Oops, I did it again
I've turned into a 'ghost' writer
Why is consistency so darn difficult?
When I eagerly launched The Monday Oops during lockdown, I published my newsletter. Every. Single. Week.
Then, as the pandemic eased and my social life sprung back into action, I switched to a more manageable fortnightly schedule.
Fast forward to 2022 and now it’s something of a sporadic occurrence every few months. I should probably call it The Monday Surprise.
I get SO annoyed with myself though for not publishing on time and ghosting my readers.
But does anybody really care if I don’t send out my rambles every two weeks, as I ever so sweetly promised when they originally signed up?
Probably not.
As any writer will tell you, the guilt is all too real.
It makes me feel like an utter failure. A shoddy writer. A lousy procrastinator. Fellow Substacker and editor Kelly Dent perfectly sums this up in her newsletter here.
Writing is hard though.
Sometimes I struggle with finding the time to do it.
Sometimes I have zero inspiration.
Sometimes I have a brilliant idea, but can’t quite articulate what I want to say.
Sometimes, after writing all day for my full-time job, I just can’t find any more words.
Sometimes I talk myself out of writing about certain topics, as they feel too personal.
Sometimes I compare my work to the amazing stuff other people are publishing and think I’m nowhere near as good, so figure, what’s the point?
Or I’ll secretly lie to myself by saying that I’ll do it next weekend instead.
Consistency is important though, as any content guru will tell you.
Subscribers (like some of YOU lovely lot!) like to know when that sparkly email will land in their inbox or when that must-listen podcast episode will drop. It creates a comforting routine and builds anticipation, and also helps to establish credibility and trust.
Consistent content also gives creators something interesting to talk about and share on their social media, which attracts new audiences - cos you know, it’s all about the numbers these days, isn’t it?!
Above all else, consistency helps you to hone your craft - whatever that may be.
For me, it’s a chance to experiment with my writing style and ‘find my voice’. You’d think at 39, I would have already figured these things out but, nope, I totally haven’t.
Like anything in life (hello healthy eating and exercise!) you’re never going to achieve any real results if you only do an activity every now and again. Yet, knowing this all too well, I still can’t make my writing regime stick.
So does this mean my fortnightly newsletter is back for good?
I genuinely hope so.
Although making that kind of public declaration is just so typically me.
Until next time!
Alexis 💕
www.alexisforsyth.com
Mixtape
Instagram of the week
I have an exciting trip coming up soon, so have been poring over lots of travel inspo on Instagram. Francesco, a Milan-based travel creator, is one of my current faves!
Podcast of the week
One of the first podcasts I ever listened to, Alonement, is back! This brand new episode features Iona Bain, chatting all things finance and living alone - very timely in light of the current cost of living crisis.
No matter how long between posts, I always enjoy reading them
Don't beat yourself up, it's a pass time not a job! Write when you have something to say otherwise don't! I'll still be here. :)
Same same!