In 2021, I wrote a post for this agency blog encouraging writers to write with originality. Original Writing came to mind after seeing a few too many book proposals that were mostly summaries of other authors’ books. While academic and reference works are mostly made up of that type of material, most other nonfiction books require the author to be somewhat of an expert in a field. And the book reflects mostly their thinking, with some supportive material from others only for credibility and clarification.
The same works for platform building. You should create mostly original content and limit the number of response and reaction posts and “Hey, did you see this?” type of material. Nowadays, much of the content in all media is simply a reaction to someone else’s material found in other media.
I am waiting for the day when a podcaster quotes a podcaster quoting a podcaster quoting a podcaster.
Those with the largest author platforms have one thing in common. They have original content. They interview people, discuss issues, ask insightful questions, and have generally interesting themes that people want to consume.
Platform building, with all the different options open to authors, also has one common thread. It requires the author to be creative, interesting, prolific, imaginative, insightful, disciplined, consistent, and have a keen sense of what consumers want.
Maybe your first book is best used for hundreds of social media posts used on your platform. Then, if your following grows, you will know what themes resonated with readers and can write a more targeted and focused second book that people want to buy.
Writers who are Christians have an advantage in that they have guardrails and spiritual insight that are not present for others.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verses 4-9, is a good source of insight into the approach and attitude of a Christian writer and the accompanying guardrails.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (NIV).
Asking others to help you focus your message on an original platform might be the catalyst for your creative breakthrough.
Writing shorter-length material for use in platform development is a great discipline that could help develop your creative “muscles.” Making a point in a couple hundred words could be just the workout you need to move forward.
Scripture is a limitless source of insight for a Christian writer. The most difficult challenge is knowing where to begin!
