It may be what I would say to my kids. I was already overwhelmed by writing when all the subs and "big fish" came along. I loved it in the earlier days. I now want to learn the business of it all from you. I am a grief specialist--which is really the idea of learning to live with loss of every incarnation. If you have lost a loved one, share their name here. 🤍 https://substack.com/@barri?r=7n8ag&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
I just started my newsletter this week, but I have content scheduled out for the next 16 weeks - so basically a full n/f book serialized. I’m exploring and sharing lost and found stories that usually require a bunch of research - something I’m very passionate about - so don’t want to be rushed and miss out on the fun stuff!
2. PRE-DELIVERY JITTERS 🤢
I’ve made a living as an author and writer for four decades, and have blogged since 1999 or thereabouts, so shouldn’t be nearly as nervous about this new adventure as I am. But, the first chapter of the first story drops Tuesday 6/25, and I’m a hot mess!
I’ve been collecting lost and found stories all my life, and the time has come to share them with the world. The process makes me happy, writing keeps me grounded and breathing, and the promise of community-building feels like a delightful bonus!
1. DON'T WORRY THAT YOU HAVE 64,000 UNREAD NEWSLETTERS IN YOUR INBOX. When you fancy a read, you have your very own personalised infinity scroll of actually good content. I do recommend setting up a separate email for all your subs though, so you can continue to be a functional person.
2. I'M CURIOUS HOW YOU FIND SUBSCRIBERS FROM OUTSIDE SUBSTACK?
5. My name is Raphy, I write Three Things Weekly where every Sunday I share with you 3 things (yep...) that inspire your creativity for the week ahead.
Don’t take it personally! I have a new formula for success. Start with the joy of writing for its own sake, and wanting to be of service to others From that, subtract the amount of fraught marketing, driven by fear of missing out and falling behind. The difference is the true measure of your success. And given that you can’t possibly know the truth about what constitutes the variables in other writers equations, you also can’t possibly compare your degree of success with others. Thank you for this opportunity to share my Substack: Spiritual Aging @substack.čom home of the Spiritual Aging Study and Support Group.
LET THIS BE A PLATFORM WHERE I DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE ALGORITHM.
My substack is a place for me to collect my thoughts on what I’m reading at the moment. I’m pretty new here, but I’m so appreciating the community and getting to have some back and forth with a handful of other writers.
AVOID COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS - BE HAPPY WITH ME.
Hi I'm David @eregnans. I write observational stories, short fiction, some research-y pieces and sometimes about issues of brain damage - having an acquired brain injury since 1995. I post each Wednesday from Melbourne, Australia. I'd love you to have a look around: https://eregnans.substack.com
TURN OFF MY PHONE IN MORNINGS AND EVENINGS . I've recently started doing this and it really helps to reduce overwhelm from any app and social media. I love it. Anyway, I'm Sophie from @thisissophietoday and I've only just started, you can have a look at my substack here https://thisissophietoday.substack.com/
TOO NEW TO THIS TO FIGURE OUT ANYTHING ABOUT BEING OR NOT BEING OVERWHELMED.
Meantime, I'm reading all the notes here, trying to at least figure out what the general expectations are, especially for newcomers. And also, trying to figure out how one builds a small network around a certain topic. Big networks already exist, but they are populated with established writers.
I WRITE ISSUES ACCORDING TO PRE-DETERMINED MONTHLY THEMES.
This is my second Substack. I learned a lot from the first one, mainly that deciding what to write is my biggest challenge. So, for my current Substack, I choose a theme and write a month of issues centered around it. I've even extended some themes to two months. I've found this approach to be a total game changer. It minimizes the mental energy I spend planning future issues.
I just finished a two month series on "change" and now I'm working on week two of another two month series about 'Personalizing Your Practice".
WRITE UNDER A PSEUDONYM--DETACH IT FROM MY PERSONAL LIFE--MAINTAIN SUBSTACK AS MY ONLY FORM OF SOCIAL MEDIA--DISMISS AN IMPULSE FOR/OF EXPECTATIONS--PROTECT YET SHARE THE HEART
The struggles with this approach are less on feelings of being overwhelmed, with entanglement or fixation on the platform--that I'm missing something. There's clearly a separate life and existence to maintain and satisfy that keeps me busy. The struggle, most often, is the shared efforts feel like they're flung into a place/space vastly devoid of others. Happily, the therapeutic process remains a release, as intended.
Lately I’ve struggled with what to write in my weekly posts, and been beating myself up about it. Writing for what I think the audience wants vs what’s inside me at the time. And often my energy for the writing dies a little. Perhaps I need to ‘let go’ and just write what’s true for me.
That 911 story in your "Human stories are the shortest distance between you and the heart of a crowd" is so telling about the digital overwhelm. We don't have that feature in the US, at least not that I know of. Maybe people shake their phones way too often here!
I'VE SET AN INTENTION FOR HOW MUCH TIME I WANT TO SPEND BEING CREATIVE ON MY SUBSTACK. IT SEEMS TO KEEP THE ITTY BITTY SHITTING COMMITTEE (OVERWHELM) AT BAY.
I am currently struggling to balance learning as much as I can through the Cohort, without being overwhelmed by the amazing content and support being provided by Sarah. I am reminding myself that being here, with all of you, is a choice ... a journey, not a destination. So that helps me live into my intention of creating quality, thoughtful, and compassionte offerings, without the pressure to convince or sell.
