The first piece I ever wrote was a poem. I had just finished my final exams and was waiting for admission into university, so I had a lot of free time. My mother had gotten me a journal a few months earlier, and I put pen to paper and created my first ever original piece. I was 16.

I continued writing poems until I started my blog, where I shared my thoughts on WordPress. By this time, I was already in university. I wrote essays and prose about my struggles with relationships (both romantic and platonic). I wasn’t offering any solutions to my readers, but they enjoyed reading about my life. And, to be honest, I was surprised.

When I wanted to start writing professionally, I put together a portfolio of my favorite blogs and applied for a job online. I got my first gig through these blogs that I wrote for myself because I enjoyed them. Someone saw my portfolio of musings and took a chance on me because many clients just want to know that you have experience writing online (especially as a newbie).

Why am I saying all this?

I read a blog the other day where the author shared the biggest mistake new writers make.

The mistake? Writing only about topics they enjoy.

"Just writing what you wish is a recipe for failure as a writer, they said. No one cares what you think or feel. People want a solution that benefits them, specifically when they read your work."

This is harmful advice to new writers who already spend so much time worrying if anything they write will ever be good enough. And it disregards the existence of people who are voracious readers.

Not everything has to be a solution to a problem—that’s why fiction exists.

You can still write about your thoughts or feelings while offering a solution. For example, a personal essay about overcoming a challenge can provide insight and inspiration to readers facing similar situations.

Moreover, writing for yourself first is how you develop your unique voice as a writer. It’s through exploring your thoughts, feelings, and interests that you cultivate a distinct style and perspective that sets you apart from others. This authentic voice is what will ultimately draw readers to your work and keep them engaged.

Writers should write about topics they enjoy. They should write about that niche interest that keeps them up at night. Someone out there is interested in how you feel about the healing crystal gems you’ve been collecting since you were 13. And they can’t wait to read your thoughts.

It’s true that when writing for a specific audience or purpose, you have to keep the readers’ needs in mind. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice writing about topics you enjoy.

In fact, when you write about something you’re passionate about, it shows in your writing. Have you ever read a piece of content full of personality and humor? That person enjoys what they’re talking about.

Even if you end up choosing a professional niche, as a new writer, start with what you enjoy. That way, you can explore other writing styles comfortably within your niche.

As you grow, you’ll continue to fall in and out of love with different niches. But the voice you’ve mastered through writing for yourself will always remain.

Writing is a process. I’ve gone from writing poems to blogs and now fiction. As writers, shouldn’t we also be allowed self-expression, especially when we aren’t writing for a client?

Two things can be true: writers can write for themselves and about topics they enjoy while still offering immense value to readers.

If you’re a new writer, don’t be afraid to pursue the topics that keep the fire burning in your soul. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your work and connect with readers who share your interests.

The best way to grow is by staying true to yourself.