008: I’ve got the writing twisties!!
What happens when you can't spot where you're going?
Hey friends,
This is going to be out of my usual newsletter style, as I’ve tried multiple attempts at writing this week on expat-related subjects but I found myself unable to form a coherent essay.
I spent an embarrassing amount of hours writing, editing, rewriting, rewriting again, scrapping the idea, writing on a new idea, rewriting that, then rewriting again… until finally, I made the stunning revelation that, I have the case of the writing twisties.
What are the twisties?
I learned about this term while watching Simone Biles’s documentary, Simone Biles Rising. The twisties are essentially when you can no longer spot where you are in a twist, making it dangerous to execute the move.
This disorientation comes from having a mind-body disconnect, which, in her case, manifested because of immense stress and pressure. As a result, she had to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics mid-competition, taking a break from gymnastics for 2 years to realign her mind, body, and spirit to keep going.
The break paid off, because she returned stronger and more determined than ever, earning her team 4 gold medals at the Paris Olympics.
Why am I telling you this?
Well, because I feel like my futile attempt at writing this week came from my inability to spot where I’m going. It’s not for a lack of effort, but rather a lack of clarity that’s making me disoriented.
Also, it comes from the added pressure and stress external to the newsletter.
It’s coming at a frustrating time, as the newsletter is about to hit 100 subscribers 😭💕🙏 which I’m deeply grateful for. And meeting so many wonderful women over the weekend who are so supportive of the mission confirms the need for this community and resource outlet.
I feel a responsibility to grow Another Broad Abroad into what it can be: a space for expat women to come together, uplift, and nurture one another through our journeys.
And for me to show up to meet this goal, I need to spend some time figuring out how to get it there sustainably.
At the moment, the growth is outpacing what I have to give to it.
Hence, mind-body disconnect.
Hence, twisties.
Don’t worry, I’ll be back with exciting updates soon!! I just need to take a chill pill. 😎
Open to Advice
Another reason I have the twisties is because I feel like I have to do and know everything on my own, but that’s only my pesky ego talking! There are so many wonderfully talented people reading this newsletter, so here’s me asking you guys for help, support, and advice.
Here’s where I feel stuck:
Writers: What systems do you have to consistently write about your subject matter? How do you capture your ideas, flesh them out, and have them ready every week? How do you get over writer’s block?
Marketers/ Content Creators: Which platform should I create content on to continue growing the ABA audience? And what systems do you use so you can consistently put out content without burning out?
Readers: What do you want to read about? Is there something about expat life you’re struggling with that the newsletter can answer? What do you want to see from this community?
I’d love your help 💗 If you have answers to any of these questions, you can drop them in the comments or reply to this email!
Chat to you soon!
Muah 💋
Juvi
Good luck, Juvi, you’ve got this!
For your questions, I’ve found that Reddit groups are a surprisingly great way to grow your audience! If you reach the right communities and create a thread that resonates with them, they will engage with your content. I found many of my podcast listeners this way.
As for how I write or create videos despite feeling the twisties - consuming content related or parallel to my niche helps germinate some ideas. I put some ideas / topics that feel fun to explore in my notes app. Then at the time I’m most productive (mornings or late evenings), I just sit down and start doing. Even a sentence is an achievement!
Even if you feel the twisties, I have to say your writing continues to be engaging. It feels like I’m hearing you chat. It’s awesome!