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  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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marcoujor: To Niche or Not?

5/17/2017

20 Comments

 
Picture
Some writer friends recently initiated a discussion on the subject of a writer’s niche.  I found this worthy of some thought which leads me to seeking your opinion on the subject as well.

By definition, the word niche, a noun, has three interpretations...

1. A shallow recess, like one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament

​Oh my gosh, who has been gazing at my writer’s studio? My think tank, which tends to look more like The Titanic on a good day has (12) cabinets of various shapes and sizes on the walls.
​Interestingly enough, not one of these (12) niches has a specific theme. Instead I am able to showcase tiny treasures given to me from members of my family, friends, students and co-workers.

Every single treasure has its own story. I find myself drawn to sharing some of these memories throughout my writing.

​2. A comfortable or suitable position in life or employment

By profession, my niche is nursing. Even within this vast field, I recognize we all have our specific areas of interest and expertise.

I find my writing contains a fair share of life experience and lessons learned throughout my nursing journey of patient care, leadership/administrative positions, and teaching.

I seem to write with regularity on the subjects of holistic principles, self-care strategies, and mindfulness. This writing simultaneously helps me to practice what I preach and teach to those friends and students I encounter along the way.

3. A specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service

​This is the definition that most fits the issue. Specifically, does my writing appeal to a particular audience?

In my case, the question might be, “Should I focus my writing more to appeal to a particular audience?”  If yes, who should that audience be?

A friend recently told me how upset she was that a blogger, she’d never met but followed religiously, was shutting down his website.  

This man’s niche was diabetes management for years, when life threw him an ironic curveball. He changed his niche to his journey of coping with a diagnosis of cancer. As months progressed, he became too weak to continue his writing and he was gracious enough to let his followers know.

As for me, I am amazed that I have been blogging steadily on a weekly schedule for over three years. I take this seriously and have missed one week that I recall in this time, which feels like a good track record.

The readers that I know through comments, emails and conversations are all the motivation I need to keep writing. Many of my readers go the extra mile in sharing my work in a variety of social media forums.  

As a result, my readership steadily grows. According to my current Weebly statistics, I have...

  • 1038 unique visitors / week
  • 6162 page views / week  

There is a feeling of comfort and anonymity when I check these figures. I know about 10% of my unique visitors are my ‘regulars’,  who have subscribed and keep in some kind of direct contact with me.

I’m honored that others take the time to read my musings and recognize that not everyone has the time, or desire, to leave a comment, or even formally subscribe.

While I have your attention, to niche or not...

PictureImage via John Hain of Pixabay. Click the image to view his gallery there.
​I would love to hear your thoughts on my writing. More specifically, is there a particular style or subject that I write on that holds your interest more than others?

​
As a teacher, I appreciate hearing all sides. And so, is there a particular style or subject that holds little to no interest for you?  

Do you enjoy guest posts or interviews when featured?

Have you shared my work with your circle of friends? If so, what kinds of writing do you tend to share?

Would you like to see more music featured? I am forever discovering artists I love and would love to share, yet music of all genres through the years touches my heart and I enjoy sharing songs I know at least some of my readers are also drawn to.

I invite you to share your thoughts in the comment section, via email or even through a note in the Contact Me section of this website.


ShoutOuts

☙ Ginger: A Celebration! Via WarnerWords
☙ Temptation of The Wind via Fireside with Rolly
☙ OrganicAlternatives: Confuse the brain to ease the pain via flashPress

Thank you for stopping by my virtual den.  

Hope to hear from you as you have the time,

mar
20 Comments
paula link
5/17/2017 12:37:03 pm

Hey Maria my sweet lady friend. Let's see now....hmmmm, I'm gonna have to say that your writing, ALL of it, does appeal to a specific audience. That audience would be anyone who reads it!
You're a damned Rock Star, girlfriend. Your writing is phenomenal!
Unlike my usual comments that go on & on....I've really said it all quite concisely!
Today is the first "Gorgeous day," we've had. My idea of perfect weather, not stifling but Mr. Sun is shining brightly, the breeze is wonderful....and oh yeah, one more thing......I should be washing windows!! Peace, girl~~Paula

Reply
Maria link
5/18/2017 07:49:13 am

Oh my gosh, Paula... your feedback makes me blush. Thank you for your loyal friendship and support of my writing.

We are having some gorgeous weather too. The last thing I'll be tending to is my windows sooooooo...... let's simply enjoy Mr. Sun and the breeze.

Love and peace to you, Maria

Reply
Mike Friedman
5/17/2017 01:11:19 pm

Good morning mar - If I had an imaginative mind, I would take the image of your office with many different shelves with mementos and turn each piece/item into a story. It is a very Ray Bradbury type idea. I am thinking six tv seasons.

As for your writing, Paula said it better than anyone else is going to approach. Your work is a beautiful counter to the negative that appears so many other places.

Now, for an idea about what to present. I think a Kylie's Blossoms podcast is in order. It would consist of twelve episodes. All you would have to write is a very brief introduction paragraph. That's my pitch.

Reply
Maria link
5/18/2017 08:08:14 am

Dear Mike,

This comment needs to and will be carefully dissected.

