When it's time to get personal with your writing

Your readers want to know that you're a real person, beyond your business and the products and services that you offer. After all, how can you help them with their life if you don't seem to have one? (Notes to self: (1) Get a life (2) Write more Personal Updates posts.)

The opening section of your ezine is the perfect place to give your readers a glimpse into your personality and maybe even your personal life. But what if you don't want to get too personal? Some people just aren't comfortable posting pictures and details about their family or pets. 

You know I'm not one of them! Here's a recent picture of my beautiful girl Chyna, surrounded by some of her favourite things:

For some personal topic suggestions, it's Plinky to the rescue! According to their website, "Plinky makes it easy for you to create inspired content. Every day we provide a prompt (i.e., a question or challenge) and you answer. We make it simple to add rich media and share your answers on Facebook, Twitter and blogs."

CEO and founder Jason Shellen used to work at a little place called Google, so I'm sure he knows a thing or two about what makes a good web application.

There's also a whole other world of social networking at Plinky. While I've answered one question so far, I haven't gotten into the community aspect of the site (I'm having too much fun in Twitter!).

Writing prompt: If you're looking for ways to get more personal (but not TOO personal) in your writing, give Plinky's writing prompts a try.

Comments

[Linda Dessau]

Hi Lynda,

Thank you for your generous insights and kind words, Lynda. I'm glad these ideas resonated with you and that you could share those helpful examples with us.

Best wishes,
Linda

[Lynda Monk]

Hi Linda, I really appreciate you pointing to including some personal information within newsletters, blog posts, etc. I notice, in my newsletter in particular, that most of the feedback I get from readers has been sparked by something personal I have included...i.e. the challenges of work-life balance and maintaining self-care as a mother and as a helping professional. I keep the personal sharing intentional and aim for it to be a story or a comment that does one of two things: 1) offers learning for my readers (since stories are wonderful teaching tools) and 2) shows that I practice what I preach as a life and wellness coach - before I include a personal story I always ask myself "what is in this story for my readers/clients?" - if there is no value added, I don't include it - since ultimately everything I publish is intended to inform or inspire my clients and it is all about THEM, not me. Linda, thanks for your thoughtfulness and knowledge you so readily share through your newsletter and other resources. To your well-being and success, Lynda

Creative Wellness
balanced living/healthy workplaces
www.creativewellnessworks.com