Pitch 🗞️ Slow News Day #49

Hey,

I’ve got an idea, right? It’s an article for a magazine. It’s personal, it’s about a few interconnecting threads that run through the tapestry of my self. I’ve had the idea for a while — it came to me quickly and naturally as I was reading the last edition of said magazine. I think it’s a good fit and I know I can write it well.

And I’m doing everything I can to not send the pitch. I’ve fiddled with it for a couple of weeks, traced the ridges of its bumpy surface, and always found a reason to close it down and distract myself elsewhere.

I can guess why I’m holding myself back — it’s vulnerable, it’s risky, it could end in rejection. And this isn’t just some freelance prospect who could be a new line of income but doesn’t mean much to me beyond that. A missed payday might hurt a bit, but a “No” to a deeply earnest representation of myself feels far bigger, sharper, than that.

But, then again, I’m effectively just rejecting myself by not pitching, so what’s the difference? Bare it all and brave it out. Ugh. It’s all a bit silly, isn’t it?

Something like eight years ago, I first earned money for writing and I’ve been a freelance writer for approaching three years. Yet I still do this to myself. It doesn’t seem to get easier, I guess because sharing the as-yet unspoken parts of myself will always require a leap of faith and bravery. I get this same unease when I have to strategise for new clients or explain my approach on calls, too. Like I’m putting myself in the firing line and their fingers are twitching over the trigger of judgement. What will happen if they squeeze?

I’ve been here before and I’ll be here again. I want to make this contribution and I want to take the risk of hearing their rejection… it just takes a bit of work to trust that I can.

So, I guess this can be a pledge of sorts. By the time this email arrives in your inbox, I will have sent my pitch. I’m throwing myself into the snake pit of risk this week. Let me know if you are, too. I’m proud of you — of us — regardless. The path to being ready takes a while to walk.

Slow down guide

Need a little help moving slower?

Ease your way out of Friday afternoon with this newsletter, a nice cup of something, and a little background music. Steal my setup if you aren't sure where to start.

After I press send, I've got no coffees to report. I'm drinking them, sure, but there's nothing new to share after the last few weeks of brews. Instead, I'm going to crack open something nice from Mash Gang. I bought a 12-pack the other day and feel pretty pleased with myself. Whether you're alcohol-free or not, the Gang brew beers that rival the very best. Some are exotic and way out there (see: Help Wanted Nights and National Anthem) and others are just expert renditions of some classic beers (see: Stoop and Chug). All of them are a delight to drink. Treat yourself with an order, eh?

Swells, by I Am Oak, should go nicely with some of Mash Gang's darker beers. It's a gloomy and powerful number, replete with synths that swell (fittingly) and layered with delicate dancing piano keys. Mmmf. I've listened to them for over 10 years and their songs still move me in a way few others can.

Get your ears around it and take a few minutes to drink it all in.

Take it easy,