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!
I’m Not Interested in These Kinds of Writers
I try to keep my content fresh,
but I’m worn out beyond belief,
and sometimes in this endless thresh
I wish for rest, for some relief
from that endless stark demand
for Original and New
that does daily seek remand
of soul to writers’ gaol anew,
writhing in the chains I forged,
to which I’ve added, link on link,
a need not sated, but engorged,
that takes me to and past the brink
that marks the landscape of my night…
why did I ever choose to write!
Great post Dan. So true. Before you “plant” your book in the big “garden,” germinate the “seed” in an indoor pot with “potting soil.” Let it be nourished, grow, and adapt. When it’s clear that it’s healthy, and when it starts putting out buds or blossoms, it’s ready for the garden.
Those of us who journal, and/or blog have seedlings daily. And, as any gardener knows, many of the seedlings fail. They require thinning out of the weaker ones. Eventually, though, some not only make it to the garden but take over out there.
Question to other authors: how many of us “Beta-Test” our germinating books via our blogs?
I love this post! I’m currently not on social media yet, but I do have a website. As a fangirl, it actually annoys me MORE when authors don’t talk about their books. I appreciate book reviews (and I do a few myself on my newsletter, with the focus of helping support other YA authors) but long periods with not even a WC or editing update on their books just irks me. I signed up for their email lists to learn how THEIR books were going, not just for other peoples’ content! And if they post updates on social media, I usually can’t see them because I don’t have social media. Extremely frustrating!
Anyway, love this post. Wish more authors would listen to it, especially as a fangirl in many book fandoms.
Your thoughts are spot-on and helpful. I do find a bit of a disconnect on the part of the industry, however. It’s the same thing my pastor-husband experienced in being hired out of seminary: “We want a young pastor with 10 years experience.” How unrealistic.
I work a 40 hr/wk job for the excellent insurance, actively serve a church, keep my marriage growing, stay in touch with the children and grandchildren, and write fiction on the side. And when does my platform happen? I have some original ideas but I doubt I will have the time and head space to complete them until I’m retired next year. I certainly understand the marketing reasons for having a platform, but I think it’s unrealistic to expect creative people already scratching to make a living do one big thing more and do it well.
So true, Dan. This is another insightful post. And, thanks for the ideas that can be included on a platform!
The best way to cultivate an original website is to find your brand identity. Ask yourself why you, as a totally unique person, are here on this earth? Who do you want to impact with your life? What has God put in your life that brings you joy? Isolate these things and imagine them falling under your brand umbrella. Everything you do, writing a book, songs, poetry, or having an incredible service program, all fall under your umbrella.
It took me a long time to figure this out and most of it I was already doing in my ministry to teen girls. My book came from a desire to serve them, and my website grew from that. One thing I know for sure: as we grow and change, our social media and website will also grow and change. The important thing is to get started!