To manage overwhelm here I do any one (or all) of the following:
*GET IN THE KITCHEN & COOK
*PLAY WITH MY KIDS (especially my baby) 🥰
*10 MIN MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
*HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH A NON-WRITERLY FRIEND
*LAY FLAT ON THE GROUND, CLOSE MY EYES & GET QUIET
*DO AN ORGANIZATIONAL TYPE TASK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE
These and so many other random things help me widen the lens of my focus. My ADHD brain loves to hyper fixate on things including Substack! I would enjoy connecting with other neurodivergent peeps here. My substack is:
FOCUS ON POSTING NOT SCROLLING + PICKING UP A BOOK AT THE END OF THE DAY 📚
I try to prioritise "working" on my Substack in the sense of drafting, editing and posting according to my self-imposed schedule, which has potentially stunted my reader growth by not focusing more on Notes, but it's the writing and sharing part that really brings me joy.
I don't spend much time on Notes, but have made it my go-to when I'm in a scrolling mood, rather than any other social media, which I think works well help me find new things to read and engage in the comments.
I haven't shared frequently on Notes myself, unless I really have something to say, but have found a new excitement about connecting there recently, in part due to an IRL Substack meet up! ✨
That said, when feeling overwhelmed after hours on the laptop or phone, even if it has been hours of Substack excitement, at the end of the day I make sure I put down all the tech and read at least a page - though ideally more! - of a print book 😊
I feel so old joining the party early on a Saturday morning! But I've also battled the Substack fatigue by pulling back to a weekly publishing schedule after more than a year of publishing twice a week. This was inspired, in part, by a dinner party with other Substackers where we all spoke desperately of our brimming inboxes and how difficult it was to unsubscribe (guilt) even when we couldn't keep up. And of course, you want to support someone new, so you keep subscribing.
HOW DO YOU BRING YOUR CULTURE INTO YOUR WRITING? I lives jn Haiti and sometimes I try to introduce elements of my culture into my writing, but I am not sure I have found a fun and seamless way to do it yet. A way that stokes curiosity.
I hope you will bringing yourself into your writing. As we need more of you even when it's not about you.
I have been writing Well Well Well, my realistic, doable health & wellness guide, for two years and both summers I’ve had a break - which is on-message for my audience!
Good for you Rosamund! This is such a smart and counter-cultural act! And you are right, it is totally on message for your audience! I take July and August off and have been doing it for over 20 years. I typically pre-schedule posts from my archives (but I could just stop posting and that would be completely on message for my audience, who are folks who long to slow down from the crazy pace of their lives). I think part of the reason many of us are writing on Substack is to have more autonomy over our lives and our time. My coaching clients are so trained now that they now ask me, "When are we taking our break?"
I GO FOR A BIKE RIDE, READ A GOOD NOVEL OR DO DISHES WHILE I PLAN MY NEXT POST SERIES. If I take too long of a break, I have to “warm up” to my writing again.
My name is Carol and I’m at QuietZeal.Substack.com. Celebrating high sensitivity, moments of pause, and excitement in the quiet and ordinary. Stop by when you get a chance!
Hi Karen: I really struggle with this. I find I spend days on every post. It seems to take forever. Sometimes, the post is just tough and won't come together easily. Usually, it's because I'm trying to say too much, I think. I find mostly thought, it is fiddling around with it - editing, editing, editing. I'm not a perfectionist by nature, but in this area I seem to be. I'm one of your subscribers. I'd love to see a post from you on this.
I have not asked for paid subscribers because I don’t reach the quality of some of these writers. But there is a great freedom in being able to say what you think. I do wish I had more response to what I write. That’s how I enjoy art critiques and would like to do the same here.
TITLE HELP PLEASE! I'm brand new here--just working through the Blueprint and decided I need a new title. Anyone have any thoughts on what this conveys:
Writer on the Lam: For encounters with life and adventures in self-discovery--without leaving home
I'm Leah Eichler, fiction and non-fiction writer. On Substack, I focus largely on my non fiction tackling Holocaust memory, Jewish identity and puzzling out what it all means.
I write for a living. It's my full time job and has been for, ugh, 45 years. Because of that, I think I put substack in its proper place in life. It's a useful platform but not the end all be all. I think of it as an item on my to-do list. And it's not on that list every day.
I learned long ago to keep writing in perspective. Most full time writers don't become famous. Our work doesn't develop a huge fan base. Like most creative artists, we slog day by day against the world's indifference. We like our time off and weekends, like everyone else.
Substack isn't a significant part of my income.And I doubt it ever will be. So unless I'm having fun here I don't do it. That keeps the "overwhelm" at bay
I'm writer pilgrim and I write poetry, run networking events on Substack and challenges on Substack. I also have a monthly poem giveaway where I gift personalised poems.
Reading through your publication now, wanting to ask this quickly before the Friday evening ceremonies take over; are those SPAWN hours every Thursday?
Hi there, and thank you for your question. Every Thursday yes. SPAWN is like Office Hours, a group of us get together and we have had collabs, friendships, support and socialising and working through at getting better with Substack. A supportive hangout community every Thursday.
You’re welcome! We’re entering holiday season and it’s quieter which means you get a chance to meet and have some conversations with some of our regulars.
HELP! I'M IN OVERWHELM! I write movie reviews and currently I have no idea how to keep up. I'm trying to watch movies, write about them, learn how to use Substack, promote, engage with other Substacks that I really enjoy reading, and have time for other interests. It doesn't feel possible right now. I'm also trying to get back to and finish my novel. I'm looking forward to reading some good tips here.
Sounds interesting. I love visiting SF. Mine is a successful writer has chosen between creativity and productivity, cranking out novels with collaborative help, only when her collaborator malperforms, it goes off the rails and she has to fight to keep her career.
I prevent Substack overwhelm by LIMITING MY TIME TO 30 MINUTES A DAY. I’m struggling with doubt: Is my newsletter relevant? Wondering why I get more followers than subscribers. Please tell me what you think! 🧡 Here’s my most recent post.
