Chris put a side comment (bracketed) about how I am even worse at this than he is. Which brought back the memory of my first book launch event for my first book held at Leeds Digital Festival. I managed to sell out the room and hosted a panel of amazing people - I managed to facilitate the whole event without once introducing myself or the book that it was in service to!
I love the idea of reframing it that way. I kicked myself the other day when I bumped into friend who subscribes. She said she'd got my latest post and would be reading it. She's a staunch supporter but instead of saying thank you, I muttered something about 'Oh don't worry, you don't have to'. Why do I do this?? I'm going to work on my responses!
This is very true - and I also find it helpful to think about when setting writing goals. Because I think it's best to set goals *we* can solely control the outcome of (eg 'Finish this draft' as opposed to 'Win an Oscar'!), and writing something we're proud of also keeps it contained within ourselves in this way? eg 'Deliver a draft I'm proud of' as opposed to 'Deliver a draft they'll like' (which is, of course, dependent on 'them'... and which is literally an October goal I just set for myself :))
I think there's something else that you and Bec could leverage, Chris, as what I feel comes across is a genuine excitement about sharing the insights you've gathered, and there's always an acknowledgement of how this comes from the people you talk and work with.
Academic have real issues with this, too. One of the biggest issues that they had with crowdfunding was having to sell themselves and their work.
For academics who are writing grant applications (the ultimate in 'sell yourself'), I suggest they try four types of statements:
* Statements based on your values - "I did this because I believe in it."
* Statements of passion - "I did this thing because I love it."
* Competency statements - "I have done this thing, and it demonstrates that I am good at it."
* Evidence-backed statements - "These other people have recognised that I can do this thing."
I think that "I'm proud of it" is a great example of a statement of passion.
The value of these types of statements is (a) other people can't contest them easily, but more importantly, (b) the writer cannot contest them as easily in their own heads. The idea is that it is harder to argue with yourself about your own values and your own passions.
Chris put a side comment (bracketed) about how I am even worse at this than he is. Which brought back the memory of my first book launch event for my first book held at Leeds Digital Festival. I managed to sell out the room and hosted a panel of amazing people - I managed to facilitate the whole event without once introducing myself or the book that it was in service to!
I remember this! 🤣🤣
I am sure you do!
I love the idea of reframing it that way. I kicked myself the other day when I bumped into friend who subscribes. She said she'd got my latest post and would be reading it. She's a staunch supporter but instead of saying thank you, I muttered something about 'Oh don't worry, you don't have to'. Why do I do this?? I'm going to work on my responses!
Yup - I can relate 110%. It just feels a lot more natural to say 'thanks - I was very proud of it'.
That's so true - we do have to hang on to being proud of our work. And actually say so, out loud!
Hear hear! Now, I just need a tip on saying it out loud 😊
Loved this! Such great advice and I love the reframing.
Hope it helps Elizabeth :)
This is very true - and I also find it helpful to think about when setting writing goals. Because I think it's best to set goals *we* can solely control the outcome of (eg 'Finish this draft' as opposed to 'Win an Oscar'!), and writing something we're proud of also keeps it contained within ourselves in this way? eg 'Deliver a draft I'm proud of' as opposed to 'Deliver a draft they'll like' (which is, of course, dependent on 'them'... and which is literally an October goal I just set for myself :))
Yes! Focus on the process not the outcome - so true in the writing and the promoting (and no doubt in other/all areas of life)
I think there's something else that you and Bec could leverage, Chris, as what I feel comes across is a genuine excitement about sharing the insights you've gathered, and there's always an acknowledgement of how this comes from the people you talk and work with.
Academic have real issues with this, too. One of the biggest issues that they had with crowdfunding was having to sell themselves and their work.
For academics who are writing grant applications (the ultimate in 'sell yourself'), I suggest they try four types of statements:
* Statements based on your values - "I did this because I believe in it."
* Statements of passion - "I did this thing because I love it."
* Competency statements - "I have done this thing, and it demonstrates that I am good at it."
* Evidence-backed statements - "These other people have recognised that I can do this thing."
I think that "I'm proud of it" is a great example of a statement of passion.
The value of these types of statements is (a) other people can't contest them easily, but more importantly, (b) the writer cannot contest them as easily in their own heads. The idea is that it is harder to argue with yourself about your own values and your own passions.
Doesn't solve everything, but I hope it helps.