March's Notable Quotes for Newsletter Writers
Octavia Butler always has something interesting to say.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
This month’s two notable quotes are from Bloodchild and Other Stores by Octavia Butler:
First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won’t. Habit is persistence in practice. ~ Octavia Butler
Forget talent. If you have it, fine. Use it. If you don’t have it, it doesn’t matter. As habit is more dependable than inspiration, continued learning is more dependable than talent. ~ Octavia Butler
There are times when I don’t feel like writing a newsletter, and there are times when I doubt that my writing makes a difference at all.
I imagine the same might be true for you.
Writing it anyway, on the schedule you’ve set for yourself, is part of building a habit.
Sometimes, you’ll write a newsletter that isn’t very good.
Sometimes, your newsletter will be much better than you think it is.
Your “not very good” newsletter can and often does make a difference to someone who reads it, but only if you actually send it.
The act of writing and sending the newsletter means you’re engaging in “continued learning.”
Showing up regularly for yourself, your practice, and your readers, even when what you write is imperfect and/or your’e having a crummy day, means you’re building the habit.
So, keep writing, keep showing up, and remember that in order for your newsletter to work, you’ll need to send it regularly 😊
I’d love to read your reflections in the comments.
Take care,
Camille
p.s. Don’t forget about April’s Co-Writing/Peer Feedback session next Thursday, April 4 from 12-1:30 pm ET. These are work sessions where you can write/edit/format your newsletter. The last ½ hour is spent doing peer review. Bring a draft or idea to work on! This is available to you if you are a paid subscriber.