I use my morning coffee and commute to read other substacks and interact on notes and threads. This gives me dedicated time so it doesn’t overwhelm me or having me spend more time on my phone than I’d like to. I block out time Sundays and normal one evening before or after work for writing Between a Rock and a Hard Pose. I find having these specific time blocks has really helped reduced overwhelm with my 9-5, job yoga teaching and still have a life!
I’M LEARNING TO HEAD STRAIGHT TO MY INBOX AND START READING. I COME BACK TO NOTES LATER.
This is my first Substack Office Party! I’m here to learn, browse for new writers and get inspired. My creative outlet is named (wo)menopause and she’s just a few months old. Writing helps me work through shit.
Thank you. Yes, I like to have an espresso cup of margarita and start writing and responding to notes. It puts me in an excellent mood, like being at a cocktail party, but not having to think about your outfit.
1. NOTICE WHEN I'M NO LONGER HAVING FUN...THEN GET UP AND DO SOMETHING ELSE. This is a daily practice. And I practice this in all things - not just here!
2. What I'm (really) struggling with: How to connect and cross-pollinate on Substack.
I'm in my own little authentic niche; I can honestly say there's no one quite like me. This means that the stacks that I subscribe to aren't necessarily "my people", though I find them interesting for my own reasons. Right now, those who know of me are only those I've brought to this network from my newsletter base, and who already know me from my years spent as a professional astrologer/author.
So I'm wondering how to use this forum -beyond just interacting with my own small group. When permitted, I have commented and shared other Substacks (I wonder why many people only allow subscribers to leave comments? I understand privacy desires, but this limits me from personally connecting with the author). For whatever reason, I have made ZERO progress using Notes.
I do like attending things like this- thanks for the opportunity! One that actually helped me to connect was with Mika at https://musingsbymika.substack.com/ Mika hosts a 2nd Friday of the month "find your Tribe" where you are able to introduce yourself a bit more deeply and so find common ground.
I am an author, intuitive, empath and astrologer. I have now published 4 books on astrology, and feminine based spirituality and a Divination card deck. *I am also currently looking for a publisher for my next book, full of practical strategies for reconnecting with your embodied wisdom and intuition.
For each post, go to Settings. Scroll down to SEO Options. You’ll see one for title, another for description as well a recommended character lengths. Play around with it as I don’t think there are many hard and fast descriptions. It’ll probably take a while to kick in as the search engines do their crawl thing. I’d send you a pic of one of mine, but these comments exclude pics. Best of luck.
SWITCHING GEARS TO PAINTING AND ARTWORK. My personal struggle is understanding if I'm actually growing fast enough and how to get people to be willing to become paid subscribers (am going to schedule a coaching call with Sarah for that). My substack is at https://lindahoenigsberg.substack.com/publish/home?utm_source=menu and I have a section of it called Bad Boys in the Church Pews where I write about unhealthy relationships.
Thanks, Marta! It was the title I was thinking of for a manuscript I wrote and never sought publishing. I decided to offer the whole manuscript plus some other chapters on healthy relationships (I do marriage counseling as part of my career as a therapist).
LIMIT NOTES (AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA) TO A CERTAIN TIME OF DAY.
I have certain times I will engage with Substack or any other platform for a preset amount of time. This keeps me from getting sucked down the rabbit hole and using up all of the time I should have spent on writing.
I have been listening to all the episodes of How I Write with David Perell. Every guest he has on is fascinating and I am learning so much. Highly recommend!
IF I SKIP READING THE NEWSLETTER 3X, I UNSUBSCRIBE.
I hate to admit it because I want to support everyone and subscribe to everyone but then my inbox is ridiculous. It's kind of extreme. I'm open to suggestions for a middle ground. I don't want my Substack engagement to become overwhelming and distracting like the social media platforms I'm weaning off of. More simplicity is my goal. I write about living off the grid at Our Uncertain Future 🖤🙏🖤
I GIVE MYSELF GRACE. DETOX FROM THE PHONE AND DO A NATURE MEDITATION.
I struggle with marketing with my newsletter/posts and turning which one to paid subscribers. I’ve always been a giving and although I’m working hard to make income online, it’s hard for me to really market my paid businesses.
Hello 👋🏾 my name is Shanetta, but please call me Netta. I am a neurodivergent homeschool mom, wife, small business owner, writer, and content creator. I am truly a Jaqueshia of all trades 🤣
I’m living and loving life after 40. I’m finally publishing my writing and networking with others. I write about life as a whole and things that aren’t spoken about, as well as inspirational words. I have no niche. I am feeling my way around to create an income online.
WRITE, TURN ALL NOTIFICATIONS OFF, READ ONLY AT SPECIFIC TIMES, READ ONLY WHAT INTEREST ME, DON'T SUBSCRIBE TO EVERYTHING, REMEMBER WHY I WRITE AND STICK TO MY PRIORITY (my book!), YOGA, MEDITATION, EXERCISE, HEALTHY FOOD, LAUGH A LOT WITH MY DAUGHTERS, HAVE FUN
POST MONTHLY TO BALANCE OTHER WRITING PRIORITIES, REMIND MYSELF THIS IS SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME HAPPY, TRY TO PLAN CONTENT AHEAD, SHOW MYSELF GRACE WHEN I FORGET ALL OF THE ABOVE.
Not that any of this is easy. Also, often what I find most overwhelming isn't managing my own Substack but keeping up with the wonderful writers I read here. I want to be a supportive community member, and that takes time, too! But I'm always glad when I do. This community is fabulous.
-Have a bunch of drafts to play with depending on your mood
I’m a graduate student interested in fairytale studies, Dream research, ecological wisdom, and western esotericism. Occasional Dream consultant, freelance, I write essays, short stories, and occasional rants with subtle humor
I love this: Get off stats. Thank you. There's too much looking "out there" and making comparisons to others who are doing more, better etc. I do this, too!
