Yes, Substack Writers at Work will now have a Friday thread! This is our collective office hours. I’ll dip in and moderate, but this is your chance to help each other, meet, answer questions, and give advice. Let’s do this!
(Substack’s Thursday Office Hours are great but they’re unwieldy; now, we have our own.)
Please tell us (briefly) about your Substack. I think it’s hilarious that people consider this “self-promotion.” You’re letting us know. Just do it in a sentence or two.
And spread the word about the Substack Writers at Work Friday Thread Office Hours on Notes inviting others. Substack can be a mystifying place when you just arrive. You can do that by restacking or sharing.
So fun! My substack is the Quingdom, where I write about my path of learning to live as a Quing ... a female King, in the 21st century. I'm just getting started, and grateful to have found y'all. It could all shift after my 1:1 with Sarah - I never go it alone, when I can get help from someone who has been there done that, so if you want to see the rise from the beginning, and what changes, check out the messy beginning here:
Wow, Ali, amazing story! Academic life (at least in my field) is so sealed off from the world of money-making that to me, what you've done reads like the adventures of someone with superpowers!
I love that Elizabeth! Thank you for the reflection. Sometimes I feel as if I have superpowers, honestly. But, they are also superpowers available to all who want to have them, and I have a sense in the coming years it will become more and more important. Thank you for reading!
Hi Mark! I created a directory of Substacks focused on recovery and sobriety that might interest you. We are 92 writers so far, spanning diverse ages, backgrounds, areas of focus, paths of recovery, etc. My own Substack is called Sober Soulful. Here's the directory; I'm happy to add you once you're up and running: https://danaleighlyons.substack.com/p/sober-substack-addiction-recovery-sobriety
Ah, perfect timing, I just posted chapter one of my fantasy epic Tranith Argan. Free to subscribe, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the weekly adventure:
Hi, all! My Substack is THE RAFT (https://phylliscoledai.substack.com), where we "ride the river of life, buoyed by the arts and spiritual practice." I'm a multi-genre author and curator and I've been on Substacking for a year. Love learning from other people and happy to chip in comments/questions from my own experience as well!
Hello, Sarah and fellow writers at work! I'm Jennifer Bochik, a new writer who started writing to process grief. I created my Substack, Human Being, almost a year ago. It's mainly personal essays and inspirational musings about life in progress. I now realize how much I love writing and creating a community. I'm hoping to learn and grow here with writers at work.
Love your stuff Jennifer! We have a lot in common. I'm based in Akron, a meditation teacher and coach. I sit on the board of Yoga Alliance, and wrote a book (not Sparkle and Sine ON which I love btw).... Permission to Glow— A Spiritual Guide to Epic Leadership. You're doing awesome work and you've inspired me to push out our first substack newsletter next week. Hope to cross paths. -KC
I'd love to add that Literary Cleveland (https://www.litcleveland.org/) offers amazing online classes for writers. They also host a stellar free writer's conference every year. Worth a look!
I love your Substack tagline Rob: "...to help us ask better questions..." A brilliant perspective that turns the human tendency—to fix problems or fix one another—on it's head :)
Thanks so much, Helen--funnily enough, my latest post is about being a fixer. "The Stories We Are" is a brilliant newsletter name, by the way. Subscribed and looking forward to reading!
My path sounds very similar to yours Jennifer; it was the processing of grief that led me into writing too. I look forward to reading more of your posts and to writing alongside you in 2024 :)
Hi all! Substack is called Moth to Flame. My main focus is criminal justice, mass incarceration and Alabama's ongoing struggle with the feds over unconstitutional prisons. Nothing is paywalled, but I'm hoping to increase paid subscribers this year.
what a fascinating topic - have you written about why this subject calls to you (I did see your 'about')? I'd love to read that and I know there's a lot in 'popular branding' around sharing your 'why' -- could bring more paid subs?
Hey Laura! This is so helpful. I have written about why this subject calls to me, both on and off substack, but that seems to be a topic worth revisiting, interrogating and unpacking. I have an "essays" section where I explore the intersection of my own life/thinking/evolution and the focus of my work. But your suggestion makes me think I need to do a more complete "origin story" piece. Thanks so much!
that's great - I'm glad it resonated. a few months back, I scrolled by something that said "people don't buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it" and it didn't ring as 100% true, but true enough to rattle in my brain. (I think in part due to the whole Simon Sinek "why" moment that all the tech bros had in 2017 or so.) Anyway - I would understand if, with your reporting background, it felt 'off' to write from the first person, but I know it would be something I'd love to read --- so I'll go check out this linked piece now! Thanks~~~~
It's a compelling piece. I subscribed. I think it's vital to support local investigative journalism like yours.
All 50 states have their share of crime and injustice. But certain states have set themselves up to maximize injustice. I think publicizing these issues may eventually offset how easy and inexpensive it is to do business in places like Alabama.
When CEOs start telling the state government that no one wants to move to Alabama because of (fill-in-the-blank) or decide to move away from Alabama because the culture is too violent and unfriendly (to women in particular)then perhaps there will be change.
