Congratulations to our new Member of the Week!
Member of the Week: Michelle Wilkinson
“Simply write. The more you write, the more confident you become. “
Helium Member Since: February 2008
Articles on Helium: 4548
What have you gained from being a member of an online writers’ community?
A sense of belonging! I’ve also picked up tips that I think have helped my writing. I’ve definitely learned more about promoting my work, as well.
What do you write about mostly? Why do you write about this subject? Do you consider yourself an expert in your field?
I write quite a lot of articles about weight loss and issues that relate to weight. I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, but I definitely have a lot of experience of trying to lose weight! I’m also interested in how weight and self-esteem issues are interlinked, and what social attitudes towards weight are. Since I’m a keen cyclist, I also enjoy writing about cycling and keeping fit in general.
What motivated you to become a writer?
My social ineptitude! Being introverted and introspective seemed like good enough reasons. I’m much better at expressing myself through the written word than orally!
What advice would you offer new Helium members?
Simply write. The more you write, the more confident you become. When starting out it might be worth sticking to topics you feel comfortable writing about, as this will enable you to develop your own voice, rather than worrying about small, irrelevant details. If you specialize in a particular area, you may find that it becomes easier to promote your work to readers who will come to trust what you have to say and will actively seek out articles you have written.
What is the best life advice you’ve received?
I’m quite a contrary individual, so the chances are that any advice given to me has encouraged me to do the exact opposite!
Articles by Michelle:
Accepting your body the way it is
Finding that work-life balance
How to tell if you are an emotional eater
Every Wednesday, Helium’s blog will feature a new Member of the Week. Member of the Week is chosen through a process of nominations and assessment by Helium community members and staff. If you know a great writer you’d like to nominate, send a link to that member’s About Me page along with an explanation of his/her accomplishments to sh.helium@gmail.com.
