Why Working Writers Need a Personal Outlet in the Attention Economy

“Good writing, but we’re not trying to imitate Shakespeare… Fluff… Add the keyword in more places…” 

Those were actual comments from an editor on a piece I wrote. I’d poured my heart into crafting a well-researched, engaging article, only to be told it was too… writerly. Apparently, that wasn’t what the client wanted. Sound familiar?

In the attention economy, where algorithms often dictate what gets seen, many working writers find themselves caught between the need to make a living and the desire to express their authentic voice. They face the pressure to conform, prioritize SEO over substance, and become content-producing machines. 

While you may enjoy parts of your work, you might also feel a growing disconnect between your craft and the content you’re paid to produce. This is where a personal outlet becomes a vital tool for survival and success rather than a nice idea. 

How the Attention Economy is Squeezing Creativity out of Writers 

Let’s be honest. 

Writing for a living, especially as a freelancer or content creator, can be a grind. The attention economy rewards easily digestible content that grabs attention instantly, trendy topics, and writing that is SEO-optimized with click-worthy headlines.

This often means facing relentless deadlines, client demands (that are, let’s face it, sometimes boring), and the constant need to prove your worth in a hyper-competitive marketplace, all of which can be utterly exhausting.

Such an environment creates problems for even the best writers. You might find yourself:

• Skill Stagnation: Focusing solely on attention-grabbing content can lead to a decline in skills related to long-form writing, in-depth research, and nuanced argumentation. You become proficient at writing listicles or short social media posts, but your ability to craft complex narratives or experiment with unique writing styles begins to wither. You’re a specialist, but at what cost?
• Burnout: The relentless pressure to produce, coupled with the lack of intrinsic creative satisfaction, leads to a predictable outcome: burnout. You feel drained, cynical, and disconnected from your passion for writing. The words become just…words.
• Loss of Voice: Gradually, almost imperceptibly, you start to lose touch with your unique writing voice. The voice that got you into writing in the first place. The voice that makes you, you. You become a skilled mimic, but a hollow one.
• Decreased Confidence: Constantly compromising your creative vision, even in small ways, can erode your confidence. You start to question your abilities, wondering if you’re “good enough” or if you’ve “sold out.”
• Difficulty in Standing Out: With many other brands doing exactly what you do, it becomes harder to showcase your unique voice and attract clients who value your specific skills.

What is a Personal Outlet and Why Do Writers Need One?

The antidote to this creative squeeze isn’t to quit your job and go live in a cabin in the woods (although, hey, if that’s your dream, go for it). For most working writers, the practical solution is to carve out a dedicated space – a personal outlet.

A personal outlet is any platform or space where a writer can create content freely, unburdened by commercial pressures – client demands, SEO pressures, or the need to chase trends. It’s a place for authentic expression, skill development, and creative exploration. 

Working writers need a personal outlet to counteract the negative impacts of the attention economy, maintain their passion for writing, and build a sustainable, fulfilling career. 

How the Personal Outlet Addresses the Attention Economy’s Challenges

Here’s how a personal outlet directly counteracts the negative impacts of the attention economy:

A. Skill Preservation and Development

1. Practice What You Don’t Get Paid For: Client work often pigeonholes you. A personal outlet lets you practice different writing styles (long-form essays, poetry, fiction, in-depth reviews, etc.) that keep your skills sharp and diverse.
2. Experimentation: You get to try new approaches, formats, and topics without the pressure of client approval or performance metrics. This boosts innovation while preventing stagnation.
3. Deep Work Practice: Such a platform allows you to focus deeply on complex topics, a skill increasingly rare (and valuable) in an age of distraction.

B. Burnout Prevention

1. Creative Release: Writing about topics you’re genuinely passionate about is intrinsically rewarding and re-energizing. It’s a reminder of why you became a writer in the first place.
2. Control and Autonomy: The sense of control you get when you’re in charge of your shadow, topics, and style is a powerful antidote to the feeling of being a cog in a content machine.
3. Intrinsic Motivation: You won’t have to battle with a lack of motivation so much since you’ll be working on projects you are intrinsically motivated about.

C. Attracting Ideal Clients

1. Showcase Your Real Skills: A personal outlet allows you to demonstrate your full range of abilities, not just the skills required for your current client work.
2. Develop a Unique Voice: Consistent writing in your voice helps you develop a distinctive style that attracts clients looking for your specific perspective.
3. Portfolio of Passion: A personal outlet filled with high-quality, passion-driven work is far more compelling than a portfolio of generic content. It shows potential clients what you’re capable of, not just what you’ve been paid to do.
4. Community and Accountability: Find other people passionate about your interests and speak to them as best as you know how. A trusted audience, no matter how small, keeps you accountable.