In my Substack, Sparks From Culture, I write personal issues about my life and that are often keyed off a piece of writing that strikes me.
David, thank you so very much for the words of encouragement, for becoming a PAID subscriber (!) and for the wonderful blurb you shared about why you subscribed. I sincerely appreciate this from the bottom of my heart. And I am diving into your substack!
Amazing! Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I was fortunate to visit Maine State Prison last year which has adopted a Norway-inspired model, but I still haven't published anything on it. I need to! I will check out your writings on this. Thank you, thank you!
I was just talking about Norway's justice system on my hike today, Suzanne. So much hope and light and emotional honesty in a system that looks toward rehabilitation.
Great name! Looking forward to check out your stuff--these are such important topics. (Slightly related, I have an upcoming interview with a woman who started an organization that goes into prisons to work with the incarcerated growing plants.)
Wow!!!!! I will look for that interview. Does the org go into state prisons or federal? It seems like so much depends on the mindset of the admin running the prison system.
That's a question I haven't delved into yet. Just starting on research for the interview. I'll let you know and tag you in a note when the interview drops.
Hi Beth! I look forward to reading your work. I've taught college courses in maximum security men's prison since 2011. I went in a liberal and came out a radical. It is so important to let people know that all around them are locally-run torture centers. There's nothing else to call them.
Ah love this! Super newbie. Studio Nuovo is my Substack, which focuses on parents and caregivers rediscovering various kinds of creativity to build their new selves. It is space where we come first.
Hello and welcome friends. I’ve been on Substack for just over a year and still have <75 subscribers. My simple goal is to be a better writer and to attract discerning readers while exploring psychology, mental health, and personal growth in our changing world. I hope to learn more from all of you.
Welcome! My subscriber growth has been slow but steady. My Substack is also about mental health. Others (especially Sarah) are far more qualified to give you advice, but what has helped me is publishing consistently every Friday and being honest about my own mental health issues and life.
Thank you for this opportunity, Sarah; I'm a newbie to your community! My Substack, "The Stories We Are" is new but will be exploring trauma-sensitive writing practices to help memoir writers write their story without re-traumatising themselves in the process: https://helenerrington.substack.com/about
I've subscribed and look forward to reading your essays. I have some trauma-sensitive subjects I've been wanting to write about. I've been working up my courage but you have hit on exactly the problem - how to write honestly and deeply without re-living the trauma!
Thank you so much for your encouragement Cherie. Here's to a creative 2024, when we both get our essays out into the world! I look forward to writing alongside you :)
Thank you so much Cassandra - your words have really encouraged me to get my pots written! I look forward reading your posts and writing alongside you :)
Hello! I'm a writer/editor in Austin and I'm relatively new to Substack. The Compendium is a newsletter devoted to reading and writing. I didn't know exactly what I was doing at first, but one of my friends here described The Compendium as a newsletter about "reading as an identity" and I like that description so I'm going with it. The word "compendium" comes from a conversation with my fascinating SIL (she and my brother own a bookstore in Asheville) about my practice of keeping a commonplace book. I love how my newsletter is evolving in relation to my conversations with other bookish people. https://sarahorman.substack.com/
I was stunned to find out this year when I was reading @SariBotton amazing memoir that my favourite Anais Nin quote "“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” isn't actually by Anais Nin!
This is true for me: if I'm not scared about some aspect of an essay that I post, it means I haven't taken sufficient risk. I hope that pressing the publish button always remains scary for me!
What a good reminder, David. These words give me welcome warmth for both the mini-essay I'll publish tomorrow but even more so a slightly longer one I'm working on for next Saturday's post. Thank you!
Yes! Thanks for putting those words to it, because somewhere I think I’ve been waiting for fearless publishing. And now that I’ve put those words to it I can see how that was bonkers.
You've got this, Kerry! Substack is filled with welcoming publications and generous writers who champion each other's work. It's the perfect place to take heart and start posting. Welcome. :)
Welcome Kerry! Hey, if I can write about being delivered from a demonic spirit of hate and unforgiveness and share a "most embarrassing moment" of walking out of a Burger King bathroom with toilet paper stuck in the back of my pants, YOU CAN TOO! Well, maybe not tell those SAME weird stories, but just write what's on your heart and and be your authentic self. This isn't Facebook and subscribers will love reading and getting to know the REAL you! I say GO FOR IT!
You've already shown courage by writing that you were scared, to an audience of strangers! But you see how kind everyone is . I was *petrified.* I could not believe how scared I was. I only started in October, with the goal of posting once a month (free, always), and thenI missed December because I got COVID. I hope you'll start posting.
👋🏻 Hi everyone! My substack, Beyond Survival, is about life after trauma. I write personal essays about things like grief, trauma and recovery, and plan to expand to include interviews and resource guides in 2024. It's lovely to virtually meet you all!
Hello! I joined in September and turned on paid in October. I love making fun self-promotion and PR tips, so come over for that. Then stay and get cosy for creative inspiration with my personal essays that cover my solopreneur journey, midlife relocation to rural France and more..
I just subscribed! I also write about relocation to a rural area (mine is wilderness in far northern Minnesota) and I'm excited to see someone else writing about something similar.
