Client Spotlight: Debra Roberts, LCSW, is an author, conversation expert, and founder of The Relationship Protocol, a communication model that revolutionizes how we live and work together. An Authority Development client, she recently wrote “Emotional Regulation: How to Keep Your Cool When It Counts” for Inc.

Good morning, ,

I love this time of year. I love the cotton-candy pink of the sunrises and the warm glow of the lights hanging from the garland on my front porch. I love enjoying that first cup of tea and writing in a tattered notebook. I also love taking time to step away from the day-to-day operations of my business so I can tend to my business and give myself time to think, reflect, and connect.

One of the ways I tend to my business is to declutter my digital world. I delete downloads, resources, and tools that I no longer need. I cancel subscriptions and association memberships that no longer serve me. I step away from groups that no longer feed my soul. And I unsubscribe from email newsletters that no longer serve me or my business.

I invite you to join me.

If this newsletter doesn't serve you, protect your inbox and unsubscribe. I won't be hurt or offended, and you know where to find me if you change your mind. But if you're committed to building your authority through writing and looking for ways to make that easier, more enjoyable, and more effective, stick around. I've got plenty more to share in the coming months!

Here's to a happy and healthy 2026!

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Join the Conversation

Writing for high-visibility publications is a complete waste of time. Or is it?

A lot of the noise online implies that writing a piece for a high-visibility publication will have the hordes of humans knocking down your doors. In this LinkedIn post, I dispel that myth and share a few ideas for how to unlock the full value of published articles. Join the conversation.

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Recommended Resource

What to Write When

As you plan for 2026, you might be thinking about whether you should write a book, focus on your blog or newsletter, or write for a high-visibility publication. In this article, I offer a step-by-step guide to building your authority by writing. It will help you decide what to focus on next year so you can build your authority (and your business) with intention. Read the article.

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Featured Appearance

Podcast: Books Applied

Last year, I joined Iggy Perillo to talk about the book that has had the greatest impact on my business: Finding the Mother Tree by Dr. Suzanne Simard. What does forest research have to do with writing and building your authority? A lot more than you might think. Take a listen!

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Upcoming Events

Authority Lab™

Interested in learning how to build your authority through writing, whether you're writing for your blog or a high-visibility publication? Join me on Wednesday, January 14, at 11:55 AM Eastern for a mini-training on what to write when, followed by a Q+A. Free. Register here.

Master Class: How to Write for High-Visibility Publications

In this 60-minute master class, which I will offer twice in January, I will share the SILVA Method™ and walk you through the process I use to help my clients secure bylines in publications like Harvard Business Review, Inc., and TD Magazine. Join me at 1 PM Eastern on Wednesday, January 7, or 3 PM Eastern on Tuesday, January 20. Free. Register here.

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And that wraps up the last newsletter for 2025!

May you find some time in the last few weeks of this year to rest, reflect, and connect to what matters most so you can start the new year rejuvenated.

Take good care,

Ready to Invest in Building Your Authority?

If you're ready to invest in building your authority through writing, there are three ways we might work together:

1. Writing Practice: A community for consultants that offers monthly writing, peer editing, and skill-building workshops. Membership is $150 a month. Write on!
2. Pathway to Publication: A high-touch, personalized accelerator for consultants ready to build their authority by writing for high-visibility publications. Tuition is $1,000 a month. Apply today.
3. Authority Development: One-to-one services that help you create and implement an authority development strategy. Learn more.

AI Disclosure Statement: I used LanguageTool, an AI-based grammar checker, to review this email newsletter. To learn more about how (and when) I use AI, review my AI Usage Policy.