The Em Dash #24

Apr 2

Friend. I was writing this newsletter all about my coaching framework and I was SO. FREAKING. BORED.

I promise you, book coaching is NOT boring. But explaining how I do what I do was just… idk. It wasn’t giving what I wanted it to give.

So I’m not gonna talk about it. Not until it feels better.

And here’s what you can take away from this little experience of mine:

It’s okay to change course in your writing.

I know—it feels shitty to basically scrap work you’ve spent lots of time and energy on.

But when it comes to writing—especially when it comes to writing your book, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Do what you need to do for you.

If you need to write that story your family member doesn’t want anyone knowing about because you want to process and share your experience? Do it.

If you need to take a week off from writing because you’re feeling completely uninspired, take it off! Go refill your creativity tanks, guilt-free.

If what you’re writing is emotionally taxing, and you simply cannot bring yourself to finish it (and you don’t “owe” it anybody for a deadline), drop it like a hot tortilla. Move on to something better for you.

2. Keep in mind why you’re writing what you’re writing and who it’s for.

This newsletter? Sure, it’s a place I can be creative, but really, it’s for you, Friend. If I’m not giving you knowledge, entertainment, or insightful perspectives, what am I even doing here?

Your book? Yes, it’s very likely for you—to prove you can do it, to raise your voice, to share your expertise. And it’s also for your reader.

If you’re going through all this work to write and publish a book, we’d hope at least ONE person reads it. Your goal, in that case, is to write what that person needs to hear.

Sometimes, this requires you to start over or change course or just reorganize a bunch of stuff. It feels like extra work, but it’s really just the work.

That’s all I’ve got for you today, Friend. My own creative juices are very pulp-y lately.

Reply to let me know what you do to get out of creative ruts? I could use some inspo. 🧡