Here’s the problem: it’s a niche. It’s small.
While this is a good way to find a passionate readership, it’s also a good way to write yourself into a corner. After a while, the well starts to run dry. You’ve written about everything.
You haven’t, of course – it just feels that way. Here are some suggestions in which you may find some value:
1. Discover what’s changing
The world is moving pretty rapidly these days. Rather than waiting to be told what’s changing in your niche, go out and do some – shock horror – original research. Ask around. Find out what others are noticing and on what projects they’re working. Report back.
Instead of waiting for the inspiration to come to you, hunt it out.
2. Experiment
Take the point above to its natural conclusion and start pushing boundaries yourself. Involve yourself in a project or two that pushes at the edges of your niche. Make discoveries.
Remember, your writing is a barometer – if you’ve nothing interesting about which to write, then you need to do more interesting stuff.
3. Look to the extended family
It’s easy enough to picture a stereotypical minimalist. Drinks green tea, wears Vibrams, does yoga, takes vitamins (hence the image above), is location independent, meditates, doesn’t eat meat…
The reality, of course, is different – but there’s a reason the stereotype exists. In any niche, there are going to be related pursuits and interests that are bound by a common thread. The mindfulness of minimalism translates well into yoga, or the open-mindedness needed for world travel. Have an interest in one, and you may well be of the mindset to think favourably toward the others.
How does the mindset of your niche link to other areas and topics? Can you bring in related ideas about which your audience will be interested?
Write more, think more
One of the best recommendations I can give – beyond the above – is to commit to writing more.
Knowing I have to write a blog post every weekday, for example, forces me to think more about the details of my niche, to explore the angles, to come up with ideas.
As Michael says, committing to writing a lot helps to clarify your thinking.
Above all, please, don’t give up.