More Than Words: A purposeful newsletter.

Because words alone can't express what I have to say.

Words alone only say so much. They can’t stand independently but should be rooted in a message. There should be a purpose behind the delivery of a sequence of words. Otherwise (for) our important thoughts will never have the chance to be heard.

I look to the right, as the words barrel out and prepare myself for the crash landing. Bam… Just like that she lost control of her thoughts. And by the look on the faces of the others they weren’t prepared for what she said.

Well… None of us saw that one coming. Who’s up next? I scan the crowd and one by one their eyes avert me. There is no way of getting around it. Two chairs, centered in the crowd, one weighted down by my anticipation and the other reluctant to share the thoughts of each member of my recovery family.

He takes his seat, breathing in his hesitation. Clearly, he doesn’t know what to say. The first word falls out, gets tripped up on meaningless babble. Each word lacks meaning, making his message unclear.

How well do I really know these strangers? We spent thirty days together in recovery and here I sit with each taking a turn to part their final words of wisdom. Sending me on my way, in hopes to leave me with a lasting impression.

Now look who’s up… She just can’t keep her mouth shut. Each word needing to be heard but with nothing to say. She has quite the mouthful. I brush off each word, as she spits them out.

Today I understand, she is just a young woman that needs to be heard. Healing takes others who will listen, silencing their own thoughts to help their friend digest what they are trying to say. Her heart simply aches to be acknowledged.

He slides right into the seat, smooth as honey. Each thoughtful gesture warms me up and I start to melt into his words. The leader attempts to undo what he has said but it’s too late. How can one self-absorbed man know me better than I know myself?

The words expressed to me those final moments have stuck with me. Authentic words composed in the heart are sometimes best left unsaid. Because the truth should be carefully delivered.

A Newsletter with a Purpose

Growing up my mother created newsletters, a task that was part of her job as an activity director. She spent her time cutting images with scissors and pasting them with glue, carefully inserting the images between her groups of words. The pictures demanded more attention than the words.

When I think of Substack and the newsletter it’s hard to not think of my mother. However, this isn’t your grandma’s newsletter, it’s a writers newsletter. Each word will be selected to pack a punch but it is my message that demands to be heard.

“this isn’t your grandma’s newsletter, it’s a writer’s newsletter.”

Karen Esbenshade

The Message of the Newsletter—More Than Words

Memoir With A Message

The story excerpt above shares a memory from my time in rehab. When I compose a message I incorporate a memory. A message is more impactful when shared through emotion. When I write I stir up my emotions and apply a felt need.

It’s my desire to have my reader resonate with my message and create a sense of urgency. Planting a question and sparking a seed of curiosity further keeps the writer engaged.

How else does one garner your attention? If you are anything like me, you also have an attention span of an ant. Sharing a memory with a message alone doesn’t sustain what it takes to finish a book.

News Flash

Swallow Your Pride is more than just a memoir, but has transformed my life. My intent with the book is that it will transform your life as well.

The last several weeks I have been discussing the book with the professionals and while they enjoy the delivery of my message as a memoir, it is clear the book should be classified as self-help.

I am excited to share that I am a self-help writer! Although I want to help, I also want to entertain my reader. How else will I reach that person who doesn’t even realize they need my help?

The Purpose

In each post I strive that there be a purpose behind the delivery of the sequence of my words so my thoughts will be heard. It’s my goal for my reader to walk away with not just a good story, but value. Each Substack post I publish will address either a current struggle that I am facing with my writing, a news update on my publishing journey, or share a learned experience that is helping me grow as a writer.

My blog site, Grow-Together, on Wordpress will focus on character defects and recovery. Staying focused on each platform individually will help me to stay on track. Notes will be utilized to share my blog post.

My purpose is to encourage women to reveal their flawed selves, embracing each character defect so they can strive to be the beautiful woman that they are intended to be. We humans should not be defined by our past, society or our family members.

News Flash

The professionals are pleased with my blog site. Not only does Swallow Your Pride have the underpinnings of a self-help book, but the hard work of building my site offers a strong foundation for growth.

I am excited to share, September 2024, The Faces of Recovery. This new venture will change the way society views recovery. Faces of Recovery is for the person who is curious about a lifestyle in recovery and will introduce them to people who have done the work to break free from their past. Testimonies will be shared, to inspire others to grow out of their past.

The Intersection of Culture and Faith

My message is derived from the world that surrounds me. And within the delivery I share my faith. I am a faith based writer. My journey led me to redemption and building a relationship with Christ. I am mindful that not everyone is a Christian and I am okay with that, because I see each person’s spirituality as personal.

When my daily cultural struggles arise it is my faith that pulls me through. I look towards scripture for the encouragement to take on my daily struggles. At the end of each post I quote scripture for inspiration.

News Flash

A few years ago, due to the insanity of the alcohol, I got arrested. My actions were so heinous that I took it upon my self to seek change. Creating Drama to Garner Attention shares part of my story.

So my journey began… My actions led me to redemption and the courage to take on my past. Today I want to encourage everyone to Swallow Your Pride and not let your past define you. There is no reason to live with guilt and act out of shame.

Recovery isn’t just for alcoholics, but anyone who is hindered from their past.

The Importance of Discernment

When we find inspiration from God’s word we need to use discernment before sharing our written words. Presently, the publisher is doing a diagnostic on Swallow Your Pride.

Next week I will share the findings. Positioning myself in the market as a self-help writer and thought leader the book needs elevated to the next level. I look forward to sharing my publishing journey and hope you choose to grow with me!

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Psalms 119:105 NLT