Well I'll look forward to that! So far I've found it to be the topic that seems to get the most reader engagement, particularly when I write about it in the framework of personal essay, which has encouraged me to explore it more and make it a big focus of my publication. (I'm still figuring out what to focus on with my Substack)
just subscribed -- very interested in expat life in Europe since we just bought land in Italy and will be doing the midlife relocation to try and live a more sane, healthy life.
Ciao Kirsten! Molto piacere! Used to live up in the north in the lake region, Italy is one of my faves. Intrigued by your decision to move there. Also lived in France and Spain. I'm originally from Central Europe... my family emigrated to America following the dream of freedom and prosperity. That dream is pretty much dead, apparently. So now where, is the question...
Oh I am SO glad I found you! HELP ME PLEASE! The one area I have failed at miserably is self promotion! I am here to suck the marrow out of your brain (wait....is there even marrow in the brain?) and LEARN how to "hype myself." I once turned down an offer to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Yeah, that sounds like a numbskull decision, but I stand by why I said "Sorry, but no" and will post that story in my Substack at some point. I just subscribed and can't wait to learn!
This looks fun, just subscribed! I have a background in marketing and love reminders of how applicable it is to writing. I also offer content about the nitty gritty of DIY authoring.
Hello 👋 I've only been here four months so fairly new, but I love it here!
I'm Emma, an artist and illustrator from the UK. My Substack is The Creative Flock, A supportive and inspiring space for artists, illustrators, creatives and dreamers. I share my inspiration and insights, set to a monthly theme, to help others cultivate their creativity. Join the Flock!
I look forward to checking out your Substack. We have some work in common! I'm over at THE RAFT (https://phylliscoledai.substack.com). Life is creative practice!
Hello! I write Just A Blink - personal essays about the passage of time, aging, health, mortality, retirement, and life transitions. I am getting ready to publish my third essay and plan to start posting weekly. I have MUCH to learn about Substack! https://justablink.substack.com
Thank you so much! And thank you for this Calling all Newbies post today! I recently subscribed to Writers at Work and am so excited to learn, learn, learn!
Just subscribed and read your last post, which I really enjoyed. It's a wonderful tribute to Helen. I left a comment as we are of similar first-time grandparent vintage.
Thank you so much! You are the first to comment on any of my work and it means so much to me! I have subscribed to Sparks from Culture as well and am looking forward to reading your essays. It is so nice know we have something in common and to feel so welcome. I truly appreciate your kind words!
Cherie, welcome to Substack! I’ve just subscribed to your page and enjoyed a couple of your stories! I’m also 61, Lala to two grand babies (3.5 yrs & 7 mos). There’s nothing like it! I write at Empty Nest Joyride on similar topics, and have a story about becoming Grandma on my website (written before joining Substack), at lindahanstra.com.
I just subscribed to your page and read your beautiful story about your Christmas Clock. I'll go back and read the one about your becoming a Grandma. It is so helpful to hear other's perspectives! Thank you!
Thank you for that link, Linda! Wonderful story! It looks like it's dated awhile ago - how many grandchildren do you have now, and what do they call you?
My grandson is 3 1/2 and my granddaughter is 7 months. They have brought so much joy to our whole family! My grandson calls me "Lala" or "Grandma Lala," and my husband is "Papa." :)
Hi Holly, Thank you so much! "Just a Blink" is actually something my husband said recently - my husband who had a stroke 34 years ago and still struggles with aphasia now and then. He doesn't always express his thoughts as expected (or I should say, as I would), but it just sounded right to me and so I appreciate the validation from you and others. I've subscribed to Rolling Desk - a quick glance showed me several words that piqued my interest - off-grid van, Sonoran Desert, Alaska, laughed till I peed! I'm looking forward to reading your essays and plan to live vicariously through you!
Hi y'all! I write The Shrieking Cactus newsletter, where prickly people learn to love themselves and the world around them. Maybe even other people, too. I discuss healing after midlife trauma, finding inspiration in nature, and laughing at the absurdity of being human.
That's great! I wrote a blog called "Blooming Cactus" for years, about being imperfect, finding hope and spirituality. I've moved on to something else now, but love the title!
Great title, Joy! I just visited Joshua Tree NP a couple of weeks ago for the first time, so I can *really* visualize your title. And a great topic for a newsletter too. Excited to read :)
Hello. I write about creating picture books, art for children, film, parenting, and other sundries. Very new here - and I have to say, I was fortunate to work with Sarah from the outset and she's so incredibly helpful. (Though if you're here, you already know that.)
Hello. I publish stories, essays, poems and plays from the winding trail between grief and creativity. I'm a playwright, writing new things on Creative Seasoning. I joined in November. Look forward to discovering and reading more Substacks through this thread. Thanks! https://jackiedaly.substack.com
I love this. I write a lot about grief, too. There is so much rich material here, especially when connecting it to creativity and, for me, the writing life. Glad to connect!
Thanks Penny. You’re right - there is so much to explore around grief. I’ve come to realise grief is woven from love. Glad to connect with you too. I just subscribed to Mourning Pages and look forward to reading your posts.
