Get stories from an adventurous writer, fly fisher, and content marketer. After 25 years of writing I've learned a thing or two, join me as I share that knowledge, offer up insight in surviving as a writer, and talk about fishing (and nature and marketing and whatever else is on my mind that day).
What are you most compelled to write about?
Hi Reader,
I’m not going to lie. The hardest thing about starting a newsletter, at least for me, has always been thinking about what I’m going to write. I have the same issue with social media a lot of the time. I have things to say, I just never feel confident saying them.
Rather than let another year pass without at least trying an email list, I asked my network what people would like to hear about. This turned out to be the best idea because the wonderful Natalie Smithson asked me a great question: What are you most compelled to write about?
Without hesitation, I responded, “Nature, travel, and fly fishing.”
Everyone else I asked had pretty much the same response. It was all some version of…
Dig a little deeper and the meaning is clear - just be yourself.
Showing up authentically is often one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your career as a writer. Not only does it keep you from feeling like you’re straying from things that are important to you, but also because it helps you attract people with the same kinds of values (the same vibes, if you’re into the woo).
Both of these things mean that you’re struggling less and doing work that is more fulfilling.
Authenticity has been on my mind a lot this year. If I had to say I had an official word, that’s probably it.
I’m not doing this because I’m unhappy with where I am in my career. That’s not the case at all. I’m in a better place than I’ve been in a very long time.
I’m doing it because I’ve had a handful of projects over the last couple of years (National Geographic & the US Air Force) that have reminded me just how much I enjoy telling stories that inspire or connect people to the world around them.
This realization has led to a push for more projects that reflect that. I’ve been pitching science, nature, and outdoors (mostly fly fishing-related) ideas and I’ve found I get the best responses when my emails reflect my more relaxed side (although I’m collecting a healthy amount of rejection slips).
In fact, the last tech client I landed found me because of a short, 45-second clip of me playing guitar.
That’s it. I showed up briefly as myself, did something that made me uncomfortable, and it led to a great new client.
It was a solid reminder that I don’t have to be the LinkedIn guru or the course guy or even the funny dude. I can just be Doug. Weird, nature-loving, science geek, video game-playing Doug.
And you can do the same. As Jimi Hendrix said, “Let your freak flag fly.”
Be as authentically you as you feel comfortable with and see what happens.
That’s all for now.
Cheers,
Doug
PS: For those wondering about the Tamagotchi. It was a Christmas gift for my daughter that somehow turned into my responsibility (something I really should have seen coming). It’s currently… not alive 😬
PPS: For those thinking "Wasn't it CSNY that said 'Let your freak flag fly'?" I thought so, too. Turns out it's from the Hendrixsong If 6 was 9 from Axis Bold as Love, which was featured in one of the greatest movies of all time, Point Break (I'm willing to fight anyone who disagrees with me on this).
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Get stories from an adventurous writer, fly fisher, and content marketer. After 25 years of writing I've learned a thing or two, join me as I share that knowledge, offer up insight in surviving as a writer, and talk about fishing (and nature and marketing and whatever else is on my mind that day).
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