Another Week, Another Newsletter to Write...
By Jessica Albon
Copyright 2004, The Write Exposure

Are you at the end of your rope when it comes to writing your newsletter? Do you sit and stare at that little blinking cursor?

Even the most prolific newsletter publishers face times when they just can't stand the thought of writing another issue. The next time that feeling strikes, use these three techniques to pull yourself out of it.

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Renew your commitment to discipline
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There's something to be said for forcing yourself to do something, even when you don't want to. Whether that's exercising your muscles, getting up an hour earlier, or keeping your promise to readers to get your newsletter out on time, you'll shore up your personal integrity by honoring the commitments you make.

If just the thought of training yourself to become better disciplined isn't enough, consider this question asked by Sam Horn in her book, ConZentration: What will I remember a year from now?

Will you remember that you played hookey for a day? Or will you remember that you got your newsletter out on time, every time, for the entire year?

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Pare down the newsletter
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Last year, I was writing two feature articles per issue. And though the newsletter came out less frequently, I was still writing both articles at the same time. It was simply too much writing for me.

So many of my clients feel they have to put out a long newsletter or not bother. In reality, just as you're busy, so are your readers. Most publishers get better results with shorter, more frequent newsletters.

Plus, brevity makes readers happy.

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Use a content formula that makes sense
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If you hate to write, arrange your newsletter so there's a minimum of it to do. For instance, if you can include photos that'll communicate your point instead, use them. If you can run interviews instead of articles, conduct interviews.

Find articles that are easy for you to write and write them. You'll find your readers genuinely notice the difference between a happy writer and a miserable one. They respond better when you make the newsletter easy. No one wants to feel guilty for making you suffer.

Want more tips on how to put the joy back into publishing your newsletter? Subscribe to Newsletters in Focus for free tips every two weeks on creating wonderful newsletters.

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