DETACH for a period of time. I write about calming the mind, healing the heart, and connecting with our inner wisdom at Wild Arisings. https://sandrapawula.substack.com/
INTRODUCING A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUBSTACK: Two Friends Talk About Writing and the Brain. Different because 1. it's a dialogue between a writer (me) and a neuropsychiatrist (Barbara) and 2. because it asks and answers questions of use to writers (or anyone who'd like to know more about their brain). A little history: when, to my surprise, writing and publishing a memoir turned out to be transformative, I asked Barbara how the process of writing could do what years of therapy with excellent psychiatrists had not. The fun we had figuring this out got us going. What exactly IS writer's block? How does it affect non-writers? Why does remembering often feel like reliving? The questions are endless, and new insights from brain science and psychology have so much to teach us! Join us! elizabethropermarcus.substack.com
This sounds amazing! What an innovative way to pair writing skill with psychological expertise. I love all things writing and all things brain, so will definitely check you out, Elizabeth.
A happy mix. Barbara and I have been reading for one another for years, even tho what we write is totally different, so this happened naturally. And we're having such a good time! I'm learning about the brain (I'm a total science-phobe), and Barbara's enjoying writing for a lay audience for a change. We're using my experience as a case study to frame the substack, but we're hoping readers will share their questions and experiences.
I am grateful to have come through the overwhelm phase and to actually have an opinion about this: GIVE IT TIME, DO WHATEVER FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU, DON'T LOSE SLEEP ABOUT IT!
SHOW UP AND DO MY BEST
It may be what I would say to my kids. I was already overwhelmed by writing when all the subs and "big fish" came along. I loved it in the earlier days. I now want to learn the business of it all from you. I am a grief specialist--which is really the idea of learning to live with loss of every incarnation. If you have lost a loved one, share their name here. 🤍 https://substack.com/@barri?r=7n8ag&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
1. STOCKPILE CONTENT
I just started my newsletter this week, but I have content scheduled out for the next 16 weeks - so basically a full n/f book serialized. I’m exploring and sharing lost and found stories that usually require a bunch of research - something I’m very passionate about - so don’t want to be rushed and miss out on the fun stuff!
2. PRE-DELIVERY JITTERS 🤢
I’ve made a living as an author and writer for four decades, and have blogged since 1999 or thereabouts, so shouldn’t be nearly as nervous about this new adventure as I am. But, the first chapter of the first story drops Tuesday 6/25, and I’m a hot mess!
3. MY SUBSTACK
The Lost & Found Story Box loriolsonwhite.substack.com
4. ADVICE
Take the moment and taste it (Taylor Swift)
5. ME
I’ve been collecting lost and found stories all my life, and the time has come to share them with the world. The process makes me happy, writing keeps me grounded and breathing, and the promise of community-building feels like a delightful bonus!
5.
1. DON'T WORRY THAT YOU HAVE 64,000 UNREAD NEWSLETTERS IN YOUR INBOX. When you fancy a read, you have your very own personalised infinity scroll of actually good content. I do recommend setting up a separate email for all your subs though, so you can continue to be a functional person.
2. I'M CURIOUS HOW YOU FIND SUBSCRIBERS FROM OUTSIDE SUBSTACK?
3. Three Things Weekly - https://cocreatespace.substack.com/
4. I don't understand the instruction.
5. My name is Raphy, I write Three Things Weekly where every Sunday I share with you 3 things (yep...) that inspire your creativity for the week ahead.
Don’t take it personally! I have a new formula for success. Start with the joy of writing for its own sake, and wanting to be of service to others From that, subtract the amount of fraught marketing, driven by fear of missing out and falling behind. The difference is the true measure of your success. And given that you can’t possibly know the truth about what constitutes the variables in other writers equations, you also can’t possibly compare your degree of success with others. Thank you for this opportunity to share my Substack: Spiritual Aging @substack.čom home of the Spiritual Aging Study and Support Group.
1. TAKE TIME OFF.
2. And now I’m struggling to return.
3. My Substack: Burnt Toast and Cobblestone Streets
4. “Read more” works in every situation.
5. My name is Nasha and I’m a literary fiction writer working on my first novel.
I TAKE A WALK WITH KONA, THE WONDERDOODLE, THEN A NAP.
Overwhelm usually indicates I’m attached to an outcome and deep in some external comparison.
Silly.
A walk and a nap is curative.
https://getpaidtowrite.substack.com
Hello all 🦉
To stop the overwhelm: I UNPLUG & EXERCISE.
QUESTION: 1. HOW CAN I BETTER DESCRIBE THE VALUE OF MY NEWSLETTER TO A POTENTIAL SUBSCRIBER?
2. NEED FEEDBACK ON THE FORMAT OF THE POSTS. PLEASE REVIEW THE MOST RECENT POST.
Thanks
Name: Actionable Wisdom Newsletter
Link : https://actionablewisdom.substack.com/
Most recent post : https://open.substack.com/pub/actionablewisdom/p/aw16-freeze-your-pain-why-you-should?r=1swyz&utm_medium=ios
LET THIS BE A PLATFORM WHERE I DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE ALGORITHM.
My substack is a place for me to collect my thoughts on what I’m reading at the moment. I’m pretty new here, but I’m so appreciating the community and getting to have some back and forth with a handful of other writers.
My publication is The Female Spectator: thefemalespectator.substack.com
AVOID COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS - BE HAPPY WITH ME.
Hi I'm David @eregnans. I write observational stories, short fiction, some research-y pieces and sometimes about issues of brain damage - having an acquired brain injury since 1995. I post each Wednesday from Melbourne, Australia. I'd love you to have a look around: https://eregnans.substack.com
TURN OFF MY PHONE IN MORNINGS AND EVENINGS . I've recently started doing this and it really helps to reduce overwhelm from any app and social media. I love it. Anyway, I'm Sophie from @thisissophietoday and I've only just started, you can have a look at my substack here https://thisissophietoday.substack.com/
TOO NEW TO THIS TO FIGURE OUT ANYTHING ABOUT BEING OR NOT BEING OVERWHELMED.
