16 Comments
User's avatar
Tina Lance's avatar

Thanks Benjamin for this post. I really like your content. I’ve been grappling with the idea that you NEED to have a niche. I don’t have a niche but I do have a pretty specific way of seeing the world. And I do think that shows in my work even if one day I’m writing about AI and the next I’m writing about personal growth. Your article reassured me a bit and re-inspired me to stick with it. Thank you.

Benjamin Antoine's avatar

Yes the whole niche argument can get tiresome but I think most of us are thinking about it in the wrong way

It's Official - I Am Old!'s avatar

Thank you for this. I can see now how my writing can evolve from where it is currently. I am saving this article, and plan to return to it regularly as I forge a new path.

Benjamin Antoine's avatar

Perfect. Hope I can write a few more that help

Monika Maurer's avatar

Interesting post, thank you! Always helpful to be offered a little vision about what is possible. I do feel there is a thread that runs through my writing but I will be much more deliberate about it now.

Benjamin Antoine's avatar

Thanks Monika. This was as much a reminder to myself as to anyone else. It is easy to get stuck in individual articles - headlines and hooks - but I think the real power is zooming out a little and focusing on the journey and trajectory.

Monika Maurer's avatar

I agree. I often have that idea for an arc or a journey but then get distracted and take diversions!!! So good to be reminded. Thank you!

Fiona McDonnell's avatar

Interesting. As someone who has been leading for year inside large corporates, I believe I built ideas and inspiration that lasts as opposed to nothing. But you are right, translating it into continual written ideas is far easier when you know your why.

Benjamin Antoine's avatar

Yes. The point I was trying to get at is that there are infinite directions to go in and a clear vision is a large part of how you decide which direction to take

Felicia Babb Cass's avatar

I’ve been circling this tension for a while—writing that feels meaningful in the moment, but doesn’t seem to carry forward.

This piece helped me see why. I'm grateful for the clarity. Looking forward to your next post.

Benjamin Antoine's avatar

I’m glad it helped

Sue J. Choi's avatar

Insightful post! I hope many who read this are inspired to find a meaningful thread through their writing. Look at the work of any artist and you see the themes, the explorations, and the connections.

Love chihuahuas's avatar

Thank you for this article. 😊 I will be posting a note later this week about my writing and where I want to go with it.

Mira's avatar

what counts as "building" though? because that's doing a lot of work in this headline

Regina Duke's avatar

If it doesn’t build on itself, it disappears.