If you're not writing online, you're missing out

Create more than you consume

Facebook selfies, doomscrolling, and the whole social media circus get a lot of bad press.

And, like you, I’m wary of the uninformed, aggressive, and vapid content that certainly lives there.

But I also see writing online (including selected social media) as the most straightforward start to letting our creativity fly and getting our ideas out into the world.

That’s why I write online daily.

You need to be selective

But you must tread a narrow path to avoid all that crass and loud stuff that gives social media a bad name. You need to learn to only poke your head in where people with integrity hang out.

These are the dedicated writers who offer insights and original ideas. They write with intention and passion and create impact. They give actionable advice and stand behind their words.

This writing home is like a favourite cafe with endless good coffee, food, and long hardwood tables where any conversation could take you on an adventure. These people become your new friends. They inspire and interest you.

This place is your global creative hub.

The more you write, the more you feel part of the cool creator crowd

The data is in.

Only about 1% of social media users write.

The other 99% read.

You’re an outlier just by choosing to be a creator. And the magic comes to creators more than to consumers.

Why do people write online?

I asked a few creators I know, and this is a sample of their responses:

• To find out what you think.

• To find out what you believe in.

• To dig deeper into what interests you.

• To learn and understand more deeply.

• To be engaged, connected, and have fun.

• To express your creative energy.

• To have an impact.

• To find your voice.

What surprise changes come from writing online

And even though you may begin writing online for one reason, soon enough, other benefits show up to surprise you.

Writing online is self-improvement on steroids.

You become a maverick and a risk-taker. You start before you’re ready and improve every time you post. You see that you don’t need to figure it all out up-front.

You overcome self-doubt. You write despite feeling like an “average” writer. (You’re in good company because 90% of writers feel they’re not good enough—suffering “imposter syndrome.”)

You learn humility and vulnerability. Writing’s a craft you have to practice. It includes cringing at the beginner quality of your work, making small gains as you practice in public, and fist-pumping as you improve over time.

You find mentors and friends among the fabulous creators/human beings you meet.

You become an idea and opportunity magnet.

Your powers of observation and curiosity escalate.

Your heart, mind, and soul are stretched every day.

These transformations show up IRL.

And a bonus: Some (a few) creators make a very decent living from their words.

(It’s a bonus.)

You see how much “upside” is in this game?

Keep going—inward, onward, upward!

Have a wonderful week.

With love, Jeanette

A few articles for inspiration:

The Single Most Important Lesson I've Learned Becoming a Digital Writer

An Open Letter to Writers Struggling to Find Their Courage

Some fun for fellow reading addicts: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." – Dr. Seuss