“A lot of other people have written about this. Is there room for one more? Does it make sense for me to write about it too?” As an editorial director for a book publisher, I get these questions a lot!
In fact, I asked the same questions. I remember emailing blogger and author Jeff Goins and asking about starting a blog on writing, publishing, and creativity. I asked, “Don’t you, Michael Hyatt, and Todd Henry pretty much have that covered, or is there room for one more?”
I’m so glad Jeff responded, “All of the late-night talk shows do basically the same thing – tell jokes and interview people. What makes them unique is the personality and perspective and style of the host. And your voice makes you unique.”
There’s always room for one more because one more is actually not one more. One more is one of a kind.
Be the One to Start. And Don’t Stop.
So if you’re wondering, Is there room for one more? I want to tell you emphatically – YES!
There’s always room for one more person who is bringing their best into the world for the benefit of others.
Unequivocally, Yes!
You just have to start. And if you’ve started, you just have to keep going.
Yes it’s tough. We get into this business of writing or leading or otherwise creating, and in the beginning it all has so much life – excitement, energy.
Our passion is just blazing. Like a fire that just gets going or young love or a new car or the beginning of a week-long vacation.
Then somewhere along the way, things get tough. The fire dies. Young love meets reality. The new car smell fades. We get sunburned on the beach. And the excitement fades.
But if it’s worth doing, it’s worth continuing. So keep going. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Get help when you need it.
Join or start a community of people who are doing something similar and support them. Love them. Serve them. Critique and support and tweet them.
Generosity has a way of returning the favor. So get started.
As you share your message to the world, you will notice that your message changes – it evolves.
So let it develop. Let your voice grow and move and evolve. And follow where it leads.
You Are an Expert
Brendon Burchard once said, “Your life message, your knowledge, and your voice- what you know from experience and want to share with the world – have greater importance and market value than you probably ever dreamed.”
He’s right. What you have to say really, really matters. And what’s obvious to you is not obvious to others. The world needs to hear your message.
Do you believe that? I hope so. Step out, keep going, and let it develop. See where the journey takes you.
[Tweet “Your life message has greater importance and market value than you ever thought possible.”]A Special Gift for Michael Nichols Readers
I put together a resource kit especially for Michael Nichols readers. Visit this special page, enter your email address, and I’ll send some items I’ve prepared specially for you. Here’s what you’ll get:
- A PDF of an infographic on How to Come Up with a Great Book Concept, which will help you take a few scattered ideas and shape them into a solid book concept.
- A 4-minute video tutorial in which I walk you through the infographic step by step.
- A copy of my Book Proposal Guidelines, which have helped countless authors write contract-winning book proposals.
This was a timely message for me! Maybe I am on my way out of this rut. Greatly encouraged!
I needed to hear this today, Chad! I always appreciate your kind words and support of people following their hearts. Keep being awesome!
Aw, that’s very kind. You have a gift for this too!
Chad is right – you have the same gift!
Thank you for this reminder! Two of my dearest friends and I started a blog together — attempting to write with both a collective and unique voice — and we often wonder if anyone really cares? Kind of superficial, I know, but when you throw your heart out into the “blog-o-sphere” and you basically get “crickets” in return, you just gotta wonder. Every so often we question the validity and value of our blog, but every time we do we return to the same place — we remember our passion for telling the story of God’s great love and faithfulness in the midst of the joy and the pain and the exciting and the mundane. Once again we return to the keys and God’s spirit whispers to our hearts that yes, this is worth it because HE is worth it!
Love it, Megan. One tactic to use in growing your audience if you haven’t already is to begin capturing email addresses–to make that process of giving you an email address as easy and compelling as possible. But don’t give up. You can do this, and we need you to do it.
thanks, chad! this is something we have talked about doing (collecting email addresses), but not quite sure how to go about it. is there a framework/tutorial somewhere online that explains how one does just that? we have a mail chimp account so people can subscribe, so that’s the only access we have right now to people’s emails….. any advice/direction would be super appreciated!! thanks 🙂
Megan, I use a leadbox from LeadPages, which requires a monthly subscription, but I would Good “best opt-in plugin” or something like that and see what you turn up.
Kept writing Megan – the world needs your message!
This is insightful: “what’s obvious to you is not obvious to others.” And also very helpful and encouraging. Thanks.
Thank you, Erin! It’s borne out in my experience.
Thanks Erin – very true!