We’ve been talking about the importance of having one single core message as a writer. I know that goes against a lot of writers’ impulses because we all have many things we want to write about. After all, we’re writers… we’re driven by curiosity and exploration!

While focusing on one core message or truth in your writing might go against your initial impulse, hear me out because there are many benefits of doing this. Specifically, let me share three benefits of approaching your writing this way.

First, it will give you more focus. When you have one primary thing, one central principle or truth, you’re writing about, life gets a LOT easier. You can focus your time, energy, and research on one main thing. You’re not trying to learn about fifteen different things at once—you’re focused on one.

Second, focusing on one core message gives you momentum. Readers are confused when a writer talks about different things all the time. If you write a book on gardening, then one on how to become an attorney, then a third that is sci-fi fiction, then a fourth that is devotional for teens, people will probably tune out because they don’t know what box to put you in as far as topics go.

The more you talk about a particular topic, the more you will become known as an expert on that topic. Over the last few years, I have mostly only talked about writing as far as my public image goes. I talk about it consistently, to the extent now where that is my public identity as far as what people know me for.

The same is true for you. Focus on one thing and talk about it consistently over time through a blog, books, podcast, and other content, and you will be known as the expert on that topic.

And third, focusing on a core message or topic is going to give you a lot of energy. I absolutely love talking about writing not just because I’m passionate about it and it helps people, but also because now it has become a business that not only gives me income–it also is simply fun to do so. It gives me a lot of emotional energy.

All these are true for you as well. When you focus on one more message, you will have more focus, momentum, and energy as well.