Musings on Newsletters And What Makes them Valuable

Last summer, in a large writing community where I’m a member, the question was posed: Do you subscribe to any newsletters? If so, from whom? And. If you remember. what are they called? The answer flowed from my brain unto my fingers faster than I could type. I replied to both questions at once:

• Moore to the Point by Dr. Russel Moore

• The Wonder Report by Charity Singleton Craig

• Post Script by Jen Pollock Michel

• The Habit by Jonathan Rogers

I subscribe to several newsletters for varying reasons, but these four I read regularly, mark for later when I’m too busy, and notice missing if I can’t find in my inbox (usually because of pesty Gmail algorithms place it in the promotion folder).

I love these letters. They represent much of my own interests and passion. One is explicitly about writing (The Habit, which if you’re not familiar with, is also a writing community. But you don’t need to be a member to receive the newsletter.) Two are personal in content with a good dose of thoughtful material to consider (Charity’s and Jen’s). One is about navigating current affairs through the lens of the Christian faith. All four are very well written, personable, and engage the mind as much as the heart. This is the chief reason I love them and look for them always in my inbox.

Charity Singleton Craig’s newsletter, which by the way also offers a blurp on writing in every edition, flows so well, you don’t even notice the length after a while. The Habit is probably the shorter one of the four, although they’re all longish by today’s hurried online reading standard.

I’ve seen a trend toward short. Yet there are things I feel require more space and words to simmer. But I love thoughtful content and solid writing, and these authors whose work I’m familiar with through the various books and articles, are worth the time it takes me to read their missives.

I think our attention span has become in some ways atrophied, and our taste for longer-form writing is replaced with tolerance only for material that can be read “on the go.” I’ve seen this in myself too. I don’t mean to pontificate here. There’s a solid case to be made for brevity. And if I’m on the go, say a daily commute, good reading material that is succinct, is always welcomed.

But what I’ve come to realize is a newsletter is a letter.

When I write to a friend (a letter, greeting card, or a post-card too), the tone and cadence are different than when I write an article. It reads less scripted, less edited, less “perfect”. While all writing communicates in one form or another, a letter sounds and feels closer to human interaction than a regular article. After all, it’s addressed to someone, whether physically or virtually.

Why am I telling all this? Two reasons. I guess in a sense it’s my way to make a case for newsletters. And a way for me to process some changes I’ve wanted to make to my own for a while.

A Case for Newsletters

What makes any good writing we encounter, good? It usually gives us something we didn’t have prior to reading it. Whether that is a warm feeling of affection, a great recipe, a book recommendation we would have never thought of reading, a pat on the back that says we’re not alone in thinking this or that way, useful information we may be too busy to look for and someone has curated for us, or a word of encouragement we didn’t know we needed.

I think of the four letters I listed above. They’re quite different from one another. As varied in their tone and offering as the human voices behind each one. But in addition to being well written, they have this difference-maker in common: they’re written with thought and attention for the reader. Even the more personal ones who share from their own lives are doing so out of a desire to share their humanity with me and the many others who subscribe.

How one comes to the choice to subscribe to a particular letter is of course a matter of personal preference. But whether it’s the writing tips, new book on our radar, or thoughtful analysis on an issue, I like to think of newsletters more like a connection, a way to keep worthwhile company; and less like a trendy practice for the author to amass readers. Even if that might end up being the happy result for many writers. God bless them, for blessing others with good thoughtful words. I think the best ones aren’t motivated by numbers as much as people. Readers of flesh and blood on the receiving end of those words.

…To subscribe or unsubscribe? That is the question.

With any newsletter, I’d recommend reading three or four editions before ditching or committing, whichever way you want to see it. Never are any of the four I mentioned above always 100% “brilliant”. Then again, neither is every single email or letter I get from a friend. But when I think of them over time, all four newsletters are solid and thoughtful. Much like hearing from a friend, over time, is something you look forward to because you know the familiar voice and what good it brings.

Speaking of familiar voices, two dear friends are venturing into their own missives. My friend Lanie ’s is n the same vein of thought-provoking take on issues. I love it. She’s a seminary graduate and freelance writer for CT among others. Another dear friend, and fellow Montreal writer, Ann-Margret Hovsepian will be launching a newsletter, which promises to be as helpful and creative as her. Ann is a veteran freelance writer of 20+ years, whose prose is crisp, and who has a flair for the arts as a successful lettering illustrator. I will be enjoying both.

My Own Correspondence With You

All these thoughts have sat at the bottom of my heart, weighty, simmering. As I finally put them down on paper, I turn to my own missive, Food for Thought. I love the name. I love what it stands for in my mind. That’s why I chose it.

Inspired by these reflections, I’m making a few changes to my letter. Not in mission or purpose, which remains the same for all words I commit to sharing, spoken or written --which is to stir the reader to consider how everyday life is altered by faith in a triune eternal God. The result of living in that meeting point between the mundane right now and the lofty not yet, ought to be disruptive, mind-shifting, and a blessing. So If my words cause someone to ponder in that light, I’m grateful and glad. As I said, the mission and purpose do not change.

But I want to go back to a tone that is more letter, less article in Food for Thought. This of course means, it will read less orderly, but hopefully more personal. I will also be including a new section that I’ve toyed with for over a year but didn’t think it fitted with the flow. Also, I didn’t feel I was all that qualified to share much about it. Well, I’m adjusting the format to fit it, and I have the courage to share it because we’re all learners:)

None of this is meant as a plugin on my own newsletter. To my subscribers (current or future ones), know that I pray for my readers regularly and view my words as a way to spend the time you’ve generously agreed to keep me company. If you’re curious about any of the aforementioned newsletters I commend them to you. And if you decided over time to stick with any of them, you’re in wonderful hands.

Because I think that’s what we do with good words, hold one another. Sometimes tight, sometimes in tension, and always - I pray, in grace.