SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

Welcome to my sanctuary, AKA my blog. Here, I’m in my element, interacting with incredible people who take the time to visit. It’s like having a cosy chat in a favourite coffee shop. I treasure this space where I can share my thoughts without the overwhelming buzz of the broader internet. It’s a place to practise the art of communication while dodging the digital crowds.

But in a world where most communication is done online, I’m a wee bittie out of step. And even more out of my depth. When authors, artists, and creators of all stripes need the internet to get our work seen… and to actually make a living… I’ve found myself scrapping content plan after content plan because of fear. But this year, I’m working hard to combat my posting terrors.

Social Media: The Baby Steps Adventure

Ah, social media. It’s like learning to walk a tightrope in high heels—exciting but, you know, scares the shit out of you. I’m tentatively venturing into the world of Instagram, posts, and hashtags. I say that like I’ve only just got an account. I’ve had one since 2012!

Remember my post on ‘Creative Suffocation‘? It’s a bit like that. Each post feels like it should be a masterpiece, which, honestly, can be paralyzing. But hey, I’m trying! It’s all about those baby steps, right? One awkward Instagram post a week (for now).

The Newsletter: A Promise to Myself and You

Now, let’s talk newsletters. I’ve been a bit of a slacker in sending them out regularly (sorry, folks!). But, good news! I’ve made a pact with myself (and you, my amazing Deniables subscribers) to step up my game. Expect another shiny new newsletter at the end of this month, filled with updates, insights, and maybe a surprise or two. ?

Emails: The Neglected Frontier

Oh, and let’s not forget about emails! Here’s a not-so-funny fact about me: I’m pretty terrible at emailing friends back. I know, I know, in an age where we’re all glued to our devices, how hard can it be to send a quick reply? For me, it feels like scaling Mount Everest. ??

It’s not that I don’t care—quite the opposite, actually. It’s just that I get caught up in wanting to write the perfect email where I sound like a human, not one where I react to each line of your email with no context<— not kidding! And then I procrastinate because I’ve scared myself out of it because it’s not ‘perfect’ yet. A classic case of overthinking meets perfectionism. So, to all my friends reading this: I promise I’m not ignoring you. I’m just crafting a masterpiece email in my head… that I’ll send… eventually. ?

Combating the Email Struggle

But hey, I’m working on it. Just like with social media and newsletters, I’m learning to let go of the need for perfection in my emails. Maybe a simple “Thinking of you” or a funny meme is enough to stay connected. Wee steps, right?

Embracing the Fear and Imperfection of Communication

Here’s the thing: I’m learning to embrace the beauty of imperfection not only in my work but in my online communication, too. It’s not about crafting the perfect post or the wittiest email. It’s about connection, sharing, a bit of fun, and possibly getting over the fear of peopling ?.

So, this year I’ve decided to try a little more on my online communication. Doing it bit-by-bit, until hitting that send or post button doesn’t fill me with dread and anxiety. Who’s with me?

Join the Conversation!

Are you a social media guru, a blogging enthusiast, or a newsletter ninja? Share your experiences and tips in the comments. Let’s learn from each other!

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Before you go, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram (I promise I’m getting better at it!). Let’s keep the conversation going and grow this amazing community.

Stay awesome,

Susan x