Examples of Personal Creative Outlets for Writers

This outlet can take many forms:

• A Personal Blog: Like this one! Definitions by Adebajo is where I explore topics that genuinely interest me, share my perspectives, and connect with readers who appreciate my approach. It’s not primarily about maximizing traffic or generating leads but about fostering genuine connections and exploring ideas.
• A Substack Newsletter: This allows you to build a direct relationship with your audience, bypassing the algorithms and gatekeepers of social media.
• A Dedicated Social Media Account: Choose a platform where you feel comfortable expressing yourself authentically. For me, I have a separate Instagram account for the Definitions brand where I post shorter reflections, poems, and visual content that aligns with my personal interests. 
• An Online Portfolio: While a portfolio is often used to showcase client work, it can also include personal projects that demonstrate your range and passion.
• A Private Journal: Sometimes, the most important audience is yourself. A private journal provides a safe space for unfiltered thoughts, experimentation, and self-discovery.

How to Create and Maintain a Personal Outlet (Practical Steps)

Okay, you’re sold on the why. Now for the how. The key is to make it sustainable, not another source of stress.

1. Choose Your Platform Wisely: Don’t try to be everywhere at once. Select the platform that best suits your goals, writing style, and preferred level of interaction. Consider:
   1. Your Writing Style: Long-form essays? Short, punchy updates? Visual content?
   2. Your Desired Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Where do they hang out online?
   3. Your Time Commitment: How much time can you realistically dedicate to your outlet each week?
2. Set Realistic Goals: Aim for consistency, not perfection. Start small. Don’t aim for daily blog posts or hourly tweets. One thoughtful blog post per month or a few well-crafted social media updates per week is a great starting point. Consistency is more important than quantity.
3. Schedule “Sacred Writing Time”: This is non-negotiable. Treat your personal writing time with the same respect you would give to a client deadline. Block it off in your calendar, turn off notifications, and protect it fiercely. Even 15-30 minutes a day can make a difference.
4. Embrace Imperfection (Seriously): This is your space to experiment and grow. It is where you can make mistakes and be yourself. Don’t let perfectionism hold you down. Just write. The polish can come later.
5. Promote Strategically: Share your work with your existing network, but don’t obsess over vanity metrics. Focus on building genuine connections with readers who appreciate your work.
6. Find Your Tribe: Connect with other writers who are also pursuing personal projects. Share your struggles, celebrate your successes, and offer mutual support.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot: Your personal outlet should grow with you. If a particular platform or approach isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change things up.
8. Document, Don’t Just Create: Sometimes, the best way to write is to document and expand. Keep track of events in your life. You never know when they can come in handy.

Your Writing Career, Your Rules

The attention economy presents unique challenges for working writers, but it doesn’t have to dictate your career or stifle your creativity. 

A personal outlet is your strategic response, a way to take control of your skills, your voice, and your long-term success. It’s not about escaping client work; it’s about building a sustainable and fulfilling writing life on your terms.

Do you have a personal outlet? What benefits have you experienced? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And if you found this article helpful, share it with other working writers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. I barely have time for client work. How can I add another project?

Think of your personal outlet as an investment in your future self and career. Start with the smallest possible commitment and build from there. Still not sure how? Consider using the Two-Minute Rule to get started – just commit to writing for two minutes, and you might find yourself continuing for much longer.

2. I’m afraid of putting my work out there. What if it’s not good enough?

This is a common fear, and it’s completely understandable. However, your personal outlet is primarily yours. You don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable with. You can start by writing just for yourself in a private journal. If and when you decide to share, focus on connecting with a supportive audience that appreciates your authentic voice, not on achieving perfection. Embrace imperfection, focus on learning, and remember that even “bad” writing is valuable practice.

3. Should my personal outlet be related to my professional niche?

Not necessarily! It can be, which might help with attracting clients, but it doesn’t have to be. The most important thing is that it’s something you’re genuinely passionate about.

4. How do I promote my personal outlet without feeling overwhelmed?

Don’t try to be everywhere at once. Choose one or two social media platforms that best resonate with you. Consider your writing style, your target audience, and your time commitment. If you enjoy writing long-form content, a blog or Substack might be a good fit. If you prefer shorter updates and visual content, Instagram or Twitter might be better. Experiment and see what works out.