So Reader —

Think you’re “not really a writer”?

I’ll bet you’re wrong. I mean, you may not be one at all, or want to write anything more profound than “lol” and “u up?”

But if you’re even entertaining the thought “I’m not really a writer,” that tells me you kinda sorta want to be one. Or a better one.

And if that’s true, if you’re so much as “trying” to write — whether more confidently, clearly, naturally, persuasively, descriptively, concisely, relatably, prolifically, or money-makingly — you’re a writer.

BECAUSE I SAY SO.

Maybe someone made you think you can’t call yourself a writer unless you’re a published author, journalist, or Very Serious Blogger. And wear a beret. They can suck it.

What’s it to me?

Well, I love helping you write more like yourself, in a way that compels and sells.

I love getting you to love writing, and to see how good you can be.

That’s at the heart of all my courses, especially my live mentoring party/mastermind Shrimp Club.​

And I’ve recently learned something surprising:

Over seven years and eight rounds, member after member originally hesitated to apply because of the same thought —

“I’m not sure I belong in Shrimp Club, because I’m not really a writer.”

Dani Sumner thought that and applied anyway. Last round, she launched a thriving coaching certification program, started making “real money,” gave a knockout talk at our retreat — fyi, a talk is something you write — and is pumped (her word) to start her fourth, count ‘em, fourth, round.

Alex Darby had started blogging during chemotherapy for cancer (“otherwise I’d go bankrupt from online shopping”) and was working on a book. Still, she didn’t call herself “a writer” and thought she “wouldn’t be a fit” for Shrimp Club.

Oh, but she was — a perfect fit. She wrote a whole other book last round…

…and “accidentally” started a new business: detailed Human Design briefs that are brilliantly…wait for it…written. She also gave a riveting talk at the retreat. And she’s coming back for another round.

Nicole Khamooshi was copywriting for clients when she joined, but it wasn’t until she read her essay out loud in one of the hot seats that she decided, “I’m a WRITER” and submitted it to the prestigious Chautauqua Janus Prize. She was a finalist. She’s returning, too.

If you join for round 9, you’ll have them all in your life, and you’ll love them.

You’ll also have my eyes, brain, and full attention on your writing, if that’s what you bring to your hot seat (you don’t have to).

Alex said that in just 10 minutes of feedback (actually, 15 if we’re reviewing writing), you get “tons and tons and tons.”

She also said she enjoys writing so much now, “because I don't feel like I'm doing it for anybody else. It just flows…And the way Laura looks at it is fascinating.”

Shrimp Club alum Candice Coppola noted that sometimes you join a program and the leader “doesn't even know your name.”

“...And that's not the case with Laura. She's very personal and connected and always available if you need anything or have a question.

“A phrase, a story, a headline — whatever you were working on, she was in the weeds with you…helping you generate ideas, giving you advice, and teaching you stuff. And that's with everybody in the group. She was very invested in every single person.”

TL;DR — You don’t have to think you’re “a writer” to join Shrimp Club. But you may find out you’re a brilliant one.

And if you already identify as a writer and want to be more of one, come to mama.

Shrimp Club kicks off next Tuesday, October 13th.

The deadline to apply is 6pm ET this Friday, October 9th. (That’s two days away. If you’re a last-minute type, no shame — you’re my people.)

​Check out Shrimp Club and apply here.​

xoLaura

PS - The final deadline to apply for Shrimp Club is Friday at 6pm ET. Don’t snooze on joining the greatest bunch of people ever. (Last year’s retreat group below.)

Psst! Since you're signed up to get my emails on a weekly basis, here's what you missed this week!

• ​About that bucket list…😬​
• ​4 overused words — thanks, AI 🙄​​
  

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