You’re Not a Terrible Writer if You Play the Field

Branching into Several Directions Doesn’t Make You a Bad Writer

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

I once won a tee shirt for being an eclectic writer. Okay, not every writer’s goal, but at the time, spreading my writing within a wide range of topics worked for me, not against me.

But I often hear the opposite advice from other writers. Perhaps limiting their work to a narrow field of subjects brings them positive results. “Narrow your focus” isn’t the right advice for all of us, though.

Some writers are Jack-of-all-trades. Moreover, they are proficient in varied areas rather than churning out mediocre writing.

The idea that branching off in several directions leads to poor work and other negative results doesn’t always hold true. People imagine you can’t diversify and maintain integrity and skill. Yet, you thrive by spreading your abilities if you are an expansive writer.

Writer’s needs vary

I write in several genres, and one feeds the other. Creative writing, for instance, spills into factual articles, and I’m glad.

After writing poetry or short stories, my brain is in creative mode. If I then switch to, let’s say, a self-improvement post, it’s easy for me to include metaphors and my unique creative writing voice in my work.

Your needs as a writer may differ. Perhaps focusing on a single theme helps you excel and brings out your best. It might attract readers who enjoy specific subjects too. But it is possible to be eclectic and maintain readership.

Suggestions

If you want to branch out and vary written topics, you might create publications to house them, so readers can go to the articles or stories they enjoy most.

You can also write for other writers’ publications that suit different genres. Your readers will see where you’ve posted written work and can head in their chosen direction.

Your writer’s voice is probably best maintained, though.

I say “probably,” in case I’m wrong. Nonetheless, once you’ve built a following of readers who return to your work repeatedly, varying your writing tone may…