Meantime, I'm reading all the notes here, trying to at least figure out what the general expectations are, especially for newcomers. And also, trying to figure out how one builds a small network around a certain topic. Big networks already exist, but they are populated with established writers.
https://adrianzidaritz.substack.com/
I WRITE ISSUES ACCORDING TO PRE-DETERMINED MONTHLY THEMES.
This is my second Substack. I learned a lot from the first one, mainly that deciding what to write is my biggest challenge. So, for my current Substack, I choose a theme and write a month of issues centered around it. I've even extended some themes to two months. I've found this approach to be a total game changer. It minimizes the mental energy I spend planning future issues.
I just finished a two month series on "change" and now I'm working on week two of another two month series about 'Personalizing Your Practice".
- Jenny Johnson
https://rootandrise.substack.com
How do you decide on themes? Change is a great topic. I use it in my reflections/observations to see where I'm going, where I've been.
WRITE UNDER A PSEUDONYM--DETACH IT FROM MY PERSONAL LIFE--MAINTAIN SUBSTACK AS MY ONLY FORM OF SOCIAL MEDIA--DISMISS AN IMPULSE FOR/OF EXPECTATIONS--PROTECT YET SHARE THE HEART
The struggles with this approach are less on feelings of being overwhelmed, with entanglement or fixation on the platform--that I'm missing something. There's clearly a separate life and existence to maintain and satisfy that keeps me busy. The struggle, most often, is the shared efforts feel like they're flung into a place/space vastly devoid of others. Happily, the therapeutic process remains a release, as intended.
-William Kyd
https://williamkyd.substack.com/
WRITE WHAT FEELS STRONGLY TO ME
Lately I’ve struggled with what to write in my weekly posts, and been beating myself up about it. Writing for what I think the audience wants vs what’s inside me at the time. And often my energy for the writing dies a little. Perhaps I need to ‘let go’ and just write what’s true for me.
That 911 story in your "Human stories are the shortest distance between you and the heart of a crowd" is so telling about the digital overwhelm. We don't have that feature in the US, at least not that I know of. Maybe people shake their phones way too often here!
The Campfire - connection and belonging in a digital first life. https://josephrivers.substack.com/
I'VE SET AN INTENTION FOR HOW MUCH TIME I WANT TO SPEND BEING CREATIVE ON MY SUBSTACK. IT SEEMS TO KEEP THE ITTY BITTY SHITTING COMMITTEE (OVERWHELM) AT BAY.
I am currently struggling to balance learning as much as I can through the Cohort, without being overwhelmed by the amazing content and support being provided by Sarah. I am reminding myself that being here, with all of you, is a choice ... a journey, not a destination. So that helps me live into my intention of creating quality, thoughtful, and compassionte offerings, without the pressure to convince or sell.
I'm Dina at The Grieving Place: https://substack.com/@thegrievingplace?utm_source=profile-page
I've never heard of that committee before, although it sounds very common!
I love that, the choice, the journey's significance.
Happy Saturday gorgeous Substack peeps ☀️
To manage overwhelm here I do any one (or all) of the following:
*GET IN THE KITCHEN & COOK
*PLAY WITH MY KIDS (especially my baby) 🥰
*10 MIN MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
*HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH A NON-WRITERLY FRIEND
*LAY FLAT ON THE GROUND, CLOSE MY EYES & GET QUIET
*DO AN ORGANIZATIONAL TYPE TASK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE
These and so many other random things help me widen the lens of my focus. My ADHD brain loves to hyper fixate on things including Substack! I would enjoy connecting with other neurodivergent peeps here. My substack is:
keziadiannecalvert.substack.com
I just heard lay flat on the ground this am. I love this practice. Passing it on to my clients.
That’s wonderful, thank you for sharing 🥰
TAKE A BREAK AND LOOK FORWARD, NOT BEHIND YOU
Since we’re all writers here, I thought you might appreciate my post about a rejection letter I got from The Atlantic in 1977.
https://www.doyouknowthisman.com/p/the-best-damn-writing-advice-ever
My Substack is Do You Know This Man?: An Irreverent Memoir. I hope to meet you there!
FOCUS ON POSTING NOT SCROLLING + PICKING UP A BOOK AT THE END OF THE DAY 📚
I try to prioritise "working" on my Substack in the sense of drafting, editing and posting according to my self-imposed schedule, which has potentially stunted my reader growth by not focusing more on Notes, but it's the writing and sharing part that really brings me joy.
I don't spend much time on Notes, but have made it my go-to when I'm in a scrolling mood, rather than any other social media, which I think works well help me find new things to read and engage in the comments.
I haven't shared frequently on Notes myself, unless I really have something to say, but have found a new excitement about connecting there recently, in part due to an IRL Substack meet up! ✨
https://laurenkatepowell.substack.com/
That said, when feeling overwhelmed after hours on the laptop or phone, even if it has been hours of Substack excitement, at the end of the day I make sure I put down all the tech and read at least a page - though ideally more! - of a print book 😊
GARDEN, GUITAR, BAKE BREAD, MAKE KOMBUCHA
I feel so old joining the party early on a Saturday morning! But I've also battled the Substack fatigue by pulling back to a weekly publishing schedule after more than a year of publishing twice a week. This was inspired, in part, by a dinner party with other Substackers where we all spoke desperately of our brimming inboxes and how difficult it was to unsubscribe (guilt) even when we couldn't keep up. And of course, you want to support someone new, so you keep subscribing.
