As we started yesterday, we gave our different ideas of what we feel content is. We all are right as Content in its simplest form means the body of a particular thing.
So, when we talk about films, writings, music etc. The content is what defines that particular work of art. It is through the body or as the case may be, content that you determine what that particular piece entails. Now, when we talk about Content choice, we are referring to a subjective idea of a work of art. I mean, as an individual, what content would you prefer to project or master.
Sometimes, it is called a niche.
When we refer to a niche. We are referring to the central theme that is peculiar to the content of a particular artist. Be it a musician, a writer or a Film maker. Let me give an example of popular blogs. If you are familiar with Linda Ikeji and Bella Naija. You will see that for Linda, she runs a gossip blog while Bella Naija runs an event blog.
Now for both of them, even if they have other things their blogs focus on, they have peculiarities.

Now, To the core of the discussion. Content Choice as a Writer. As a writer, you have to be sensitive to what you call your niche or your content choice. As a matter of fact, it is almost as crucial as the content itself because it is not enough to just have a story, it is you having a story that will both sell and be relevant to your immediate society and the world in general. So, there are certain things to be considered when considering a content choice.

First, Explore your strengths and weaknesses. It is important you understand that you can’t be perfect in everything. You can be good at all no doubt, but some of these things will come to you more naturally than some others. It is your duty to consciously understand that which comes to you more naturally and that which doesn’t. It will help you in your selection.

So for someone like me, flash fictions and short stories come to me very easily. The same way for film, drama comes easier for me than sitcoms. Therefore, when I have to write sitcoms, I give it more concentration than drama so I don’t mess up. Sometimes, it will better to do more of that which is your strength so that you will not break along the line.

Secondly, find your place of interest and influence. So, beyond understanding your styles, find topics that you find very interesting. For some people, they find relationship talks very interesting, for others, it’s politics etc. So you pick which topic interest you most and you pay attention to it.

Now let’s get something straight. Diversity is good but concentration is powerful. You need many passive readers. You need few active readers.
So. If your niche is just gonna attract a specific set of people. Then make them your target audience. The twist to it however is that, there must be a little spice to your work. But don’t lose the niche of it.

Lemme give an example, I run a lifestyle blog that has different contents daily from relationship to reviews etc.
Now, when you want to get on the blog. You know you are going to see different things that concerns YOUR life.

So. On Tuesdays when I do relationship for example, I know that, not everyone likes relationship talk. So, there is always a linking story to the write up. For the day, I can talk on, ‘Is Age a Determinant in a Relationship’ and ‘there is a story that about elderly marriage’.

The power in that is ALWAYS SPICE YOUR NICHE OVER TIME

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INTERACTIVE SESSIONS

1.
[4/13, 8:47 PM] Versatile Saint: There’s this English-Literary mentality that people concede to, that as a writer one’s work should be subjected to the idea of either prose, drama, or poetry… Can u please tell us how what to do, as writers whose necessities to write our heart sincerity doesn’t satisfy these categorisation?

[4/13, 8:51 PM] Guest Speaker: There is something called breaking conventions. Most writers are not better because they are too rigid.
But on the other hand. Practically every write up. Will. Fall. Under one of these categories. Spoken words is poetry or prose as the case may be, Flash fiction is prose.

2.
[4/13, 9:00 PM] ‪+234 810 323 7298‬: And please ma my question is that does it speak right to write according to what is going on in the society one lives in ?

[4/13, 9:03 PM] Guest Speaker: Yes. That what sells really. Take advantage of every social content you get.

[4/13, 9:06 PM] ‪+234 810 323 7298‬: And does it really matter to give people to proof read before publishing?

[4/13, 9:07 PM] Guest Speaker: Yes it is. It’s necessary. It makes you better. Creative criticism is very good.

3.
[4/13, 9:10 PM] ‪+234 810 621 8398‬: Thank you ma.
My question is what should I do when it feels like I am not getting feedback at all?

[4/13, 9:12 PM] Guest Speaker: Be consistent. Your first drive should be Passion. So keep doing what you love. With time, people will be forced to give feedback.

4
[4/14, 4:42 AM] ‪+234 909 981 5257‬: My Question; I wish to stay in a place to be known for my writing but since I’m a Life Coach which practically means I will write about most things concerning Life.
In that aspect, what can be done?

[4/14, 10:14 AM] Guest Speaker: Firstly, as a writer, your work will do the travelling for you. You can be in an obscure environment and you will be surprised to hear your works have traveled to countries you have never been.
On the aspect of having a specific niche. Being a life coach is one niche on its own. You can now treat it in different forms.
For example, I mentioned that my blog is lifestyle. So what I do is, I treat different contents that has to do with life.