The Week Ahead
It's almost February, and the rush of the new year has finally started to fade. The gyms are quiet. There's no line at the salad bar. All this bodes well for you, my friend, and for getting started on that thing you've been itching to do. You've been waiting for a sign? Here it is: The stars are aligned. This week you'll find that last scrap of time, motivation, or spark that you need. Can you feel that? It's the warm breath of air that comes from starting any new thing. It's why freshly baked bread smells amazing. Good news: So do you. Now it's your turn to rise.
Hi there. I'm new.
I started this newsletter because I can't not write a newsletter, apparently. I've written a newsletter in some form or another for going on 15 years, so I figure there's no sense in stopping now.
My brain just keeps going on about writing, words, and starting new things, and it's keeping me up nights. It occurs to me I might be able to sleep better if I shared it all with someone else. Someone who loves some of the same things I do. Could that someone be you?
I hope so. You're brilliant. I'm so happy you're here.
Maybe you write for a living. Maybe you just want to write more. Or write better. Whatever your job title or your deep desires are, I say you're a writer if you say you are.
Why Voice Mail?
Most of what we writers do has always been about voice. We're often the ones charged with figuring out what a person or a company's voice really is — or what it should be — and then getting it out there in various ways.
Sometimes we do it by writing the content itself. Sometimes we do things that help others write in that voice, too.
But secretly, it's always been about making sure what we write reflects who we are.
Voice is about meaning. It's putting our values in action. What does it all mean if we don't mean what we say?
Your voice, your values
I want us to get better at finding — and then using — our actual voices. As writers, as humans, as going concerns. How do we get better at infusing what we do with who we are?
How can we encourage others to find their voices, too?
I think that's what this writing thing is really about. It's not about words or punctuation, as fun as they are. (And they are.) It's about finding meaning. Making sense of it all.
Why a newsletter?
I've always loved writing newsletters. Whether it's for the company I work for or for myself, I just dig 'em. Can't explain it. Not gonna try.
So a newsletter it is. Every week, I'll write a few encouraging words about writing and finding your voice. I hope it helps someone out.
Okay. Let's be honest. It helps me. I need it. I do this (partly) for myself.
Yes, it's a little selfish. I'm a better writer when I'm writing to you. I'm more encouraged when I'm encouraging you. You know how it works.
So here we go.
If you like it, I hope you'll tell me. Then tell a friend.
Nerd Out
These days we tend to mean "starting from nothing" when we say "start from scratch," but the original meaning was to just start from the beginning. It comes from racing, where the starting line was scratched into the ground, and all the runners would line up there.
Rock Out
Start from Scratch is also the name of one of my favorite songs by Galactic. It's a jam, it's been going through my head all week, and now it can go through yours. Enjoy.
Peace Out
Remember there's big magic in beginnings. Let's trust in that.
Hound Trail by Joseph Hardman. Photo credit: Lakeland Arts
