The internet is filled with all sorts of advice for newbie writers.

"Be consistent."

"Write everyday."

"Set a schedule."

These are all valuable practices on a surface level. But determining what doesn't work may be more important than following the lead of others.

This is especially true of the following advice:

"To be successful, you must find your niche."

Telling new writers to find a niche is akin to sending a new hiker into the woods without a map or supplies.

First off, it's not that simple to "find" the right content to pursue. The volume of information—from keywords, to Google search parameters, and now the influx of AI-driven text—makes this chore difficult, even for the pros.

Secondly, and perhaps most important, picking one lane to focus on is not conducive to creativity for many writers. I, for one, need to move between projects. If I don't, I not only risk burnout or writer's block, but I also fail to deliver my best work.

When I came to the realization the "find your niche" mandate was detrimental, I felt rejuvenated. No more strict rules or parameters! I could write what I wanted, following my creative flow wherever it led.

This is not to say, of course, that one can just show up, write at will, and push their words onto the world without forethought or careful deliberation. Writing is still a craft, and one's efforts should always be on improving that.

But how nice is it to get up every morning with a clean slate before you?

Sure, I still tend to write in specific categories that interest me. But I am not locked into these topics. Instead, I can move between them or pick up an entirely new topic based on recent experiences or world events. The sky truly is the limit, and the only one who can suppress my writing efforts now is me.

The goal for The Nicheless Writer is to help those just getting started to avoid the mistakes I made. And, for experienced writers, to give you permission to venture outside the normal conventions of professional writing.

As I craft this text now, the following quote is taped to my monitor stand. I hope it inspires in you the same positivity it offers me.

"If you have no road map, you have to create your own."
— Jacqueline Woodson