September's Notable Quote for Newsletter Writers
with Pooja Lakshmin
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
This month’s notable quote is from the book Real Self Care, which I highly recommend. The author, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, provides context for the book by sharing this in the early pages:
I am not writing as your guru. If it’s someone else’s answer, it can never be your solution.
Pooja Lakshmin in Real Self Care
I love this perspective on writing for those of us who are in the health and wellness fields. While we’re writing newsletters rather than books, I think the same principle applies.
If the point of your newsletter is to tell someone what to do or to provide answers, you might find that you’re working inside a model that removes agency from the reader.
Most of us, instead, want to encourage, inspire, guide, or support readers and clients as they make decisions and implement changes.
When your next newsletter goes out, have a look through this lens. Does it sound like you’re writing as a guru who has the answers?
(Here’s more on how to not provide clinical advice in your newsletter)
Talk soon. Happy writing.
Camille
p.s. Our next co-writing/peer feedback session will be Thursday, October 3 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!