This single word has the power to kill or kindle a writer’s career. Platform. The term cripples a lot of would-be authors, so their messages and stories never go any further than their minds.
But a lack of platform mustn’t stop you from writing. If you don’t have a platform, or any idea of where to begin, help is available. All you have to do is ask.
The secret to a strong platform doesn’t lie in desperately trying to nail interviews, endorsements, speaking gigs, or social media fame. A solid marketing foundation requires a balance of pieces, fitted together in time, with patience and supervision.
Teaming up with a savvy Supervisor, someone who oversees the methodology behind building momentum for your message, can set you apart. Someone who works with the design, who schedules the work crew, and takes the worry out of the process. A Leader you can confidently partner with.
I found my Master Platform Builder in the Bible.
His watchful eye keeps creations moving in the right direction.
Without Him, I can wear myself out, hoping to grow my writing endeavors into something bigger than I am. Psalm 127:1-2 says it best:
Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Recently, I realized I hadn’t fully submitted my own messages to the guidance of The Platform Builder. And I’m striving to do something about it. Here are a few ways I’m following His direction, as I bend my will, so he can create a unique marketing stage for my work:
- Start each day asking the Lord to build where I can’t, and to show me where I should invest my energy.
- Keep good notes as ideas come throughout the day. Create a goal list spurred from this basis.
- Take courage and stand true to my beliefs, in written word, and in spoken interactions with those I meet along the way.
- Implement at least one action item each day geared toward helping The Builder make my goals become reality.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out. If God is for me, no one can be against. Rejection simply means there’s more to do.
- Praise God in advance, before results of hard work are evident.
- Maintain my platform with regular upkeep. Consult my Supervisor to ensure there are no loose boards, bent nails, or weak trusses.
- Resolve to remain humble and helpful to others when good things do happen. After all, this calling isn’t all about me, it’s all about Him.
God owns every nuance necessary to create otherwise unimaginable opportunities. Amazing things happen when we submit our will to the expertise of The Platform Builder. He is the author of holy introductions, miraculous occurrences, and creative inspirations. He owns everything a writer needs to succeed at screen sharing.
What incredible pieces has The Platform Builder provided for your writing?
WordServe Water Cooler 
Anita, this is wonderful and timely. The platform we create is not our own. I am going to hold on to the thought of the Master Builder today. Thanks.
Thank you, ladies. Your kindness is a huge blessing! I pray our Master Platform Builder provides a strong foundation for your work.
You’re welcome, Martha. Without God we can do nothing, but with Him all things are possible.
Love this list! Thank you.I really like the first one. Never thought to ask to be blessed w platform.
Martha, I am so sorry. Didn’t notice that I responded to you in the wrong place. Please see above, and I pray you are encouraged and lifted up.
Anita, this was so good! I have been spinning my wheels lately over my writer’s platform, and God told me to spend my energy writing, and He would take care of the rest later.
Appreciate your honest words…
I’m so honored to be a conduit for His encouragement, Jarm. Keep us posted on your journey.
You are so right, Anita! I have prayed for guidance through every step of my writing and platform building. I don’t want it to be my plan. I want His plan. Thanks for the great advice!
My current platform involves my tagline, “Historical Fiction That Travels.” I’m building on my platform through my website, http://www.morgantarpley.com and my travel and writing blog, “Pens on a World Map,” http://www.pensonaworldmap.com. I want to connect travelers, writers, and readers together in an online community to share our travel and writing stories, give encouragement and fellowship with each other.
Morgan
Sounds like you’re following His market plan very well, Morgan. Keep up the good work. I’ll check out your sites. 🙂
Thanks Anita! Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂
Thank you, Anita! Those bullet points are priceless for a daily strategy! It’s good to be reminded that the Chief Architect has a plan and that he is in control.
I’m glad what God is teaching me helps others, Melinda. I really appreciate your encouragement. Praying for your success.
This was awesome and so necessary to read for my life…Thank you 🙂
I appreciate your enthusiasm, Lynn. May God richly bless the work of your hands.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your take on platform. 🙂 THX!
Thank you, Shellie. Your heart for God and His ways continue to inspire me. 🙂
This is so helpful, and true, and inspiring. Thanks for writing it, and sharing your heart. 🙂
Thank you, Dena. You are very inspiring yourself. 🙂
Anita, this is a perfect reminder to me to turn my writing career over to God. I’m such a control freak that this is the hardest piece for me; I think when I hit a brick wall, I need to break through it instead of letting God lead me over or around it. This column goes in my ‘Keeper’ file. Thanks for the post.
I wrote it for my own reminder as well, Jan. If only I went here early instead of late.
This article is “spot on.” We can push, shove, bribe, cajole, fret, master social media, you name it, as we strive to build our platform. All of that is worth zero if God’s not in control. Thanks for the great reminder. There’s peace in letting go.
Thank you for your energizing comment, Grace. You are so right, there IS peace in letting go, and letting God!