I went through the same thing! Over the past two years, there have been some months-long stretches without posting here because I didn't feel up to "newsletter worthy content." The kinds of things I want to write about are all over the place, a mix of personal and professional, and I felt it made my SS look confused—does someone interested in my editing services care to see my poetry? My solution was that I would treat SS as an actual newsletter, a monthly send with a little update, a brief writing tip, and links to whatever I may have posted on my blog over the past month plus links to things that interested me recently. In addition, there will be one additional post related to fantasy writing which may be a video interview, like in February, or the essay I have planned for March, but something more "on topic." I feel freed by the decision, creatively, but I'm only two months in so we'll have to see how it goes!
I love your plans! I like when writers let their blogs, newsletters, etc. transform over time when that transformation reflects who the writer is becoming and what interests them now. I want to be surprised, to see where the writer goes.
I think many of us get stuck, newsletters or otherwise, feeling that we have to stay "on brand" because that's what readers want. But I find that the most interesting artists are the ones who let themselves experiment and redefine themselves. I often think of a band like The Beatles. Their music changed a lot over the course of their career, but I love all iterations of their music because each one reflects how they were growing as artists. Going along for the journey, following someone's career: that's what I love!
Absolutely true. Brands can lift us up, but they can also limit us as creators. I’m trying to walk a line between two goals with my online writing, a writer who wants readers and an editor who wants writers (as clients!), and it causes a lot of tension in how I present myself. I’m hoping the division will work for me!
Thanks, Ben! As writers and artists, I think we all struggle. That's why it's good to be open about the struggles, so we find solidarity. I'm reading Yubriy Tree, by the way, and it's excellent. Right off the bat, the tone, world-building, and characters are all great!
I went through the same thing! Over the past two years, there have been some months-long stretches without posting here because I didn't feel up to "newsletter worthy content." The kinds of things I want to write about are all over the place, a mix of personal and professional, and I felt it made my SS look confused—does someone interested in my editing services care to see my poetry? My solution was that I would treat SS as an actual newsletter, a monthly send with a little update, a brief writing tip, and links to whatever I may have posted on my blog over the past month plus links to things that interested me recently. In addition, there will be one additional post related to fantasy writing which may be a video interview, like in February, or the essay I have planned for March, but something more "on topic." I feel freed by the decision, creatively, but I'm only two months in so we'll have to see how it goes!
I love your plans! I like when writers let their blogs, newsletters, etc. transform over time when that transformation reflects who the writer is becoming and what interests them now. I want to be surprised, to see where the writer goes.
I think many of us get stuck, newsletters or otherwise, feeling that we have to stay "on brand" because that's what readers want. But I find that the most interesting artists are the ones who let themselves experiment and redefine themselves. I often think of a band like The Beatles. Their music changed a lot over the course of their career, but I love all iterations of their music because each one reflects how they were growing as artists. Going along for the journey, following someone's career: that's what I love!
Absolutely true. Brands can lift us up, but they can also limit us as creators. I’m trying to walk a line between two goals with my online writing, a writer who wants readers and an editor who wants writers (as clients!), and it causes a lot of tension in how I present myself. I’m hoping the division will work for me!
Really enjoyed reading this today. I struggle with some of the same issues, haha. That being said, I truly enjoy your newsletter and your blog posts.
Thanks, Ben! As writers and artists, I think we all struggle. That's why it's good to be open about the struggles, so we find solidarity. I'm reading Yubriy Tree, by the way, and it's excellent. Right off the bat, the tone, world-building, and characters are all great!
Oh, that's so kind of you. Glad you're enjoying it!