.
Pauls last blog post..Murder and motivation.
Stacey / CreateaBalance 08.14.08 at 6:56 am
My heart felt your words, over coffee, in Chicagoland. I was once talking to someone about niches and my writing…and they replied “It seems clear that you have already found you niche.” At the time, I froze and didn’t have the chance to ask what she was talking about. I was shocked that she thought I had a niche and confused b/c I didn’t know where to find this niche I presumably already had.
“I have thousands and thousands of words that are waiting, and I can’t wait to release them.” - I love that and feel the same way. For me it’s about finding the time and stillness to release the words in the right order so I can articulate the thoughts that are running around in my head.
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
Writer Dad 08.14.08 at 7:00 am
David: Thank you. I’ve had kind of a difficult time with Stumbling (I know I just need to devote some time to it). I think if you use firefox, then it’s as easy as downloading a toolbar and clicking on the “I like it” button. Thank you so much for your support. I am excited about tomorrow.
Barbara: I posted last night, and then decided to read one post before I went to bed. I checked my feed and decided on yours. It was the best decision. Your post and mine could definitely hold hands.
Alex: Thank you, and thank you for contributing so fluid and regular. It’s been appreciated. Also, thank you for introducing me to Rita. I have enjoyed our banter.
Ula: Thank you, me too!
Karen: Thank you, that is exactly how I would love for people to view my style. See you tomorrow!
Kool Aid: I can’t wait to hear what you think. Thanks for being excited.
Ryan: That is a HIGH compliment. I appreciate it.
Sal: I need to get you some pom poms. Thank you so much for your support. I hope I don’t let you down.
Paul: I’d rather have a thousand readers who read me every day, and looked forward to what I had to say, then ten times the amount who had me in their reader, but never checked my post.
Stacy: “My heart felt your words.” Thank you, truly.
Sal 08.14.08 at 7:16 am
WD: You and Paul just gave me a great idea for a post tomorrow. Thanks! And the pom poms aren’t necessary, but one of those loud megaphone things wouldn’t hurt!
Sals last blog post..What is a blog?
Marelisa 08.14.08 at 8:26 am
Hi Writer Dad: I’m glad that you’re doing so well with your blog, I think it’s because you’re a great writer and you come across as someone who is sincere. I look forward to your story tomorrow.
Marelisas last blog post..Slow Down - 32 Ways to Start Now
Ian Parker 08.14.08 at 8:34 am
WD,
Sold sight unseen. That’s how much confidence I have in your writing and how much I enjoy your style. Truth be told, I cannot remember how I first found your site, but it is in my feed reader, and it is the one site I look forward to reading daily. This site is proof that content is king.
Be well.
Ian
Ian Parkers last blog post..Live Live
Kristen, aka The Frugal Girl 08.14.08 at 9:12 am
Isn’t it exciting when you realize, “Hey! People actually are interested in reading what I have to say!”? I was on blogspot for a number of months too, with limited success. Since I started focusing on frugality on wordpress, though, things have gone much better, and I’m amazed at the number of people who come to read my blog. It’s small beans compared to well-established bloggers, I’m sure, but it’s exciting for me.
Kristen, aka The Frugal Girls last blog post..How I plan my menu.
Julie 08.14.08 at 9:48 am
Before reading others’ comments, I want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for being brave and, in doing so, encouraging me. I am new to blogging, too, and have been stymied by “niche” and “voice.” Finally, I decided to just be myself, to relax and let it all just come through as it may, and now half-formed plans and ideas are percolating like mad! Thanks for the affirmation! While you jumped in there in a mere month, it’ll take me much longer, but now I know, I really and truly know, it will happen. Thank you, thank you. You truly are a welcome inspiration, in how you write, in how open you are, and in what you say. You listened to your intuition, didn’t question, and look how wonderful it all is! Okay, gushing over.
Julies last blog post..The Value of Playing with a Tiger
Writer Dad 08.14.08 at 10:04 am
Sal: Remember, my mom uses a megaphone to speak. I’ll see if she has an extra.
Marelisa: Thank you for both compliments. Back at you.
Ian: Thank you, and I hope I don’t disappoint.
Kristen: Yes. Absolutely. Don’t get me wrong, I do want to be “established,” but I want it to be for my words, not my traffic.
Julie: Very, very kind. Please feel free to gush as much and as often as you like. It’s like shoveling coal into old Writer Dad.
Bamboo Forest 08.14.08 at 10:14 am
“I started this blog four weeks ago. I didn’t know why I wanted to start, only that I was sure I should. ”
Why are are you withholding the account of the luminous ferry who woke you out of a sound sleep in the middle of the night conveying the message, “if you blog it, they will come.”
A little honesty, writer dad!