I'm intrigued by the dinner party with Substack guests! How cool!
HOW DO YOU BRING YOUR CULTURE INTO YOUR WRITING? I lives jn Haiti and sometimes I try to introduce elements of my culture into my writing, but I am not sure I have found a fun and seamless way to do it yet. A way that stokes curiosity.
I hope you will bringing yourself into your writing. As we need more of you even when it's not about you.
looking to meet fellow ideophiles here - my substack is https://open.substack.com/pub/istheshift?r=2573pj&utm_medium=ios
BE MORE DOG
I take a nap, go for long walks and take time out physically away from my desk/studio space.
When we’re travelling it’s difficult to get Substack out of my head as there’s so much inspiration and the ideas just keep popping in.
I have a big ideas list which I empty my head into
I try to keep my list of stacks I subscribe to under 50 I can get a bit too much into reading others and not writing enough of my own!
Sometimes I only post once a month and I think that’s fine
BE MORE DOG -- I love it! Here's a pooch-inspired post that I wrote last year called "Write Like Freddie": https://helensword.substack.com/p/write-like-freddie
Love the name too and yours, helen's word and helen sword! Fab name!
This is great! A fabulous read and I couldn’t agree more 😍
Forgot to say this is me writing tales from my travels and just getting more into documenting how I run a creative business on the road
https://joscottartist.substack.com/
HAVE A 6-WEEK SUMMER BREAK
I have been writing Well Well Well, my realistic, doable health & wellness guide, for two years and both summers I’ve had a break - which is on-message for my audience!
https://rosamunddean.substack.com/
Good for you Rosamund! This is such a smart and counter-cultural act! And you are right, it is totally on message for your audience! I take July and August off and have been doing it for over 20 years. I typically pre-schedule posts from my archives (but I could just stop posting and that would be completely on message for my audience, who are folks who long to slow down from the crazy pace of their lives). I think part of the reason many of us are writing on Substack is to have more autonomy over our lives and our time. My coaching clients are so trained now that they now ask me, "When are we taking our break?"
I love the idea of being counter cultural, that sounds v cool!
I’m going to take a couple of weeks of Substack this summer, I’m not sure about six but it sounds good!
I GO FOR A BIKE RIDE, READ A GOOD NOVEL OR DO DISHES WHILE I PLAN MY NEXT POST SERIES. If I take too long of a break, I have to “warm up” to my writing again.
My name is Carol and I’m at QuietZeal.Substack.com. Celebrating high sensitivity, moments of pause, and excitement in the quiet and ordinary. Stop by when you get a chance!
TIME BUDGET, so I don’t spend too much time on each post
Hi Karen: I really struggle with this. I find I spend days on every post. It seems to take forever. Sometimes, the post is just tough and won't come together easily. Usually, it's because I'm trying to say too much, I think. I find mostly thought, it is fiddling around with it - editing, editing, editing. I'm not a perfectionist by nature, but in this area I seem to be. I'm one of your subscribers. I'd love to see a post from you on this.
I’m working on this too, just bloody post it!
I have not asked for paid subscribers because I don’t reach the quality of some of these writers. But there is a great freedom in being able to say what you think. I do wish I had more response to what I write. That’s how I enjoy art critiques and would like to do the same here.
TITLE HELP PLEASE! I'm brand new here--just working through the Blueprint and decided I need a new title. Anyone have any thoughts on what this conveys:
Writer on the Lam: For encounters with life and adventures in self-discovery--without leaving home
Writers at work has a chat thread for headline and title help you may like to post in.
Thanks so much, Kate!
In terms of reading: LEAN INTO STACKS THAT PROVIDE VALUE. I've gone to founding for my 2 favourite.
For my substack: RESIST CHECKING # of SUBSCRIBERS
Esoterica (soon to be something else)
https://esotericamagazine.substack.com/
I'm Leah Eichler, fiction and non-fiction writer. On Substack, I focus largely on my non fiction tackling Holocaust memory, Jewish identity and puzzling out what it all means.
I write for a living. It's my full time job and has been for, ugh, 45 years. Because of that, I think I put substack in its proper place in life. It's a useful platform but not the end all be all. I think of it as an item on my to-do list. And it's not on that list every day.
I learned long ago to keep writing in perspective. Most full time writers don't become famous. Our work doesn't develop a huge fan base. Like most creative artists, we slog day by day against the world's indifference. We like our time off and weekends, like everyone else.
Substack isn't a significant part of my income.And I doubt it ever will be. So unless I'm having fun here I don't do it. That keeps the "overwhelm" at bay
1: I TAKE TIME OFF, OR I READ SUBSTACK LIKE A NEWSPAPER to limit Substack.
This is my URL https://blingnotbling.substack.com
I'm writer pilgrim and I write poetry, run networking events on Substack and challenges on Substack. I also have a monthly poem giveaway where I gift personalised poems.
Reading through your publication now, wanting to ask this quickly before the Friday evening ceremonies take over; are those SPAWN hours every Thursday?
Hi there, and thank you for your question. Every Thursday yes. SPAWN is like Office Hours, a group of us get together and we have had collabs, friendships, support and socialising and working through at getting better with Substack. A supportive hangout community every Thursday.
Thank you, I might come in for a visit. Good time for me too, I am in California, 6pm BST is 10am PST (Pacific Standard Time).
What do you use Substack for then. I see you have some AI knowledge and wisdom on your CV.
I use it for feedback. Comments are most valuable to me. I plan to revise the same 5 articles over and over, based on that feedback.
You’re welcome! We’re entering holiday season and it’s quieter which means you get a chance to meet and have some conversations with some of our regulars.
MAKE ART. TAKE A NAP. CRUISE FB REELS (for a strictly limited time).
I could spend all day n SS - too much good stuff to read and respond to!
