The best way to become a professional writer is to subscribe to these teachers, learn from them, and publish your best work on Substack. If you’re already a professional writer, subscribing to these teachers and writing on Substack is the best way to give us all agency over our careers. My goal was to highlight people you may not know. Yes, and all of that, but there are so many writers and teachers you’re likely missing out on. Here they are...
I've learned from WRITE MORE with Simon K Jones, https://simonkjones.substack.com/. I appreciate not just his teaching but his demonstration (in Tales from the Triverse) of how to organize complex serial narrative for online delivery/reading.
But there's no Big Guy Publisher doing this kind of direct-to-reader work. Sarah. (Not enough margin in it for them.) Author-publishers are on the experimental edge of this. And it's a VERY different kind of writing/publishing/delivery.
No judgement in this list. Self-publishing just isn’t my area and these teachers are more geared toward traditional media outlets and publishing. Have to create criteria somehow! Please compile that list!
Brilliant list, thank you. I already subscribe to a couple, and I will be subscribing to the rest. (I'll never get on top of my TBR list at this rate!)
Nov 21, 2023·edited Nov 21, 2023Liked by Sarah Fay
Sarah, I'm blown away by this. I can't tell you how much it means to be included on this list with some of my very favorite writers and instructors. I loved what you said about all of them, and your generosity in how you've said it. Thanks esp for THE BOOK I HAD TO WRITE podcast shoutout. Speaking of which, I'll be launching the new season in Dec and another on this list -- the amazing Jeannine Ouellette -- will be featured. Can't wait for folks (esp anyone writing memoir) to hear this one. Happy Thanksgiving :)
100! especially on Jami Attenberg, Kathy Fish, and Matt Kendrick. For flash writers looking to deepen their artistry and understanding of the form, I'd also recommend Tommy Dean's excellent Substack newsletter, Flash Perspectives! https://tommydean.substack.com/
My goodness! A breakfast repast fit for a (Stephen?) King! Thank you for this compilation (I’m already stuffed and bedazed, before I’ve even had turkey!). And thank you to all the brilliant writers on Substack who share their knowledge and wisdom so generously. (Shout out to @A Writer’s Notebook; @Summer Brennan is simply great, as a writer and teacher.)
Suzy Walker at Heart Leap offers weekly writing class and they are literally my favourite space online via her Substack! Been investing for months and I love it!
I'm all for getting paid. Believe me, I come from screenwriting (before writing novels), and more often than not I was asked to work for free. I tried to avoid it...🙈. Right now, my problem is how to navigate through the enormous amount of content. For most people it might be difficult to pay everybody they follow (it is for me). So, the question is, should I not follow people I can't pay? Or should I follow them just to support them in general. Honestly, I'm grateful for anybody (paid or not) who shows interest in my work. ~ I 🩷 your work. Thank you!🫶🏻🫶🏻
True. I feel like paying for writing is different from paying for teaching. These people are providing a direct service. They’re teaching on here. Just a thought on how to distinguish. Not that we shouldn’t pay for writing! Is hard, I know. Terry has a great suggestion. Promote them.
I just subscribed for almost all of them! Looking to learn and grow and GET PAID TO WRITE!
I've learned from WRITE MORE with Simon K Jones, https://simonkjones.substack.com/. I appreciate not just his teaching but his demonstration (in Tales from the Triverse) of how to organize complex serial narrative for online delivery/reading.
Ah, thank you, Susan! Really appreciate the mention, especially in such esteemed company.
Yes! Simon, the only reason I didn’t include you is because you lean toward self- publishing. I love all you do!
Thank you! The feeling's mutual. 😁🤗
Yes! thank you, the only reason I didn’t include Simon is because he leans toward self-publishing.
Sounds like an excuse for a second list, Sarah. 😉
Yes! But you have to do it. It’s not my area of expertise.
But there's no Big Guy Publisher doing this kind of direct-to-reader work. Sarah. (Not enough margin in it for them.) Author-publishers are on the experimental edge of this. And it's a VERY different kind of writing/publishing/delivery.
No judgement in this list. Self-publishing just isn’t my area and these teachers are more geared toward traditional media outlets and publishing. Have to create criteria somehow! Please compile that list!
Every writer on Substack is self publishing. 😁
What a valuable list! Especially #5 Jeannine Ouellette’s Writing in the Dark ❤️ Brilliant. Bold. Inspiring.
