Let’s talk about something that’s been the elephant in the room for many of us–the dreaded “P” word: platform. In the realm of publishing, it seems like everyone is fixated on the numbers: how many followers you have, the size of your email list, or the reach of your social-media presence. But what if I told you there’s a more authentic and meaningful approach to becoming an author?

Writing: The Overflow of Building People, Not Platforms

So, here’s the scoop: Writing should be an overflow of building people, not platforms. I get it; the publishing world often throws around the question, “What’s your platform?” as if the number of your followers determines the value of your voice. But let me challenge you to shift your focus. Instead of obsessing over the digital metrics, let’s zoom in on the real, live people in your sphere of influence.

Your First Audience: Real People in Your Life

Before you stress over your virtual audience, take a moment to identify the real, live people in your life who are a representation of your intended readership. If your message is for discouraged women, who are the women in your immediate circle who could benefit from your words? If your writing speaks to youth, how are you serving and connecting with the young people in your church or community?

Your first audience is likely right in front of you: the people you interact with daily, the ones you can genuinely impact. So, let’s dive into three practical ways to serve this actual audience.

Three Ways to Serve Your Actual Audience

Look local. Meet the needs of your church community. Your local church is a gold mine of opportunities to serve and connect with your audience. Talk to your pastor, understand the needs of your congregation, and explore how your message and method could make a difference. Maybe there’s a women’s group longing for encouragement or a youth ministry in need of fresh perspectives. Your local church community is a great starting point for building meaningful connections.

Connect in real life through serving. Address needs and make an impact. Are you passionate about a specific group, perhaps teen moms or burned-out leaders? Instead of solely reaching out through digital platforms, find ways to serve them in real life. Create initiatives or events that meet their practical needs. When you connect face-to-face, you not only make a tangible impact but also build a foundation for authentic relationships.

Make disciples. Pour your life into someone else’s. When your audience is behind a screen, it’s easy to forget that your words have the power to disciple and influence real lives. But why not take it a step further? Invest your time in making disciples. Pour your life into someone else’s, whether it’s mentoring a young writer, encouraging a struggling friend, or guiding someone on their journey with Jesus. Real-time discipleship offers insights into how your message impacts your intended audience on a personal level.

Authentic Authorship Is Rooted in Relationships

In a world obsessed with digital numbers, let’s remember that authentic authorship is rooted in relationships. Your voice carries weight not only in the virtual realm but in the lives of those you encounter daily. So, before you stress over platform numbers, look around you. Your first audience might be closer than you think.

Build people, invest in lives, and watch how your writing naturally overflows from genuine connections. The heartbeat of your message is the impact it has on real people, not only the statistics on your screen. May your words resonate with the hearts that matter most: the ones right in front of you!