Like many creative moments, they happen when you least expect -- in the most unlikely places. Imagine wilderness camping in the High Sierra. Making a cup of tea on my single burner propane stove and savoring it as I watched the sun set. What occupied my mind was not the splendor of the scene or the power of nature or the fear that I had not adequately stowed my food from a possible bear invasion. It was the cup of tea.
Suddenly a flood of stories vied for my attention and I scribbled furiously until the batteries in my lantern gave out. There was so much that could be written about tea. The history and its importance to cultures around the world, festivities, celebrations . . .
Alone in the dark - except for owls and other nighttime critters making scurrying noises outside the tent - I thought through details of the first Emma Lea story. She came alive and we chatted through some of the things she wanted to say. She introduced me to her family and friends and nudged me to get started. Stories about a little girl who loved tea.
Suddenly a flood of stories vied for my attention and I scribbled furiously until the batteries in my lantern gave out. There was so much that could be written about tea. The history and its importance to cultures around the world, festivities, celebrations . . .
Alone in the dark - except for owls and other nighttime critters making scurrying noises outside the tent - I thought through details of the first Emma Lea story. She came alive and we chatted through some of the things she wanted to say. She introduced me to her family and friends and nudged me to get started. Stories about a little girl who loved tea.
But there were things about tea that weren't part of the Emma Lea books for young children. Tea journals, blogs, essays, news. Tea lovers don't just drink tea; they read as well.
There is a great delight in finding the subject you can write something new about almost every day. That's your niche. Finding it helps identify your reader. You know these people because they are very much like you. Writing in a niche becomes more conversational and, for many, much easier.
There is a great delight in finding the subject you can write something new about almost every day. That's your niche. Finding it helps identify your reader. You know these people because they are very much like you. Writing in a niche becomes more conversational and, for many, much easier.
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