It’s Like A Choose Your Own Adventure Book!

So often I see bloggers advise new writers to choose a niche topic and stick with it. It’s really great advice, and it’s really not for everyone. When I first set up this blog, I spent far too long deliberating a name that best encapsulates all of my interests and possible detours. I didn’t want to feel limited. I still don’t want that.

In that time, I’ve sprinted to the opposite end of the field, with now an abundance of options I can’t quite narrow down. I currently have over 400 half-baked drafts, ranging from a scathing criticism of Critical Race Theory to the story of Spooky the cockroach, who sheepishly walked out the door when I politely asked him to leave (true story). There’s an analogous poem about beavers and blockchain, as well as a tip on gifting for the person who has everything. Dozens have no clear purpose or direction or taped off to Nowhereland. It’s a heaping pile of unapologetically unpolished bursts of enthusiasm that I don’t have much desire to tie up at the moment.

Anyways, two years ago, I asked What Would You Like Me to Write About? I’m here to ask the same question again. I have dozens of interests, passions, and strong opinions, as well as propensities towards both creative and intellectual pursuits (and the overlap between, where it exists). I’m up for a challenge! Let me know what you would like to see more of around here and I will do my best to deliver! If you’re interested in creative writing, I would be quite receptive to prompts in the comments.

There’s a list below, followed by a poll. Click a button or click all the buttons. Welcome to the party, and thanks in advance for your participation!

Creative

  • Short stories
  • Poetry
  • Real-life anecdotes
  • Creative writing tips
  • Literary element deep dive
  • Sewing projects
  • Cooking & baking

Life Optimization

  • Habits, systems & routines
  • Money & finances
  • Health & nutrition
  • Functional medicine
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Romantic relationship advice
  • Privacy & digital security
  • Sustainability & zero-waste

Engineering-adjacent

  • Structural engineering & infrastructure
  • Human-centered design / ergonomics
  • Brilliantly designed products

Futurism

  • Longevity medicine
  • Technological singularity
  • AI and automation
  • Blockchain technologies & cryptocurrencies
  • Virtual reality

Opinions

  • Book reviews
  • Politics
  • Current events
  • Favorite products

Nature & The Outdoors

  • Hiking, camping & backpacking
  • Outdoor gear
  • Gardening
  • Local wildlife reports
  • Arizona & the desert

Spiritual

  • Consciousness
  • Yoga
  • Finding meaning
  • Personal sovereignty

28 thoughts on “It’s Like A Choose Your Own Adventure Book!”

  5. I related a bit to this, not boxing myself in a niche is also something I struggle with navigating. Your example is encouraging, looking forward to the direction you plan on taking!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Kamande! The beauty of a personal blog is that there are no limits, though sometimes the limitlessness can feel a bit overwhelming. It helps to have some feedback from others. 🙂

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  6. I’m a sucker for real life anecdotes :)… Also I sooo relate with your 400 half-baked drafts, except I have like 15 (some even just with titles and one intro sentence), and same I don’t currently have the energy to tie those up but I know I will one day soon. Sometimes I have bursts of ideas and I just need to write ideas down and other times I’m in a slump (kind of right now lol)… Also, I hear the niche thing all the time but I think it almost always applies to bloggers who are trying to monetize their blogs (not in all cases but probably applicable to most)… I love not having one niche and having the ability to write about anything bc I feel if people like my writing then they’ll generally read what I write.. And those that don’t 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️.. But what draws me to blogs I love to follow are their relatable voices…. Such as yours! 🙂 happy writing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the feedback, bosssybabe! I am exactly the same… the rush of ideas, the slumps, the bursts of brilliance followed by a distraction that kills the flow. I think you’re right about the niche thing being mostly limited to those hoping to monetize… I personally prefer the freedom and randomness over the promise of paltry sums of cash lol! I am also drawn to relatable voice, and I’m flattered that you find me relatable. 🙂 Happy writing, indeed!!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Fantastic! Thanks for the feedback. I have a love-hate relationships with the desert and taught yoga for a few years (after a decade of practice), so I may have some good fodder. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Woohoo! If you ever have ideas for a prompt or launching point, I’m all ears. 🙂 Thanks to your comment, I just picked up an anthology of short stories from the library to (hopefully) help inspire me. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  10. For me whats important is a sense of community belonging, not to the faceless masses of humanity rather to forebears, kin, and kith. Also reclaiming the mantle of the sacred in day to day life/breaking free from the materialist corporate hollywood claptrap. Sacred sites, reincarnation, meditation, aura seeing, chakra tuning, etc.

    As much as many folks sideline conspiracy theories as the “experts” or “fact checkers” or the high priests of science say how its false information. I think theres a lot of truth to international corporate oligarchs buying up farmland, consolidating businesses, contaminating the drinking supply, wheather warfare, genetic engineering, etc.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This is so insightful and true, and written with such eloquence. Thank you for that. I agree with you that most conspiracy theories are developed around a kernel of truth and I think the world would be a much different place if everyone spent some time researching and thinking critically about mainstream programming, so-called fake news, and conspiracies. Once you get started, it’s easy to unearth some very dark truths and theories (as well as extraordinary human capabilities) but, at least personally, that awareness informs how I choose to live on many levels. All the topics you listed are things I’m deeply interested and well-researched in, yet hesitant to talk about… though I think the discussion is increasingly relevant and critical. Thanks for your input!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I would love to hear about Spooky the cockroach and any other fascinating or bizarre events. Which reminds me, an extended family member had ants in the house. A work colleague came to the house and told the ants to leave (no chemicals, no household products, just speaking), and the ants left. The colleague said it was a spiritual thing. (Hindu, I think, but don’t hold me to it.) Fascinating.

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    1. Your story about the ants really is fascinating. Thanks for sharing! I like those fun and bizarre little anecdotes, and I think it’s interesting to build out around that one little moment. I will work on Spooky and some other little everyday stories to share. Thanks for the suggestion! 🙂

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  12. Pingback: New Year’s Resolutions: 2021 – March Update – existential ergonomics

    1. I can completely related to enjoying nature posts from others, so it makes sense to share a bit about my neck of the woods (or, in my case, barren expanse of saguaros). Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! 🙂

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  14. Pingback: Which Adventure Did Your Choose? Reader Feedback – existential ergonomics

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