Hi everyone - I'm about 8 months into running a Substack newsletter, Teen Health Today (teenhealthtoday.com). I work hard to provide useful information about topics like sleep, vaping, screentime, porn, and mental health. I'm also co-writing a book for parents called TALK TO YOUR BOYS (talktoyourboys.com)
Today:
Newbies, introduce yourselves!
Veterans, welcome those new to Substack!
Great idea, Sarah, our Queen of Generosity and Substack advocacy! 👑+📣
So fun! My substack is the Quingdom, where I write about my path of learning to live as a Quing ... a female King, in the 21st century. I'm just getting started, and grateful to have found y'all. It could all shift after my 1:1 with Sarah - I never go it alone, when I can get help from someone who has been there done that, so if you want to see the rise from the beginning, and what changes, check out the messy beginning here:
https://alikatz.substack.com/
Wow, Ali, amazing story! Academic life (at least in my field) is so sealed off from the world of money-making that to me, what you've done reads like the adventures of someone with superpowers!
I love that Elizabeth! Thank you for the reflection. Sometimes I feel as if I have superpowers, honestly. But, they are also superpowers available to all who want to have them, and I have a sense in the coming years it will become more and more important. Thank you for reading!
Interesting! Subscribed.
Hi Mark! I created a directory of Substacks focused on recovery and sobriety that might interest you. We are 92 writers so far, spanning diverse ages, backgrounds, areas of focus, paths of recovery, etc. My own Substack is called Sober Soulful. Here's the directory; I'm happy to add you once you're up and running: https://danaleighlyons.substack.com/p/sober-substack-addiction-recovery-sobriety
Thanks, Mark!
Ah, perfect timing, I just posted chapter one of my fantasy epic Tranith Argan. Free to subscribe, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the weekly adventure:
https://tranithargan.substack.com
I'm always interested in a fellow serial fiction writer!
Thanks, subscribed to my fellow writer.
That’s my view, subscriptions here are more valuable than likes.
Oh!! Another one! Yes!!! I'm subscribed to see how you do and to read your work!!
Welcome...I'm hardly a veteran but again, welcome!
Thank you. We are all in this together. We support and cheer each other on, which is what I like most about Substack.
Hi, all! My Substack is THE RAFT (https://phylliscoledai.substack.com), where we "ride the river of life, buoyed by the arts and spiritual practice." I'm a multi-genre author and curator and I've been on Substacking for a year. Love learning from other people and happy to chip in comments/questions from my own experience as well!
Thank you! I'd love your help answering questions in here. Much appreciated!
Hi Phyllis,
Thanks for your willingness to share.
Hi Phyllis -- your writing looks very compelling. Looking forward to reading more!
Thanks for your kind attention! I hope you find some "good medicine" in my work.
Welcome and looking forward to checking out The Raft.
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Hope to see you there!
Awesome, Phyllis. Looking forward to checking out your stuff. :)
Thank you, Holly!
This looks so cool and very in line with my interests! Encouraging to see!!
Thanks, Imola! Best wishes for your Substack!
Hello, Sarah and fellow writers at work! I'm Jennifer Bochik, a new writer who started writing to process grief. I created my Substack, Human Being, almost a year ago. It's mainly personal essays and inspirational musings about life in progress. I now realize how much I love writing and creating a community. I'm hoping to learn and grow here with writers at work.
https://jenniferbochik.substack.com/
I also started taking writing classes at a local organization, Literary Cleveland https://www.litcleveland.org/.
Love your stuff Jennifer! We have a lot in common. I'm based in Akron, a meditation teacher and coach. I sit on the board of Yoga Alliance, and wrote a book (not Sparkle and Sine ON which I love btw).... Permission to Glow— A Spiritual Guide to Epic Leadership. You're doing awesome work and you've inspired me to push out our first substack newsletter next week. Hope to cross paths. -KC
Kristoffer! Wow! I love it. I will be your first subscriber, with pleasure, I might add. You got this!!
Yoga Alliance member here!! Look forward to following your work here! 😁
Love the energy you work you two are doing! I’m a fellow Clevelander too🎉 we live and run our business in Chagrin Falls✨
Cheering you both on!
My husband is a CF native and CF high school grad class of ‘91. Just subscribed and happy to connect here! We live in Cleveland Heights now.
No way! Small world! If you’re ever in town let me know! We could get a coffee or tea and connect!
More yoga and meditation! Huw wonderful!
I'd love to add that Literary Cleveland (https://www.litcleveland.org/) offers amazing online classes for writers. They also host a stellar free writer's conference every year. Worth a look!
Oooh, that’s a great resource. Thank you!
Hi Jennifer, this all really resonates. I've subscribed, and am looking forward to following along!
Thank you, Rob! You're writing is beautiful. Keep posting! Btw I went to HS near you in Middletown, NY. What a beautiful part of the country!
Another OCer in the house. Grew up outside of Goshen.
