From Edie: Discover why writers should explore multiple writing paths before choosing a niche and how experimenting with different projects can reveal strengths, skills, and creative direction.
Why Writers Should Explore Multiple Writing Paths Before Choosing a Niche
By Edie Melson @EdieMelson
One of the most common questions I hear from writers is this: “What should I focus on first?”
The question usually comes after a writing conference, a mentoring appointment, or a season where several opportunities suddenly seem possible at once. Maybe an editor asked to see a devotion. Or an agent requested a nonfiction proposal. It could be that someone encouraged them to try articles. Or perhaps they’re simply overflowing with ideas and unsure which one deserves their time and energy.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at multiple writing possibilities and wondering which direction to take, you are not alone.
In fact, this often happens during the early stages of a writing career. When we first begin writing seriously, many of us don’t yet know what kind of writer we truly are. We may have ideas for:
- novels
- devotions
- articles
- blog posts
- Bible studies
- children’s books
- poetry
- copywriting
- speaking
- social media content
- or nonfiction books
And honestly? That uncertainty can feel overwhelming. So often we assume we need to choose immediately. Sometimes we’re told to pick a lane or define our brand. We may begin to think we have to commit to one thing forever.
But here’s something I’ve learned after years in the publishing world, sometimes exploration is part of the calling.
When Every Idea Feels Like the Right Idea
I remember attending conferences early in my writing journey believing the professionals there would help me narrow my focus. I had pitches for:
- novels
- nonfiction books
- devotions
- articles
- and yes…even poetry
My plan was simple. I assumed the professionals would clearly point me toward the right path by only requesting certain projects. That did not happen. Instead, most of the professionals I met with liked my ideas and invited me to submit them.
That left me right back where I started—except now I had more possibilities instead of fewer.
So, I had a decision to make. Would I spend years trying to perfectly identify my one true writing direction before taking action? Or would I start writing and let the process teach me something?
I chose the second option.
I Started Working on Multiple Projects
Instead of endlessly debating which idea was best, I began to work on the different projects that had been requested. I wasn’t working on them simultaneously. I prioritized the projects I could complete first, submitted them, and then moved on to the next one. I took time to explore all my options and made sure everything I finished was as well done as I could produce at that time.
And looking back, that season taught me lessons I could never have learned through overthinking alone.
What Exploring Different Types of Writing Taught Me
1. I Discovered The Things Actually Enjoyed Writing
At first, I assumed success would determine what I pursued. Instead, joy became one of my clearest indicators. What surprised me most was discovering how much I loved writing shorter pieces like:
- articles
- devotions
- blog posts
- copywriting
There was something deeply satisfying about finishing a project, polishing it, submitting it, and moving on to the next challenge.
Meanwhile, book-length manuscripts required a different kind of creative endurance. That didn’t make them bad. It simply meant I learned something important about how I was wired creatively. And that discovery helped shape my future career.
The truth is, many writers don’t actually know what type of writing energizes them until they try several forms.
2. I Learned What I Was Naturally Good At
Enjoyment matters, but so does aptitude.
As I experimented with different kinds of writing, patterns started emerging. I discovered I had a natural strength for concise communication and strong takeaway statements. Those skills translated beautifully into articles, social media, teaching points, and copywriting. Had I only focused on one form of writing early on, I may never have recognized those strengths. Sometimes the writing process reveals gifts we didn’t even know we possessed.
3. Exploring Multiple Writing Forms Strengthened My Larger Projects
This may surprise newer writers, but writing shorter pieces often strengthens longer ones. Articles teach clarity. Devotions teach focus. Blogging teaches consistency. Copywriting teaches strong hooks and concise messaging.
All of those skills eventually helped me write books more effectively.
In fact, experimenting with multiple writing formats ultimately helped shape my first published book. Nothing was wasted.
Writers Often Feel Pressure to “Pick One Thing”
Today, this pressure may be stronger than ever. Social media constantly tells writers they need:
- a niche
- a brand
- a single focus
- a tightly defined audience
- one recognizable category
And yes, clarity eventually matters in publishing. But we often develop clarity through experience—not before it.
Too many writers become paralyzed trying to figure out their final destination before they’ve fully explored the road.
Sometimes the Best Way to Find Your Path Is to Start Walking
When writers ask me today whether they should:
- submit articles
- write devotions
- pitch a book
- try freelance work
- start blogging
- experiment with fiction
My answer often surprises them.
I usually encourage them to try several things—not forever, not without focus.
But try these thing intentionally and prayerfully. Why? Because action teaches us things hesitation never will.
Writing Is Often Like Planting Seeds
One of the best comparisons I’ve found for this process comes from farming. I’ve never seen a farmer carefully inspect a handful of seeds and plant only one or two because they’re afraid the others might not grow. Farmers sow generously.
They prepare the soil.
Plant widely.
Water faithfully.
And trust that some seeds will take root.
Writers would do well to adopt a similar mindset. Not every article will publish. Not every proposal will succeed. Not every story idea will become a book. But we learn through the planting. And often, the seeds that grow surprise us.
What This Looks Like Practically in 2026
Today’s writing world offers more opportunities than ever before. Writers can explore:
- traditional publishing
- indie publishing
- blogging
- newsletters
- teaching
- online courses
- social media writing
- devotional content
- freelance work
- speaking
- serialized fiction
- podcast scripting
- and more
That abundance can feel overwhelming if we believe we must perfectly predict the future before beginning. But sometimes God reveals direction through faithful movement—not frantic or scattered movement.
A Word of Caution
Exploring multiple writing paths does not mean permanently overcommitting yourself or trying to do everything at once. There’s a difference between exploration and exhaustion. At some point, most writers naturally begin narrowing their focus based on:
- experience
- opportunity
- gifting
- calling
- joy
- sustainability
- and God’s direction
But early exploration can provide valuable clarity that helps us recognize those things later.
Don’t Be Afraid to Explore
If you’re in a season where you have multiple writing ideas and no clear direction yet, take a deep breath. You don’t have to figure out your entire writing future today. Sometimes the best thing we can do is begin writing faithfully and allow experience, wisdom, and God’s leading to shape the path over time. Because clarity often grows through action.
Not before it.
Have you ever discovered a surprising writing strength by trying something new? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLE
She and husband Kirk have been married 44+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains. Connect with her at www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.
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