Agreed!
So excited to be a part of this excellent list! Thanks for including me ❤️.
We need more humor!
Thanks so much for the shout out for The Art of Flash Fiction!
Of course! We need it. Have you ever thought of posting a couple of times on flash nonfiction? Micro essays? I’d love it.
I will do this! Thanks for the suggestion, Sarah!
I love your work, Kathy! I'm a flash nonfiction essayist and would love to work together if you ever want a collaborator 🙂
Thanks, Jill! Yes, let's find a way!
Second this suggestion. I know Brevity does this but I'd love to read additional perspectives.
Me too!
I've seen some of the back and forth about finding creative writers on Substack. It's kind of you to post this ♥️.
I’ve learned so much from Matt Bell’s monthly letters!
Yes!
Brilliant list, thank you. I already subscribe to a couple, and I will be subscribing to the rest. (I'll never get on top of my TBR list at this rate!)
May I mention my own? I've been experimenting with writing the same story in different styles as an exercise and how-to in creative writing. Latest one is here: https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/experiments-in-style-hardboiled
Thanks
Terry
I recommend Terry’s experiment in style.
Thanks ever so much 😃
Sarah, I'm blown away by this. I can't tell you how much it means to be included on this list with some of my very favorite writers and instructors. I loved what you said about all of them, and your generosity in how you've said it. Thanks esp for THE BOOK I HAD TO WRITE podcast shoutout. Speaking of which, I'll be launching the new season in Dec and another on this list -- the amazing Jeannine Ouellette -- will be featured. Can't wait for folks (esp anyone writing memoir) to hear this one. Happy Thanksgiving :)
You had me at “what gets in the way of the big scary things...” My procrastinating, perfectionist, resistant Monkeys love to be seen! Thank you 🙏🏽
Ha! Me too :)
Great! Let me know when it’s out so I can listen and restack.
Thank you! This was really fun to see this list and subscribe to new people. Appreciate you sharing what makes them all so unique and valuable.
100! especially on Jami Attenberg, Kathy Fish, and Matt Kendrick. For flash writers looking to deepen their artistry and understanding of the form, I'd also recommend Tommy Dean's excellent Substack newsletter, Flash Perspectives! https://tommydean.substack.com/
Thank you!
Wonderful list! Includes many of my favorites: Esmé, Jeannine, Rebecca, Maggie, Courtney, and Jennifer! I will check out the rest. Thanks, Sarah!
My goodness! A breakfast repast fit for a (Stephen?) King! Thank you for this compilation (I’m already stuffed and bedazed, before I’ve even had turkey!). And thank you to all the brilliant writers on Substack who share their knowledge and wisdom so generously. (Shout out to @A Writer’s Notebook; @Summer Brennan is simply great, as a writer and teacher.)
Yes!
Great line up. Thx for sharing.
Suzy Walker at Heart Leap offers weekly writing class and they are literally my favourite space online via her Substack! Been investing for months and I love it!
Thank you! I love the term investing! In ourselves and in them.
I'm all for getting paid. Believe me, I come from screenwriting (before writing novels), and more often than not I was asked to work for free. I tried to avoid it...🙈. Right now, my problem is how to navigate through the enormous amount of content. For most people it might be difficult to pay everybody they follow (it is for me). So, the question is, should I not follow people I can't pay? Or should I follow them just to support them in general. Honestly, I'm grateful for anybody (paid or not) who shows interest in my work. ~ I 🩷 your work. Thank you!🫶🏻🫶🏻
Agreed! And my aversive, overwhelmed inner monkey 🙈 loves yours!
🤗🩷
I think reading and commenting and recommending are good ways to support writers
I agree!😊😊
Yes!
My situation exactly, and I’m a poor pensioner with expensive tastes and nary a peso to spare.
Sharing a writer's publication is also helpful. There are many ways to support =)
You're right. I love supporting other writers whenever I can. 😊 It's such a blessing to be connected to like-minded creative people.
True. I feel like paying for writing is different from paying for teaching. These people are providing a direct service. They’re teaching on here. Just a thought on how to distinguish. Not that we shouldn’t pay for writing! Is hard, I know. Terry has a great suggestion. Promote them.
That's a valid point. I agree. 😊🫶🏻