Six TV seasons aside (LOL), I am intrigued with the idea of my tangible memories telling their story.

Thank you. No matter how bleak things can seem, I gravitate towards that 'glass is half full' perspective. I know it helps me - heartened to hear it does the same for you.

A podcast? I wouldn't have a clue as to how to pursue...so be prepared for a consult - you are a dedicated and 'patient' teacher with me.

Hope you are having a peaceful week. Hugs, mar


Reply
Martie link
5/17/2017 01:46:57 pm

Dearest, Maria

I suggest you don't change. Your posts are perfect as they are. Each of them has a life lesson and advice we need to hear from time to time.

Hugs,
Martie

Reply
Maria link
5/18/2017 08:15:47 am

Thank you for this validating comment, dear Martie.

The email you sent me has also given me food for thought.

Love you and hope you are having a good week. Hugs, mar

Reply
Susie
5/17/2017 02:56:49 pm

Mareers, I love your writing and am continually impressed by your thoughtfulness, intelligence and humor. You make me feel like I learn a little more about you in each blog and I think the length is also fantastic!

Reply
Maria link
5/18/2017 08:20:02 am

Oh Susie,
If anyone could be a sweetheart and a rascal at the same time, it would be you...!
I know how busy we all are so thanks for noticing I try to keep a handle on the length of my blogs.
I appreciate your comment and I sure do love you, mareer
PS - Thanks for continuing to put an 's' on me... ;)

Reply
Angelia link
5/18/2017 03:34:28 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

I love rich, dark coffee, with and without creamer. I love plain and spiced rice, of nearly every variety.

I'm very thankful mDesk is served with a variety of flavours, some sweet, some savoury and at a variety of temps.

Blogs don't have to be bland or hemmed in to be successful, and mDesk is a perfect example of such.

:)

Reply
Maria link
5/22/2017 06:55:30 am

Dear Ange,
I love this comment - and I thank you for all you do to make my website such a lovely place to visit.
Wishing you a peaceful week. Love, mar

Reply
Michael link
5/19/2017 09:50:30 am

I must agree with all of the above comments. You have a lovely fluid writing style because it comes from the heart. Always educational and informative without being preachy.
Your stats prove that you have an engaged audience and they like what you write. Just keep doing what you do and your ever growing audience will continue to grow.
Variety is the spice of life. Niches smiches lol

Reply
Maria link
5/22/2017 06:58:15 am

"Niches smiches", indeed, dear Michael. I'm beginning to see a theme in these beautiful comments.

Your feedback means a great deal. I thank you for taking the time to share my work as well - you are appreciated.

Reply
Vicki link
5/19/2017 11:19:41 am

Dear Mareer,

I enjoy the variety in your posts, and your readers and stats seem to tell you that's the way to go. I like that you write from the heart. That's something that makes readers want more.
Just keep it up!
Love and hugs,
Vickster

Reply
Maria link
5/22/2017 07:01:32 am

Writing from the heart is the only way I know, dear Vickster.

Thanks very much for your comment - you know I treasure your views.

Yup, it's a week of rain in our forecast - the ducks feel as though they're in heaven. Love you and hugs too, mareer

Reply
Sannel link
5/19/2017 03:44:18 pm

Dear Maria,

I do agree with Vicki and all of the above comments. We, the readers enjoy the variety in your posts. I don't like the writers "niche" but instead enjoy the variety of subjects. I love your writing and all that it bring to us. I learn so much from it, and the music is like the icing on the cake. You have introduced me to so many talented, wonderful artists that have become favorites of mine. Thank you for your dedication and hard work of bringing to us a great read and a good time. I wouldn't change a bit.
Wishing you a blessed weekend.
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
5/22/2017 07:18:53 am

Thanks for taking time from your time in Crete to leave such a supportive and encouraging comment, dear Sannel.

Love you and be sure to give Freddie a big hug from me when you reunite, Maria

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
5/22/2017 04:50:32 pm

Hi Mar...
As always a great post, you and I go back so far together even though we lost track with each for a short while. I so appreciate any and all things you write about.
If I had one suggestion I would say writing a few articles on those angels who work in ER and on the floor caring for people in their times of need. Over the years I have seen them work long hard hours with so little recognition or reward.
Excellent article... you go girl, love the stats...

Hugs from Canada

Reply
Maria link
5/24/2017 06:10:03 am

It is wonderful to reconnect with you, dear Rolly.

Thanks for the suggestion - I agree and have worked with / taught so many inspirational bedside nurses.

Have a peaceful day and hugs back, Maria

Reply
Shauna
6/19/2017 09:47:54 am

Mar, what I love about your site is that it's very diverse. You are not predictable. I think niches are great if you want to target a specific audience (and can make decent money by doing so).

I found myself getting frustrated and unmotivated when I tried to narrow myself down to a particular niche. It just didn't/doesn't suit me. I felt pigeon-holed and my creativity fled to avoid the self-imposed suppression.

I think you should go with your heart. It won't steer you wrong.

Reply
Maria link
6/20/2017 08:10:01 am

Thanks for this feedback, dear Sha.

You can imagine that I appreciate a more diverse approach as well...so I'm glad to receive this validation.

Love you and wishing you a peaceful week, mar

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me