Thanks for this, Wendy. I usually avoid "advice on writing" posts, but your subtitle got me in. I definitely see myself as a writer, not a content creator, but I'm relatively new to Substack and after about 20 weeks here I'm still working out what "being a writer" on Substack actually means - so I decided to have a read and see how it seems from your 100 week perspective.
Everything you say makes sense to me. I dropped out of publishing my work some 22 years ago, though I did keep writing privately, so this is a restart to my "public" writing and (so far) I'm finding Substack to be a very positive writing environment.
I started off thinking that it was a showcase, then I discovered that it is also a dialogue - and the dialogue with other writers and readers is having a very positive impact on my own creativity. It's helping me see my old work in a new light - as I dip into and re-examine my back catalogue. It is also increasing my production rate for new work, and to explore and enjoy the creation of hybrid forms - poetry mixed with prose, and both in combination with photography and, occasionally, my partner's art.
I'm fortunate that I don't need to earn a living from Substack - so I have kept my site free - but I do passionately believe that good writers deserve to be paid for their work and I have paid subscriptions to a few great writers here. I'm also aware that if everyone made their site "free" then Substack would have to find revenue through advertising, or collapse.
Thanks again Wendy for another illuminating and confidence inspiring post. I'm gradually getting closer to thinking Yes, this can be a rich and helpful communication tool for me as a writer too, as well as a reader.
Thanks so much for this thought-inspiring advice. It was exactly what I needed to read as I deliberate on what, and how, I want to post on Substack. Invaluable words.
Best post on posting here that I’ve seen posted here in two years.
Thanks for this, Wendy. I usually avoid "advice on writing" posts, but your subtitle got me in. I definitely see myself as a writer, not a content creator, but I'm relatively new to Substack and after about 20 weeks here I'm still working out what "being a writer" on Substack actually means - so I decided to have a read and see how it seems from your 100 week perspective.
Everything you say makes sense to me. I dropped out of publishing my work some 22 years ago, though I did keep writing privately, so this is a restart to my "public" writing and (so far) I'm finding Substack to be a very positive writing environment.
I started off thinking that it was a showcase, then I discovered that it is also a dialogue - and the dialogue with other writers and readers is having a very positive impact on my own creativity. It's helping me see my old work in a new light - as I dip into and re-examine my back catalogue. It is also increasing my production rate for new work, and to explore and enjoy the creation of hybrid forms - poetry mixed with prose, and both in combination with photography and, occasionally, my partner's art.
I'm fortunate that I don't need to earn a living from Substack - so I have kept my site free - but I do passionately believe that good writers deserve to be paid for their work and I have paid subscriptions to a few great writers here. I'm also aware that if everyone made their site "free" then Substack would have to find revenue through advertising, or collapse.
Anyway - thanks for the post.
Best Wishes - Dave :)
Thanks for commenting Dave, an good luck with the restart of your public writing.
Thanks again Wendy for another illuminating and confidence inspiring post. I'm gradually getting closer to thinking Yes, this can be a rich and helpful communication tool for me as a writer too, as well as a reader.
You are very welcome x
Thanks so much for this thought-inspiring advice. It was exactly what I needed to read as I deliberate on what, and how, I want to post on Substack. Invaluable words.
Glad it was helpful!
Congratulations…and thank you for such a thoughtful, helpful post.
You are very welcome, thank you x
Congratulations. Interesting and insightful. Thank you.
Thanks Nancy
This is such an insightful post about writing on substack. And congrats Wendy on 100 weeks of posting!
Thank you Katie!
Thanks so much for this, Wendy. I am just starting out here and I appreciate your insights.
You're welcome x