I love your Substack tagline Rob: "...to help us ask better questions..." A brilliant perspective that turns the human tendency—to fix problems or fix one another—on it's head :)
Thanks so much, Helen--funnily enough, my latest post is about being a fixer. "The Stories We Are" is a brilliant newsletter name, by the way. Subscribed and looking forward to reading!
Thank you Rob! I love the serendipity re: your latest post and my comment. I'll be making sure to read that one :)
Welcome Jennifer, will check out Human Being...nice work.
Loving your work!! 💖✨
Welcome! Subscribing now.
Inspiring undertaking! Love the concept!
My path sounds very similar to yours Jennifer; it was the processing of grief that led me into writing too. I look forward to reading more of your posts and to writing alongside you in 2024 :)
Hi all! Substack is called Moth to Flame. My main focus is criminal justice, mass incarceration and Alabama's ongoing struggle with the feds over unconstitutional prisons. Nothing is paywalled, but I'm hoping to increase paid subscribers this year.
https://bethshelburne.substack.com/
Love the name of your Substack!
Oh I'm so glad to hear. I've considered renaming it to make it less esoteric, but you just nudged me into keeping it. Thank you Sarah!
I would agree. Naming is everything. "Moth to Flame" attracts... :)
Another vote for Moth to Flame! Great name.
what a fascinating topic - have you written about why this subject calls to you (I did see your 'about')? I'd love to read that and I know there's a lot in 'popular branding' around sharing your 'why' -- could bring more paid subs?
Hey Laura! This is so helpful. I have written about why this subject calls to me, both on and off substack, but that seems to be a topic worth revisiting, interrogating and unpacking. I have an "essays" section where I explore the intersection of my own life/thinking/evolution and the focus of my work. But your suggestion makes me think I need to do a more complete "origin story" piece. Thanks so much!
https://bethshelburne.substack.com/p/how-prison-reporting-changed-my-heart
that's great - I'm glad it resonated. a few months back, I scrolled by something that said "people don't buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it" and it didn't ring as 100% true, but true enough to rattle in my brain. (I think in part due to the whole Simon Sinek "why" moment that all the tech bros had in 2017 or so.) Anyway - I would understand if, with your reporting background, it felt 'off' to write from the first person, but I know it would be something I'd love to read --- so I'll go check out this linked piece now! Thanks~~~~
This really landed for me as well, "people don't buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it". Thank you for your post :)
I'm so happy to find YOUR fascinating work. I love first person narrative journalism, especially on difficult subjects. Diving into your substack!
I just read your piece on Alabama prisons and the state's punishment culture.
https://bethshelburne.substack.com/p/alabamas-punishment-culture
It's a compelling piece. I subscribed. I think it's vital to support local investigative journalism like yours.
All 50 states have their share of crime and injustice. But certain states have set themselves up to maximize injustice. I think publicizing these issues may eventually offset how easy and inexpensive it is to do business in places like Alabama.
When CEOs start telling the state government that no one wants to move to Alabama because of (fill-in-the-blank) or decide to move away from Alabama because the culture is too violent and unfriendly (to women in particular)then perhaps there will be change.
In my Substack, Sparks From Culture, I write personal issues about my life and that are often keyed off a piece of writing that strikes me.
David, thank you so very much for the words of encouragement, for becoming a PAID subscriber (!) and for the wonderful blurb you shared about why you subscribed. I sincerely appreciate this from the bottom of my heart. And I am diving into your substack!
Welcome! Powerful stuff. Good work.
You’re awesome. Thank you for being in here helping!
Beth -- I have a major interest in Norway's justice system where rehabilitation is more important than punishment, with the greater good being more important than getting our pound of flesh. How enlightened that is that fits in with my looking at how to become a more enlightened world: https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/p/this-could-be-a-game-changer. Yesterday this must-read was in the L.A. Times: "New vision of incarceration proves rehabilitation works": https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-12-26/chabria-column-los-angeles-state-prison-re-entry-facility-rehabilitation.
Amazing! Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I was fortunate to visit Maine State Prison last year which has adopted a Norway-inspired model, but I still haven't published anything on it. I need to! I will check out your writings on this. Thank you, thank you!
I was just talking about Norway's justice system on my hike today, Suzanne. So much hope and light and emotional honesty in a system that looks toward rehabilitation.
Sounds fascinating! I just subscribed.
Great name! Looking forward to check out your stuff--these are such important topics. (Slightly related, I have an upcoming interview with a woman who started an organization that goes into prisons to work with the incarcerated growing plants.)
Wow!!!!! I will look for that interview. Does the org go into state prisons or federal? It seems like so much depends on the mindset of the admin running the prison system.
That's a question I haven't delved into yet. Just starting on research for the interview. I'll let you know and tag you in a note when the interview drops.
Awesome! Thank you.
Love this Beth. Following :)
Thank you! I'm checking out your substack as well.
Hi Beth! I look forward to reading your work. I've taught college courses in maximum security men's prison since 2011. I went in a liberal and came out a radical. It is so important to let people know that all around them are locally-run torture centers. There's nothing else to call them.
