The #WickedWednesday newsletter is inspired by my desire to share stories focused on promoting community and creating positive change, something we all need more of nowadays.
Warning, shameless plug: Hey, #WickedWednesdays community - it's March, which means it's Women's History Month! As I kick my business, Wicked Writers, LLC (yes, it just became official!) into high gear, I'm looking use my writing gifts to elevate changemakers, because if we don't life each other up, who will?!
The first four female-identifying entrepreneurs who drop me a line at rachaeldubinsky@gmail.com will receive a special offer for an "about me" section rewrite for their website and a complimentary feature in this newsletter during the month of March. As an entrepreneur, it doesn't get much more #wicked than having a polished bio (she says unironically).
Now, onto the newsletter.
Well this week's newsletter title feels like a very ironic title to publish on the internet forever... especially given I'm a writer and the name of my business.
The truth is, ever since I was in third grade and a teacher told me I was a "slow reader", I've been intimidated by reading and books, generally. How did I survive school you might ask? Let's just say expository writing came in VERY handy.
While books have alluded me for most of my life, I still feel very drawn to bookstores as a gathering place to hear others talk about their work and peruse the endless collection of beautiful covers and tchotchkes, not to mention doing my own writing.
There is something about being in a place where storytellers are showcased and celebrated that makes for a magical experience. And while romance novels have helped me find ways to enjoy reading, I still get antsy when I go to a bookstore to try and find a book I will enjoy.
Now, this next announcement may sound a bit funny considering my introduction... I am writing a poetry chapbook! Why poetry? It's a short form of accessible writing, deeply expressive and readers can choose to read one poem or a whole collection.
I'm making this declaration now because it is approximately three months until my 35th birthday and my present to myself (yes, I do that) is to start putting my words into the world and work toward publishing a book of my poems.
The title will be "The Judging Porch" named after the perch at my last apartment, where I could watch the cars wiz by and get lost in my thoughts (and excellent people watching). See my first excerpt below (eeeee!).
If anyone is a cover artist/graphic designer and inspired by this title, please reach out to me at rachaeldubinsky@gmail.com.
The Importance of Dreaming
Last week, I saw Pretty Woman: The Musical (yes, there is such a thing). While it strayed from the movie a bit more than I would have liked, it got me thinking about the point in our lives when we start to feel like it's impossible to do the things we dreamed of when we were younger.
At a certain point, we let the "real world" start to dictate where we should go and what we should do, instead of listening to what makes our hearts happy. We all let doubt and fear creep into our conscious and unconscious mind, and it can feel difficult to get out of that loop.
We can start to break that cycle by believing in ourselves. I get that is difficult to do when the world is trying to bring you down, and yet the judgement of others has nothing to do with our potential vis-a-vis Pretty Woman (had to do it).
A Lesson from Dog Training
I haven't talked about Princess Parker in awhile and her first birthday is coming up March 18! And because I like to tie these newsletters in a neat bow, I thought I'd share a lesson that is applicable to both humans and dogs.
One of the things they are teaching us in dog training is to recognize the point where your dog loses focus and take small steps to increase that threshold. The same lesson can also be applied to humans trying to achieve a dream.
If you have a goal in mind, the idea is not to go-go-go until you get there - it's to be methodical about your dedication and approach to getting what you want. In other words, dog and humans alike struggle with patience.
Miss last week's IWD events list?
International Women's Day is THIS FRIDAY! If you're looking for an event to attend in Massachusetts, check out the list I published last week.
What is keeping you from achieving your dreams?
Whether it's getting a treat or writing a poetry chapbook, the outcome, while important, is secondary to the process. My goal in writing The Judging Porch is not to be a best seller, it's to fulfill a totally achievable dream, thanks to the internet, self-publishing, and the support of the #WickedWednesdays community.
Want to learn more about my work? Visit wickwriters.com, post a comment below or drop me a line at rachaeldubinsky@gmail.com.
Until next week, stay #wicked.