#25: Lessons from a year of writing
Pass It On turns 1
Pass It On is a bi-weekly newsletter bringing the tech and non-profit sectors closer together through knowledge sharing, written and edited by Lauren Crichton.
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Hello!
Today's issue is a special one, as it marks nearly one year to the day since I launched Pass It On. I can remember the moment well: I was sitting at a temporary desk in the corner of my mum's spare bedroom, and it was dark outside. I was nearing the end of a two-week quarantine period, having snuck back over to the UK from Sweden the day before Boris Johnson announced the start of Lockdown II. The world was eight months into the pandemic at this point, and life still seemed so uncertain. As good a time as any to try something new, I told myself. And then I hit ‘publish’.
12 months and 25 issues later, here we all are. Or here you all are, I should say—a community of a few hundred humans that I'm proud to call my subscribers. Without you, there would be little reason for this newsletter to exist, and I'm so glad that it does.
In the spirit of passing it on, I thought I'd focus this issue around my top learnings from the past year. Running this newsletter has been a gift because it’s helped me organise my thoughts, become more visible, and meet new, inspiring people. How many of us (especially women) deprive ourselves of these opportunities for fear of not knowing what to say or how to say it—and worst of all, for fear of failure? I know I certainly had.
Is it always easy? No. Does it feel tedious? Sometimes. Will you slip up? Absolutely. But that's precisely the point; that's where the growing happens.
7 lessons on starting and running a newsletter
#1 Originality is a myth
All ideas are second-hand. Instead of stressing about saying something unique, focus on the change you're trying to make. Perhaps there's a group of people who haven't yet heard or seen what you already know? As long as the content you provide is valuable, it doesn't have to be revolutionary.
#2 Start with a prototype
Not sure if there's an audience for your ideas? Run an experiment to find out. Mine was a LinkedIn article summarising the opportunity I saw for tech and non-profits to learn from each other. Receiving some positive engagement on that post gave me the confidence I needed to take the next step.
#3 Consistency is better than ‘better’
Whether it's once a month or three times a week, consistently showing up is more important than how often or how much you write. So choose a publishing frequency that works for you, then create a writing habit around it. For example, I publish every other Wednesday at approximately 12:45 GMT, so I always use the Sunday before to write and the Tuesday evening to draft my promotional posts on social media. Any longer between drafting and publishing, and I overthink.
#4 Be strict about when you publish, not what you publish
Your subscribers should anticipate the arrival of your newsletter, but not its contents. Being open to a range of topics—as long as they fall within your overarching theme—not only gives you more freedom, it keeps things more interesting for your readers.
#5 You don't have to write it all by yourself
One of the many beautiful things about guest Q&As is that someone else is doing the bulk of the talking. But bear in mind: while the format takes the pressure off writing, you become dependent on someone else to publish. To avoid last-minute surprises, plan the Q&As much further in advance and give yourself more time between copy editing and publishing.
#6 Do Q&As for the fresh perspective, not the free promotion
The highest number of new subscribers I've received from a Q&A is eight. Even folks with large social media followings who share the interview may not get you more than a few new sign-ups. So be sure you're doing these interviews for the right reasons. Mine are to (1) support Pass It On's mission for knowledge sharing and (2) meet inspiring people. And speaking of people: dare to contact those you don't know because more will say yes than you think. 50% of Pass It On's Q&As were with folks I'd never met before. All of them have taught me something new, and some have even become friends.
#7 Write in the open
Honesty is powerful. If you want feedback from your subscribers, ask for it; if you're struggling to find something to say, say that. When I hit a wall with issue #12 and wrote about my experience, one of you replied saying, "You have just given your readers the permission they need to worry less about likeability and take the time they need for themselves." Instantly, I knew my vulnerability was worth it. Think how much safer and more interesting this world would be if we all just stopped pretending that we have all the answers. The world needs more people to work (and write) in the open.
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And there you have it: seven short lessons from a year of writing. I hope they'll encourage those of you who've ever thought about sharing your ideas to take the leap. If I haven't quite managed to convince you, perhaps Audre Lorde will:
“Next time, ask: What's the worst that will happen? Then push yourself a little further than you dare. Once you start to speak, people will yell at you. They will interrupt you, put you down and suggest it's personal. And the world won't end.
And the speaking will get easier and easier. And you will find you have fallen in love with your own vision, which you may never have realized you had.”
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches
Before I go, a word of special thanks to two people:
Lauren Currie OBE, founder of UPFRONT. Her confidence course gave me the push I needed to use my voice. She can help you find yours too.
Nik Demetriades, CEO of Warwickshire Vision Support and my wonderful dad. It was through the many candid conversations on our respective industries and roles that the idea for this newsletter emerged.
And one last request:
If you read Pass It On and value it, please will you celebrate its birthday by passing it on to someone who'd appreciate it?
Thank you so much,
Lauren