I'm an artist at https://lyonlyon.substack.com/, Point of View, Art by Lyon
Yep, there’s so much on Substack. Feel like a kid in a candy store.
and it's your FAVORITE candy!!! Oh noooo -
HELP! I'M IN OVERWHELM! I write movie reviews and currently I have no idea how to keep up. I'm trying to watch movies, write about them, learn how to use Substack, promote, engage with other Substacks that I really enjoy reading, and have time for other interests. It doesn't feel possible right now. I'm also trying to get back to and finish my novel. I'm looking forward to reading some good tips here.
As they say in the movies Colleen, take it one scene at a time. No need to drown. What kind of novel? I’m working on a character-driven one right now.
Haha! Great advice for a movie lover. My novel is also character driven. Two best friends coming of age in the 1980's San Francisco. How about you?
Sounds interesting. I love visiting SF. Mine is a successful writer has chosen between creativity and productivity, cranking out novels with collaborative help, only when her collaborator malperforms, it goes off the rails and she has to fight to keep her career.
Interesting subject matter.
I prevent Substack overwhelm by LIMITING MY TIME TO 30 MINUTES A DAY. I’m struggling with doubt: Is my newsletter relevant? Wondering why I get more followers than subscribers. Please tell me what you think! 🧡 Here’s my most recent post.
https://open.substack.com/pub/serialdreamchaser/p/connectors-beget-connection?r=bu2y0&utm_medium=ios
I’m very similar Marta. I limit it mostly to my morning coffee and commute.
I read that! I think that’s a terrific way to imbibe and restrain. 🤩
Good idea - 30 minutes. I also have more than 2:1 followers to subscribers. I have no clue. If you hear anything let me know.
COFFEE + COMMUTE
I use my morning coffee and commute to read other substacks and interact on notes and threads. This gives me dedicated time so it doesn’t overwhelm me or having me spend more time on my phone than I’d like to. I block out time Sundays and normal one evening before or after work for writing Between a Rock and a Hard Pose. I find having these specific time blocks has really helped reduced overwhelm with my 9-5, job yoga teaching and still have a life!
Between a Rock and a Hard Pose
https://laurahodgson.substack.com/
That’s a full life. Glad you’re finding time to write.
It sure is full!
I’M LEARNING TO HEAD STRAIGHT TO MY INBOX AND START READING. I COME BACK TO NOTES LATER.
This is my first Substack Office Party! I’m here to learn, browse for new writers and get inspired. My creative outlet is named (wo)menopause and she’s just a few months old. Writing helps me work through shit.
https://cheryldlee.substack.com/
Haha! Writing does the same thing for me. Love the name of your pub!
Yes this is a great one! If you use the app, have you changed your Substack home to your poses feed, not the default notes feed?
I use both app and desktop, but I still have notes as the default. I just ignore them and hit that inbox icon!
It is very easy to update on phone app, not sure about desktop if you wanted it direct
WATERCOLORING, MICRODOSES OF MARGARITAS
I’m liking the combo.
Thank you. Yes, I like to have an espresso cup of margarita and start writing and responding to notes. It puts me in an excellent mood, like being at a cocktail party, but not having to think about your outfit.
Haha! Love microdoses of margaritas and not just for the alliteration!
Yes! It’s the best! Just enough to lighten the mood, but not enough to activate my belligerence!
1. NOTICE WHEN I'M NO LONGER HAVING FUN...THEN GET UP AND DO SOMETHING ELSE. This is a daily practice. And I practice this in all things - not just here!
2. What I'm (really) struggling with: How to connect and cross-pollinate on Substack.
I'm in my own little authentic niche; I can honestly say there's no one quite like me. This means that the stacks that I subscribe to aren't necessarily "my people", though I find them interesting for my own reasons. Right now, those who know of me are only those I've brought to this network from my newsletter base, and who already know me from my years spent as a professional astrologer/author.
So I'm wondering how to use this forum -beyond just interacting with my own small group. When permitted, I have commented and shared other Substacks (I wonder why many people only allow subscribers to leave comments? I understand privacy desires, but this limits me from personally connecting with the author). For whatever reason, I have made ZERO progress using Notes.
I do like attending things like this- thanks for the opportunity! One that actually helped me to connect was with Mika at https://musingsbymika.substack.com/ Mika hosts a 2nd Friday of the month "find your Tribe" where you are able to introduce yourself a bit more deeply and so find common ground.
3. SUBSTACK NAME: Soft Human Words https://jessicashepherd.substack.com/
I am an author, intuitive, empath and astrologer. I have now published 4 books on astrology, and feminine based spirituality and a Divination card deck. *I am also currently looking for a publisher for my next book, full of practical strategies for reconnecting with your embodied wisdom and intuition.
Beyond having patience, try tweaking the SEOs on your posts to allow those who search (on say Google) to find your work.
Oooh. How do I tweak the SEO?
For each post, go to Settings. Scroll down to SEO Options. You’ll see one for title, another for description as well a recommended character lengths. Play around with it as I don’t think there are many hard and fast descriptions. It’ll probably take a while to kick in as the search engines do their crawl thing. I’d send you a pic of one of mine, but these comments exclude pics. Best of luck.
SWITCHING GEARS TO PAINTING AND ARTWORK. My personal struggle is understanding if I'm actually growing fast enough and how to get people to be willing to become paid subscribers (am going to schedule a coaching call with Sarah for that). My substack is at https://lindahoenigsberg.substack.com/publish/home?utm_source=menu and I have a section of it called Bad Boys in the Church Pews where I write about unhealthy relationships.
Love the name of that section!
Thanks, Marta! It was the title I was thinking of for a manuscript I wrote and never sought publishing. I decided to offer the whole manuscript plus some other chapters on healthy relationships (I do marriage counseling as part of my career as a therapist).