Ah love this! Super newbie. Studio Nuovo is my Substack, which focuses on parents and caregivers rediscovering various kinds of creativity to build their new selves. It is space where we come first.
https://charlottemaiorana.substack.com/
Looking forward to learning and building and seeing all your work <3
On my way over I love this
Thank you ❤️❤️
Life is creative practice! Best wishes for your Substack!
Thanks a ton!! ❤️❤️
Beautiful idea! Can't wait to check it out!
Thanks so much!!❤️
Great title, and welcome! 🍾
Thank you!!!
Hi! I write Comedy, Tragedy, which is what life is like for a writer living with bipolar disorder. I’m still finding my way.
https://barbnatividad.substack.com
We're all finding our way. 😊
I just wrote that in my intro too. ☺️ Yes, finding our way, for sure.
Powerful writing! Excited to read more.
Thank you! I had a marvelous chocolate tartufo this past weekend!
Bravo! Welcome. 🥰
Hello and welcome friends. I’ve been on Substack for just over a year and still have <75 subscribers. My simple goal is to be a better writer and to attract discerning readers while exploring psychology, mental health, and personal growth in our changing world. I hope to learn more from all of you.
John is a true Headline hero and a Substack asset!
Truth! I've seen terrific headline suggestions from John!
Thanks! I really have fun brainstorming new headlines.😄
Write from your true spot.
Or spots?😂
Welcome!
Welcome! My subscriber growth has been slow but steady. My Substack is also about mental health. Others (especially Sarah) are far more qualified to give you advice, but what has helped me is publishing consistently every Friday and being honest about my own mental health issues and life.
Just read your stunning piece reframing diet culture; as a fellow psychotherapist, I nodded so hard I nearly lost my head! Have subscribed, thank you
Thank you! 🙏
Thank you for this opportunity, Sarah; I'm a newbie to your community! My Substack, "The Stories We Are" is new but will be exploring trauma-sensitive writing practices to help memoir writers write their story without re-traumatising themselves in the process: https://helenerrington.substack.com/about
Welcome. I'm heading over! 💗
Thank you Jennifer!
Sounds great! My Substack is about mental health and I often share personal experiences. It can be challenging not to re-traumatize myself at times!
Thank you Wendi - I love the sound of your Substack and can identify themes we'll have cross-over on. I look forward to writing alongside you :)
Likewise!
Oh, that's a wise topic to explore.
Thank you Holly. I resonate with you love of the wild outdoors - I look forward to reading your posts :)
Hi Helen,
I've subscribed and look forward to reading your essays. I have some trauma-sensitive subjects I've been wanting to write about. I've been working up my courage but you have hit on exactly the problem - how to write honestly and deeply without re-living the trauma!
Thank you so much for your encouragement Cherie. Here's to a creative 2024, when we both get our essays out into the world! I look forward to writing alongside you :)
This sounds so wonderfully helpful! Can't wait to read!
Thank you so much Cassandra - your words have really encouraged me to get my pots written! I look forward reading your posts and writing alongside you :)
Hello! I'm a writer/editor in Austin and I'm relatively new to Substack. The Compendium is a newsletter devoted to reading and writing. I didn't know exactly what I was doing at first, but one of my friends here described The Compendium as a newsletter about "reading as an identity" and I like that description so I'm going with it. The word "compendium" comes from a conversation with my fascinating SIL (she and my brother own a bookstore in Asheville) about my practice of keeping a commonplace book. I love how my newsletter is evolving in relation to my conversations with other bookish people. https://sarahorman.substack.com/
Welcome Sarah. Nice titled.
Hi Sarah, I moved to Cypress (Houston suburb) from Austin last year. Maybe we can meet in person at some point!
Hey, Wendi, nice to meet another Texan here!
Oh, what a gorgeous premise and newsletter! Have subscribed and really look forward to noodling about in your archives. And yes, more Anais Nin!
Thanks Jody! More Anais Nin! I’d wear that on a t-shirt.
I was stunned to find out this year when I was reading @SariBotton amazing memoir that my favourite Anais Nin quote "“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” isn't actually by Anais Nin!
Whoa, I also love that quote. Who said it?
I'll have to dig back into Sari's memoir to find the passage!
I’m a scared Newbie plucking up courage to start posting.
Welcome! We all have to pluck up the courage to post, even those of us who've been on here for years. You're not alone!
Thank you
Welcome welcome Kerry. It’s a gentle and caring place we will look after you.
This is true for me: if I'm not scared about some aspect of an essay that I post, it means I haven't taken sufficient risk. I hope that pressing the publish button always remains scary for me!
What a good reminder, David. These words give me welcome warmth for both the mini-essay I'll publish tomorrow but even more so a slightly longer one I'm working on for next Saturday's post. Thank you!
Yes! Thanks for putting those words to it, because somewhere I think I’ve been waiting for fearless publishing. And now that I’ve put those words to it I can see how that was bonkers.
Natural to be scared. Just follow the nudge.
Hoping to read your writing soon, Kerry!
Do it! :-)
Me too! I've been lurking for a year already, going to try and deep breath and dive in.
Cheering you on!
As others have said, take the plunge! Writing online is scary but liberating. It’s helped me in multiple ways.
