Write for One Person First, Then Let God Grow the Platform
Can I tell you something?
If you’re trying to figure out whether to write for one person or write for a platform, you’re not behind. You’re paying attention. And that’s a good thing.
Because the moment you decide to write for one person, everything gets simpler. The pressure drops. Your words get clearer. And you stop trying to please a crowd you can’t even see.
So let’s talk about it like we’re sitting across from each other with coffee. No hype. No weird formulas. Just a steady way to discern your audience with the Holy Spirit, and choose what’s next.
Why “write for one person” is the best place to start
It’s not small, it’s focused
I used to think writing had to be big to matter. Like if it wasn’t going to reach hundreds (or thousands), why even bother?
But here’s the thing. When you write for one person, you’re not aiming low. You’re aiming straight.
Think about how Jesus taught. He spoke to crowds, yes. But He also stopped for one person. One woman at a well. One man in a tree. One hurting heart.
Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is write for one person who needs hope right now.
Writing for a crowd can make you edit out the very thing that would help her
When I try to write for “everyone,” I start sanding down my sentences.
I get vague. I get careful. I get stuck.
But when I write for one person, I can say it plainly. I can speak like a real woman talking to a real woman. I can share my story with the warmth and clarity it deserves.
And honestly, that’s usually where the healing starts for both of us.
It keeps your motives clean
There’s a big difference between sharing because God nudged you and sharing because you want applause.
And I’m not saying you’re chasing applause. I’m saying our hearts are human. Mine too.
When you write for one person, it helps you stay grounded. It brings you back to love. It brings you back to service. It brings you back to obedience.
How to discern if you should write for one person or a platform
Start with one simple question
Ask yourself this.
Who am I trying to help today?
Not “Who will like this?” Not “Will this perform well?” Just, “Who is the woman in front of me?”
Sometimes she’s your friend who just texted you a hard update. Sometimes she’s the woman at church who always slips out fast. Sometimes she’s the version of you from five years ago.
And if you can picture her, you can write for one person.
There are different places a story can go
This is where we get practical. Because not every story belongs on a stage. And not every story is meant to stay private forever either.
I love the idea of layers.
Some parts of your story are for you and God. Some parts are for one trusted person. Some parts are for a small group. And some parts may be for a platform later.
But the order matters.
When you write for one person first, you give your story the time and respect it deserves. And you leave room for the Holy Spirit to guide what gets shared, when, and where.
Look for the fruit, not the rush
One way I can tell I’m forcing something is that I feel frantic.
I start thinking, “I need to post this now.” Or, “I’m going to miss my chance.”
But when God is leading, there’s a steadiness to it. Even if it feels scary.
Galatians 5:25 (CSB) says, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Keeping in step means you don’t run ahead. You don’t lag behind. You walk with Him.
So if you’re unsure, slow down. Ask the Lord to help you keep in step. He’s not trying to confuse you.
Write for one person in four different ways
Let’s talk about where your words can land. Because “platform” doesn’t have to mean “internet.” And “one person” doesn’t have to mean “only one format.”
1) A private page between you and Jesus
Sometimes the bravest place to write for one person is your journal.
No likes. No comments. No performance.
Just honesty.
This is where so many women start. You slow down. You get clarity. You notice patterns. And you begin to see how God has been present in your life.
If writing full paragraphs feels like too much, keep it simple. Write bullet points. Write a timeline. Write a prayer.
It doesn’t have to be polished to be holy.
2) One message to one woman
Sometimes you write for one person by sending the text. Or the voice memo. Or the handwritten note.
I’ve seen how a few sincere lines can carry hope into someone’s day. A simple, “I’m praying for you.” A reminder that she’s not alone.
If you’re not sure what to say, start with prayer and ask God who needs encouragement. Then write honestly. A few words are enough.
3) A small group where people know your name
There’s something sweet about sharing in a room where you can look someone in the eyes.
A Bible study. A women’s group. A living room with a few chairs pulled close.
This is often the best “middle space” between private writing and public writing. You can test the wording. You can feel the tenderness. You can get feedback from women who love you, not women who are scrolling fast.
And if you’ve ever wanted a safe community, please hear me. You were made for connection. We all were.
4) A blog, podcast, or stage (when it’s time)
Yes, sometimes God does grow the platform. Sometimes He asks you to speak. Sometimes He asks you to publish.
But a platform is not the starting line. It’s a tool. And it’s not the goal.
The goal is obedience. The goal is love. The goal is helping women feel less alone and more anchored in Christ.
If God opens that door, you can walk through it with humility and peace. But you don’t have to kick it down.
What to do when you feel pulled in both directions
When you want to write for one person, but you also want to reach more
This is normal.
You can care about impact and still be faithful. You can have a desire to reach women and still choose to write for one person.
Here’s a thought that helps me. If I can’t love one reader well, I’m not ready to love a crowd well.
So I practice love in small ways. I practice obedience in quiet ways. And I let God decide what grows from there.
When you’re afraid your story won’t matter unless it’s public
Your story matters because God wrote you into it.
Not because it gets seen.
Sometimes the most important shift happens in a “community of two” (you and me), or you and the Lord. Sometimes it happens when you write for one person and you realize, “Oh. God was here the whole time.”
And that is never wasted.
When you don’t know what’s safe to share
Let’s be gentle here.
Not every detail needs to be shared. And you don’t owe the internet your wounds.
One simple filter I use is this.
Am I sharing from a scar or from an open wound?
If it’s still actively bleeding in your heart, it might be for the private page, or for a counselor, or for one trusted friend. That’s wisdom. That’s maturity. That’s love for yourself and for your reader.
Practical ways to write for one person this week
Let’s keep it simple. Here are a few next steps you can take without overthinking it.
- Pray, “Lord, who is my one person right now?” and write down the first name that comes to mind.
- Write one page to her (even if you never send it). Just practice writing for one person.
- Choose one story, one lesson, and one Scripture that supported you in that season.
- Decide the safest place for it, a journal, a text, a small group, or a blog post.
- Ask, “Holy Spirit, what should stay private for now?” and honor what you sense.
And friend, if you’re tempted to wait until you feel ready, don’t. Start small. Start where you are.
Write for one person today. Let God handle the reach.
A gentle reminder about obedience and peace
I’ll leave you with this picture.
When you write for one person, it’s like sliding a note across the table to a friend. It’s personal. It’s steady. It’s full of care.
And if God wants to multiply it later, He will. He’s good at that.
For now, keep in step with the Spirit. One small yes at a time.
FAQs about choosing to write for one person
Some questions come up a lot here, so let’s talk through them plainly.