LIMIT NOTES (AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA) TO A CERTAIN TIME OF DAY.
I have certain times I will engage with Substack or any other platform for a preset amount of time. This keeps me from getting sucked down the rabbit hole and using up all of the time I should have spent on writing.
I have been listening to all the episodes of How I Write with David Perell. Every guest he has on is fascinating and I am learning so much. Highly recommend!
IF I SKIP READING THE NEWSLETTER 3X, I UNSUBSCRIBE.
I hate to admit it because I want to support everyone and subscribe to everyone but then my inbox is ridiculous. It's kind of extreme. I'm open to suggestions for a middle ground. I don't want my Substack engagement to become overwhelming and distracting like the social media platforms I'm weaning off of. More simplicity is my goal. I write about living off the grid at Our Uncertain Future 🖤🙏🖤
I GIVE MYSELF GRACE. DETOX FROM THE PHONE AND DO A NATURE MEDITATION.
I struggle with marketing with my newsletter/posts and turning which one to paid subscribers. I’ve always been a giving and although I’m working hard to make income online, it’s hard for me to really market my paid businesses.
Hello 👋🏾 my name is Shanetta, but please call me Netta. I am a neurodivergent homeschool mom, wife, small business owner, writer, and content creator. I am truly a Jaqueshia of all trades 🤣
I’m living and loving life after 40. I’m finally publishing my writing and networking with others. I write about life as a whole and things that aren’t spoken about, as well as inspirational words. I have no niche. I am feeling my way around to create an income online.
UNSPOKEN MIND WITH NETTA
https://shanettadingle.substack.com/
WRITE, TURN ALL NOTIFICATIONS OFF, READ ONLY AT SPECIFIC TIMES, READ ONLY WHAT INTEREST ME, DON'T SUBSCRIBE TO EVERYTHING, REMEMBER WHY I WRITE AND STICK TO MY PRIORITY (my book!), YOGA, MEDITATION, EXERCISE, HEALTHY FOOD, LAUGH A LOT WITH MY DAUGHTERS, HAVE FUN
Laughing is so amazing to reduce overwhelming. I loveeee to laugh and make others laugh.
Laughing and writing, hard to beat. Enjoy them when they’re young. Mine grew fast.
Thank you Geoff. They are teenagers so I’m making the most of what I can get!
WRITE
Thumbs up!
POST MONTHLY TO BALANCE OTHER WRITING PRIORITIES, REMIND MYSELF THIS IS SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME HAPPY, TRY TO PLAN CONTENT AHEAD, SHOW MYSELF GRACE WHEN I FORGET ALL OF THE ABOVE.
Not that any of this is easy. Also, often what I find most overwhelming isn't managing my own Substack but keeping up with the wonderful writers I read here. I want to be a supportive community member, and that takes time, too! But I'm always glad when I do. This community is fabulous.
I write Age of Enlightenment (humorous essays). https://amandajaffewrites.substack.com/
GET OFF STATS.
HTTPS://Www.fairytalesfromecotopia.Substack.com
My strategy has been:
- follow your inclinations;
-if you want to write, write, if you don’t, dont.
- Don’t put deadlines on yourself.
-Have a bunch of drafts to play with depending on your mood
I’m a graduate student interested in fairytale studies, Dream research, ecological wisdom, and western esotericism. Occasional Dream consultant, freelance, I write essays, short stories, and occasional rants with subtle humor
also, your Sub link is not clicking through for whatever reason - you may want to fix!
I love this: Get off stats. Thank you. There's too much looking "out there" and making comparisons to others who are doing more, better etc. I do this, too!
Fairytalesfromecotopia.Substack.com
Thank you everyone. I plan to join "Writers at Work" this month. This thread is invaluable. Thank you.
DETACH for a period of time. I write about calming the mind, healing the heart, and connecting with our inner wisdom at Wild Arisings. https://sandrapawula.substack.com/
A SUBSTACK CUTOFF TIME
Just like email, I don't go on after a certain time in the evening, let's my brain quiet down.
Great way to unwind is detoxing from electronics in the evening.
INTRODUCING A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUBSTACK: Two Friends Talk About Writing and the Brain. Different because 1. it's a dialogue between a writer (me) and a neuropsychiatrist (Barbara) and 2. because it asks and answers questions of use to writers (or anyone who'd like to know more about their brain). A little history: when, to my surprise, writing and publishing a memoir turned out to be transformative, I asked Barbara how the process of writing could do what years of therapy with excellent psychiatrists had not. The fun we had figuring this out got us going. What exactly IS writer's block? How does it affect non-writers? Why does remembering often feel like reliving? The questions are endless, and new insights from brain science and psychology have so much to teach us! Join us! elizabethropermarcus.substack.com
I love this concept, Elizabeth and Barbara! I've just subscribed.
Little concerned about weighing in, in case Barbara suspects I’m crazy. Just kidding.
Ha ha! I'm the case study in this substack -- so you wouldn't be alone!
This sounds amazing! What an innovative way to pair writing skill with psychological expertise. I love all things writing and all things brain, so will definitely check you out, Elizabeth.
A happy mix. Barbara and I have been reading for one another for years, even tho what we write is totally different, so this happened naturally. And we're having such a good time! I'm learning about the brain (I'm a total science-phobe), and Barbara's enjoying writing for a lay audience for a change. We're using my experience as a case study to frame the substack, but we're hoping readers will share their questions and experiences.
Really looking forward to this.
I am grateful to have come through the overwhelm phase and to actually have an opinion about this: GIVE IT TIME, DO WHATEVER FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU, DON'T LOSE SLEEP ABOUT IT!
Amen Cherie.
Thanks Cherie Lee. I am in the thick of the overwhelm and discouraged phase. I needed to hear this.