You've got this, Kerry! Substack is filled with welcoming publications and generous writers who champion each other's work. It's the perfect place to take heart and start posting. Welcome. :)
Welcome Kerry! Hey, if I can write about being delivered from a demonic spirit of hate and unforgiveness and share a "most embarrassing moment" of walking out of a Burger King bathroom with toilet paper stuck in the back of my pants, YOU CAN TOO! Well, maybe not tell those SAME weird stories, but just write what's on your heart and and be your authentic self. This isn't Facebook and subscribers will love reading and getting to know the REAL you! I say GO FOR IT!
You've already shown courage by writing that you were scared, to an audience of strangers! But you see how kind everyone is . I was *petrified.* I could not believe how scared I was. I only started in October, with the goal of posting once a month (free, always), and thenI missed December because I got COVID. I hope you'll start posting.
👋🏻 Hi everyone! My substack, Beyond Survival, is about life after trauma. I write personal essays about things like grief, trauma and recovery, and plan to expand to include interviews and resource guides in 2024. It's lovely to virtually meet you all!
We should connect/cross-post!
We should! I love your newsletter name - The Shrieking Cactus communicates so much! :)
I've read this, and it's great. A formal welcome.
Thank you Jennifer. I love your writing too!
Oh, your Substack sounds exactly like what I love to read!
I hope you enjoy it Annika!
Hello! I joined in September and turned on paid in October. I love making fun self-promotion and PR tips, so come over for that. Then stay and get cosy for creative inspiration with my personal essays that cover my solopreneur journey, midlife relocation to rural France and more..
http://hypeyourself.substack.com
Just subscribed
so welcome here thank you
I just subscribed! I also write about relocation to a rural area (mine is wilderness in far northern Minnesota) and I'm excited to see someone else writing about something similar.
I News to write more on that content pillar but just gearing up. How have you been finding it?
Well I'll look forward to that! So far I've found it to be the topic that seems to get the most reader engagement, particularly when I write about it in the framework of personal essay, which has encouraged me to explore it more and make it a big focus of my publication. (I'm still figuring out what to focus on with my Substack)
I’m still practising my personal essay writing which I think 🤔 has stopped me from doing more but it’s on the 2024 agenda.
Subscribed
Welcome Welcome
just subscribed -- very interested in slow living and can't wait to hear about what it's like to live in a rural area is MN!
Love everything about your substack, Lucy!
Awww thank you and a big Happy Friday to you Shelly!
Your substack is so pretty. I could just look at it all day (and so far, I am!)
Good wisdom here! Thanks.
just subscribed -- very interested in expat life in Europe since we just bought land in Italy and will be doing the midlife relocation to try and live a more sane, healthy life.
I realize I'm replying to you, Kirsten. But this message is for everyone else. Kirsten wrote this absolutely beautiful piece on life in the United States and why she's buying land in Italy: https://kirstenpowers.substack.com/p/the-way-we-live-in-the-united-states
Aww thanks!
For sure. I sent your piece to my siblings. We've had discussions of a move toward Italy, where our grandfather emigrated from.
love that!!
Ciao Kirsten! Molto piacere! Used to live up in the north in the lake region, Italy is one of my faves. Intrigued by your decision to move there. Also lived in France and Spain. I'm originally from Central Europe... my family emigrated to America following the dream of freedom and prosperity. That dream is pretty much dead, apparently. So now where, is the question...
Ciao! So are you living in US now?
Si, adesso sono in California. Similar Mediterranean climate, cost of living considerably higher lol
😍
Fantastic topic!
Oh I am SO glad I found you! HELP ME PLEASE! The one area I have failed at miserably is self promotion! I am here to suck the marrow out of your brain (wait....is there even marrow in the brain?) and LEARN how to "hype myself." I once turned down an offer to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Yeah, that sounds like a numbskull decision, but I stand by why I said "Sorry, but no" and will post that story in my Substack at some point. I just subscribed and can't wait to learn!
Look forward to knowing more. I can already tell there will be great tails (pun intended)
:)
This looks fun, just subscribed! I have a background in marketing and love reminders of how applicable it is to writing. I also offer content about the nitty gritty of DIY authoring.
Hello 👋 I've only been here four months so fairly new, but I love it here!
I'm Emma, an artist and illustrator from the UK. My Substack is The Creative Flock, A supportive and inspiring space for artists, illustrators, creatives and dreamers. I share my inspiration and insights, set to a monthly theme, to help others cultivate their creativity. Join the Flock!
https://thecreativeflock.substack.com
I look forward to checking out your Substack. We have some work in common! I'm over at THE RAFT (https://phylliscoledai.substack.com). Life is creative practice!
Terrific title. Anything about birds and I'm in....🪶🐦⬛
Hello! I write Just A Blink - personal essays about the passage of time, aging, health, mortality, retirement, and life transitions. I am getting ready to publish my third essay and plan to start posting weekly. I have MUCH to learn about Substack! https://justablink.substack.com
Great Substack title!
Thank you so much! And thank you for this Calling all Newbies post today! I recently subscribed to Writers at Work and am so excited to learn, learn, learn!
