How new is new?

From my news reporting experience, what is "new" may only last a matter of hours before replaced by new "news".  That means a constant flow of writing is required. The best part of that pressure is that I did not know the meaning of "writer's block". In the news business, writer's block is also known as "fired".  I had no idea how useful that training would be for writing in the future.

I say this to give perspective for writer's who want to produce what is fresh and new. As rapidly as content goes up on line, new is a highly perishable commodity in a wired world. Trends come and go, few last. So how can you be "news worthy"? Basically, don't try. 

Instead of going for "new", aim for relevant. Yes, there is a difference. Being relevant within a group, cohort or genre is current. Granted it will not last. Few of us will write a "War & Peace" or "Gone With the Wind" yet we can make a valuable written contribution. 

Be sure you have something to say that is worth reading to an interested audience. That means more than your family and friends will want to read it and read more from you. This all goes back to a tried and true writing concept; finding your voice. That voice distinguishes you from dozens of others who grind out content. 

The next time you promote or defend your writing product, let go the notion that your work is totally new or different from anything else printed. Show the relevance to an interested, identifiable group and there is the seed for an audience. Like birds scattering seeds that the farmer placed in one field to another field, the fans of your voice just might scatter your work to another group.