Expert tips from a nurse-turned-writer

P.S. I’m not an expert-expert, but I do make a living by stringing words together and want to share everything I learn with you!

How to be sensitive

Hello writers,

Today I’m tackling how to write about sensitive topics. I’m also relaxing into my busier work schedule (thank Whatever-you-believe-in for that). Also, my son turns 12 tomorrow — happy birthday Ewan! 🤍

Talk soon,

WRITING TIP OF THE WEEK

Sensitive topic tips

Sometimes writers have to relay sensitive information. I’ve written about chronic diseases that carry a lot of heartache, sexual dysfunction in depression, and about the tragic losses of sudden infant death. Whenever I approach a piece that may trigger a reader, I have a few techniques for using words curated to help them feel seen, heard, and hopeful.

While not every situation offers the same amount of hope, we writers can still communicate with gentleness and understanding. When assigned a sensitive topic, I follow these self-imposed rules:

• Write with empathy: Put yourself in your reader’s shoes.

• Always prioritize accuracy: Misinformation helps no one.

• Add an edit round: Your words and their meaning carry extra importance here, so triple check them.

• Share your story: If applicable, tell your readers about your own experience.

• Offer action: Suggest some action steps for anyone who might want more.

I’d love to hear how you approach these kinds of topics in your writing! Reply and let me know. If you’d like to read more of my thoughts on this, check out my blog post.

TRIVIA-PALOOZA

Copyright and death

Your trivia question for the week is…

💡 How long does copyright exist after the creator’s death? 💡

(The answer’s at the bottom!)

FREELANCER CORNER

Phee-ewwww

Well, my calendar has finally started to fill up. (knock on wood) I did not like January. Not a fan. But assignments are rolling in and my blood pressure goes down every day. I’ve got some interesting new clients — for one, I get to write research summaries and use alllll the technical lingo I forgot I knew. So that’s fun!

I’m also onboarding a client who needs more copywriting work than long-form pieces, and I agreed to charge by the word for the first time ever. Definitely curious to see how that goes… Another potential client has a target audience I’m excited about — mums! — and I really hope that one works out!

How about you? Is work getting busier now January’s over?

IT’S PERSONAL

The most magical forest ever

Back in August, I took my kiddos and parents up to Loch Something-or-Other and we hiked through the forest across the road. I’m telling you, I would not have been shocked to see an actual fairy fly by…

We climbed past enormous, craggy pines and our feet sunk into inches-deep moss. It felt like someone had carpeted the forest floor. And I’m talking high-pile luxury carpet. A beautiful stream babbled next to us the whole way up. No big deal. Just pure magic.

My daughter (who dreams of being a botanist) gathered plenty of samples for her experiments and recorded all her observations in a field notebook. (Her nerdy mother beamed with pride…) I hope we can get back there soon!

‘Til next time

Thanks for reading and see you next week!

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You can view all my work on Authory and also feel free to check out my website!

💡 Find the trivia answer HERE 💡