Cherie,
Just subscribed and read your last post, which I really enjoyed. It's a wonderful tribute to Helen. I left a comment as we are of similar first-time grandparent vintage.
Thank you so much! You are the first to comment on any of my work and it means so much to me! I have subscribed to Sparks from Culture as well and am looking forward to reading your essays. It is so nice know we have something in common and to feel so welcome. I truly appreciate your kind words!
Love the title as well! We publish essays about aging and transitions too. Welcome to Substack, Cherie!
Thank you so much! I have subscribed to Midstory Magazine and look forward to reading your essays!
Cherie, welcome to Substack! I’ve just subscribed to your page and enjoyed a couple of your stories! I’m also 61, Lala to two grand babies (3.5 yrs & 7 mos). There’s nothing like it! I write at Empty Nest Joyride on similar topics, and have a story about becoming Grandma on my website (written before joining Substack), at lindahanstra.com.
Hi Linda,
I just subscribed to your page and read your beautiful story about your Christmas Clock. I'll go back and read the one about your becoming a Grandma. It is so helpful to hear other's perspectives! Thank you!
Thanks for subscribing, Cheri! My "Grandma" story is only on my website. Here's the link in case you are still looking for it. :) https://www.lindahanstra.com/blog/on-becoming-grandma-what-i-have-to-offer
Thank you for that link, Linda! Wonderful story! It looks like it's dated awhile ago - how many grandchildren do you have now, and what do they call you?
My grandson is 3 1/2 and my granddaughter is 7 months. They have brought so much joy to our whole family! My grandson calls me "Lala" or "Grandma Lala," and my husband is "Papa." :)
Ha! I see I'm here to say what a lot of commenters are saying. Fabulous title. And I LOVE titles. Just subscribed. Excited to check out your stuff.
Hi Holly, Thank you so much! "Just a Blink" is actually something my husband said recently - my husband who had a stroke 34 years ago and still struggles with aphasia now and then. He doesn't always express his thoughts as expected (or I should say, as I would), but it just sounded right to me and so I appreciate the validation from you and others. I've subscribed to Rolling Desk - a quick glance showed me several words that piqued my interest - off-grid van, Sonoran Desert, Alaska, laughed till I peed! I'm looking forward to reading your essays and plan to live vicariously through you!
Oh, I like the title even better now given its sweet origin. Thanks for sharing. :)
And thanks for subscribing.
Hi y'all! I write The Shrieking Cactus newsletter, where prickly people learn to love themselves and the world around them. Maybe even other people, too. I discuss healing after midlife trauma, finding inspiration in nature, and laughing at the absurdity of being human.
https://shriekingcactus.substack.com/
That's great! I wrote a blog called "Blooming Cactus" for years, about being imperfect, finding hope and spirituality. I've moved on to something else now, but love the title!
I love the title too!
What a great name, Joy! I could also see the Shrieking Cactus as the name of a bar. Half-price margaritas during happy hour.
Such. A. Great. Title. Looking forward to reading more.
Ooook I'm obsessed with your title. Looking forward to checking out your work!
Great title, Joy! I just visited Joshua Tree NP a couple of weeks ago for the first time, so I can *really* visualize your title. And a great topic for a newsletter too. Excited to read :)
Terrific title. I just checked out your site. And another title, "Karma is Not Your Boyfriend" attracted me to this really good piece with a valuable if hard to learn lesson. https://shriekingcactus.substack.com/p/karma-is-not-your-boyfriend
And I'm so sorry about your uncle.
Thank you!
Love the title and the concept!
What a brilliant title Joy! I look forward to reading your posts.
So cool, Sarah, thank you!
Hello. I write about creating picture books, art for children, film, parenting, and other sundries. Very new here - and I have to say, I was fortunate to work with Sarah from the outset and she's so incredibly helpful. (Though if you're here, you already know that.)
Hello. I publish stories, essays, poems and plays from the winding trail between grief and creativity. I'm a playwright, writing new things on Creative Seasoning. I joined in November. Look forward to discovering and reading more Substacks through this thread. Thanks! https://jackiedaly.substack.com
Very cool!
Thanks!
I love this. I write a lot about grief, too. There is so much rich material here, especially when connecting it to creativity and, for me, the writing life. Glad to connect!
Thanks Penny. You’re right - there is so much to explore around grief. I’ve come to realise grief is woven from love. Glad to connect with you too. I just subscribed to Mourning Pages and look forward to reading your posts.
Grief became my muse and led me to the writing life to Jackie. I look forward to reading your posts!
Thanks Helen. I love that: "grief became my muse". I look forward to reading your work too.
Hi everyone - I'm about 8 months into running a Substack newsletter, Teen Health Today (teenhealthtoday.com). I work hard to provide useful information about topics like sleep, vaping, screentime, porn, and mental health. I'm also co-writing a book for parents called TALK TO YOUR BOYS (talktoyourboys.com)
Oooooh when will that book be available? I have a 10-year-old son. Need this!
Spring 2025 from Workman Publishing. Thanks for your interest!
You can sign up for updates here: https://www.talktoyourboys.com/