I’ve been sweating about this post since I decided two days ago to cut back on writing. Since I only write three times a week, each post has to meet the needs of every single reader, right?

My sister said she only reads to see how bananas I am. I think D.J. comes to maintain proper boyfriend support quotas. Steph, Sarah and Sara stop by for tips on freelancing, I think. And Lesli and others read because I make them laugh (I hope). Moonbeam loves the tech tips, and Chris likes the marketing insights. And at least eight of you want to keep hearing about the cupcake cravings (click here to take the poll — what do you want to read?).

So, should my three posts a week be about my ongoing 40-something angst? The business side of my small business? The best technology tools I run across? I covered all topics when I wrote every day, but how can I possibly do everything to make everyone happy?

Ah. Therein lies a true problem.

Sunday is my official one-year anniversary. Here’s the list of services offered that still appears on my website (which I haven’t updated since it launched):

• Marketing Copy
• Brochures
• Emails
• Press Releases
• Catalogs
• Newsletters and eNewsletters
• Strategic, Marketing and Business Plans
• Organization-Produced Technical Papers and Books
• How-Tos for New Clients
• Industry Research and Benchmark Documents
• Conference and Workshop Promotions

New small business always want to help. A prospective client says, “Is that something you do?” and a new business owner says, “YES! Of course! When do you need it!” I’ve done that several times, committing to projects I’ve never tried before, then searching the web for information about whatever the hell it is I’ve just committed to.

But after a year in business, I sat down and asked myself two questions:

1. What do I write best, and
2. What do I best like to write?

Lo and behold…. the answers to both questions were the same!

1. White papers
2. In-depth articles and pithy press releases (beyond the new product announcements)
3. Blog posts

This list is not a real surprise, given my first passion for journalism. Sure, I can write the heck out of a postcard, and my email campaigns can get the phones a’ringin’. But I’m happiest when you give me a juicy, problem-solving white paper with research to track down, people to interview and real thinking to do. And I am usually really proud of the end results.

So, what would happen if I focused the second year of Avenue Z on marketing my in-depth writing services? People who write these types of pieces are generally called “content writers” instead of “copywriters.” My next marketing campaign (if I ever find time to market again) will target organizations that need longer, stronger, more researched pieces. I’ll enjoy my work more, and my end products will show it. Thus I’ll get more work and increase my value and my income.

But about this blog… don’t be concerned. Although I’ll try to focus my business in year two, my blog posts will continue to be both schizophrenic and bipolar (why limit myself to one mental disorder?). I try to turn my personal life lessons into insight about my business. Thus, happenings with my dating life, my running, my cat and my neuroses usually end up providing inspiration into something I can use for a post about being a small business owner.

A special note to those of you who wrote to me, depressed about the fewer posts…. Yes, a bribe would help. I did find a “cupcake of the month” club, though I think I’d have to move Chicago. If the cupcakes are worth it, I’ll consider relocation.

Update… Cool! One of my favorite clients just gave me permission to reference one of my best white papers as a sample here. It’s a guide to choosing the right media for conference handouts. You’ll have to register on their site, but they’re nice people, I promise….