Bamboo Forests last blog post..The Frightening Truth about Bloggers
Rita 08.14.08 at 1:20 pm
Writer Dad,
My most heartfelt congratulations on the success of your blog. You certainly do deserve it, so there’s something that we can FINALLY agree on.
Whether we agree or disagree on a topic, I always love to read your words. Your writing style is excellent, and though I have never tasted coffee (true), I have your blog as my “daily cuppa” now.
One thing I’d like to know: have you EVER given any thought to finding a niche? It’s quite important, from everything I’ve read about blogging. You really should at least give it a little thought.
Thank you for NOT pigeon-holing yourself with a label that would make you feel uncomfortable. No matter WHAT you blog on, it is done with passion and sincerity. You deserve EVERY ounce of success you’ve achieved - and more. Thank you for being there to share with us. I, for one, will miss you terribly this weekend!
All the best,
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The FIRST Time I Almost Got Expelled from College
Jo Beaufoix 08.14.08 at 1:26 pm
Hi Writer Dad. Thanks for all the comments while I’ve been away. They are much appreciated and I am slowly catching up on my reading.
Great post. I’m not sure if I have a niche. I suppose I just look for humour in everyday things and like you I love to write. As far as I can see that’s a great place to start and people come to your site because you give them good writing and variety.
Keep it up and congratulations.
Jo Beaufoixs last blog post..Unmentionables and booty
MizFit 08.14.08 at 1:39 pm
such a great post…your gift is truly with words.
Ill be back tomorrow.
with a fresh head
and a more insightful comment.
Miz.
MizFits last blog post..TOMORROW STARTS THE SCAVENGING!
Writer Dad 08.14.08 at 1:46 pm
Bamboo Forest: It wasn’t a fairy, it was a goblin. And please, do not speak of it again. He will come while I’m sleeping and do horrible, horrible things to me….. again.
Rita: You are very kind to me. Thank you. Last night, I actually put on a Weavers CD, but the sound quality was terrible, and I had to take it off. It was fun for about ten minutes, though. Thanks. Your words do mean a lot, and I do appreciate them. May I make one request? I would love to read a post on how you’ve never even TASTED coffee.
Jo: My absolute pleasure, and thank you.
Miz: I look forward to it.
Urban Panther 08.14.08 at 1:55 pm
My niche developed as I moved through the first 3 months of blogging. I had a voice, but no clue as to who wanted to listen to it. Now I know! And the great thing is, the listener are talking back. Now there is dialogue! It’s exciting, eh? (yes, I’m Canadian, eh?) Congrats!
Urban Panthers last blog post..Who is the Panther anyway?
Elaine 08.14.08 at 2:05 pm
wow, i’ve had my blog for years and nobody reads it, lol, but i’ve got nothing to say.. thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, it was a wonderful surprise
Cath Lawson 08.14.08 at 2:36 pm
Hi Writer Dad - I’m impressed at how quickly you built this blog. After my first three months - I still felt as though I was preaching to an empty room.
The money thing is difficult isn’t it? And a lot of the time you feel as though you’re battling against all these consumer messages, while trying to give your children a decent understanding.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Don’t Be Like The Women On The Titanic
Scott @ The Passive Dad 08.14.08 at 2:55 pm
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:)
Writer Dad 08.14.08 at 3:09 pm
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.
Rita 08.14.08 at 5:24 pm
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
Andy @ bloginyourface.com 08.14.08 at 6:26 pm
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
Writer Dad 08.14.08 at 6:36 pm
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.
Evelyn Lim 08.14.08 at 7:11 pm
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
Chase March 08.14.08 at 7:22 pm
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
Monika Mundell 08.14.08 at 8:20 pm
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
Writer Dad 08.14.08 at 8:26 pm
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.
Monika Mundell 08.14.08 at 9:13 pm
@ 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 08.14.08 at 9:21 pm
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 Mundell 08.14.08 at 9:40 pm
@ 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
Kip de Moll 08.15.08 at 6:57 am
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
Robin 08.15.08 at 7:12 am
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
Becky 08.15.08 at 8:37 am
Dude, glad I’ve met you. And niches? I don’t know that I ever have had one.
Writer Dad 08.15.08 at 8:41 am
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.
New Age Bitch 08.15.08 at 5:19 pm
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!
Lance 08.15.08 at 5:55 pm
You have a wonderful blog, and I really enjoy your writing style. Congratulations on all your success so far!
Emily 08.15.08 at 9:12 pm
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!
Writer Dad 08.15.08 at 9:54 pm
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.
Vered 08.16.08 at 10:52 am
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
Writer Dad 09.07.08 at 2:36 pm
Vered,
I’m SORRY to respond so late. I just discovered your comment, and I have NO excuse.