Listen now | Thousands of Substack writers met over the course of the year. Here we share their advice in the form of a well known song: Everybody’s free (to connect with each other).
I don’t know who needs to hear/read this, but: just keep showing up! Some weeks will be harder than others, sometimes you’ll feel a lack of inspiration and motivation, but just keep going... it gets a little easier and better with time, especially if you build a tight group of people around. And last but not least, it’s totally ok to pivot your content to something else during your journey, you don’t have to commit to what you started forever!
One of the things I love about this platform is the way writers come together for one another.
Its a collaborative mindset, not a competitive one. You can see it in the Office Hour threads, where writers have essentially taken them over and made them our own.
Thanks for this inspiring post. I’m new to Substack and very impressed with how much support and advice is provided for writers. It’s good to know that other people are out there beginning similar journeys (and that slow and steady is ok!).
This community experience of "Writer office hours" and "Substack GO" act like a social adhesive that will keep me on this platform for a long time. Happy to see this initiative complete a year. Looking forward to many more milestones together.
Great job, Jackie! This took me back to the original composition and the Chris Rock parody. Good times.
Thank so much for the mention! I always suggest Office Hours for growth not just of subscribers, but for collaboration, community, insight... it’s always been a great forum. My baby Substack will be one next month so I’m looking forward to sharing some insight and other goodies!
This really is a great platform with responsive staff and innovative tools. I don’t lament what I wish were here because I know you’re listening and will incorporate even better tools with time.
I feel the exact same way. The community here is so supportive, the Substack team is so nurturing, and the new features they roll out are always better than I could have imagined! Congrats on one year!
This was a great distillation of knowledge. I've been seeing the "Office Hours" newsletter since I joined SS, but haven't taken advantage of it like I could have. I will be checking it out a little more frequently, but I do appreciate the support y'all try to give to writers, newbies and seasoned alike.
I don’t always tune in to writer Office Hours, but reading the messages of encouragement today makes me realize that I probably should. I’ve written professionally and/or personally for much of my life. It has never come easily because of constant self-doubt born of the type of perfectionism that speaks like a harping critic from the sidelines, yelling, “You’re a fraud! Everyone knows it! Quit while you’re ahead!” The advice to just keep going even when the nasty inner (or outer) critics attack, to make friends who encourage you, to feel free to change subjects or directions if you like--all these are good. I’ve quit previous blogs, but I’m entering Year 3 of this one (RuthTalksFood). My posts aren’t always regular. Life and those venomous critical voices intrude. The blank screen sneers at me. Some posts don’t get many likes or comments. Sometimes I’m at a loss for what to write. But I’m going to keep going. I’m on a journey and the destination is still uncertain, but I can’t wait to find out what’s round the bend. Thanks for the platform, Substack, and to the many talented writers whose posts and comments inspire me every day.
I'm about to clock up my first 2 months publishing my newsletter. I love the solitude of writing but I really appreciate the amount of support and encouragement here on Substack. It's nice to know that slow growth is normal growth, although I'm simply thrilled to hit 25 subscribers! Thank you for this Office Hours post... very reassuring.
I've been really happy with the support from the Substack team. I started writing in November and was really happy to have Writer Office Hours and Substack GO as resources. Like many people I started with a lot of enthusiasm, a pile of new subscribers as friends and family signed up, and am now at a little bit of a plateau. The reminders to persevere through this part are helping me stay focussed on the writing and not freak out over the plateau and the occasional "unsubscribe". It's a bit of a grind sometimes, but getting to write on my terms is amazing. Love the community vibe and want to keep it going!
I don’t know who needs to hear/read this, but: just keep showing up! Some weeks will be harder than others, sometimes you’ll feel a lack of inspiration and motivation, but just keep going... it gets a little easier and better with time, especially if you build a tight group of people around. And last but not least, it’s totally ok to pivot your content to something else during your journey, you don’t have to commit to what you started forever!
Love this!
Right on, Leo!!
D. Jean would love your opinion on this recent article relating to body shaming and consumerism, would appreciate a woman's viewpoint also as a way of learning and understanding! :) https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/is-the-celebration-of-overweight?s=r
100 yes to this!
Thank you!
well said! https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/is-the-celebration-of-overweight?s=r
One of the things I love about this platform is the way writers come together for one another.
Its a collaborative mindset, not a competitive one. You can see it in the Office Hour threads, where writers have essentially taken them over and made them our own.
This is incredibly encouraging and an excellent compilation. Thank you!
Well said Molly, and I would love your view on this recent article quite the conversation online - https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/is-the-celebration-of-overweight?s=r
Thanks for this inspiring post. I’m new to Substack and very impressed with how much support and advice is provided for writers. It’s good to know that other people are out there beginning similar journeys (and that slow and steady is ok!).
Well said Natalie, good luck on your journey and check me out if you ever wish for some fiction, poetry and essay style articles :) https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/is-the-celebration-of-overweight?s=r
This community experience of "Writer office hours" and "Substack GO" act like a social adhesive that will keep me on this platform for a long time. Happy to see this initiative complete a year. Looking forward to many more milestones together.
Great job, Jackie! This took me back to the original composition and the Chris Rock parody. Good times.
Thank so much for the mention! I always suggest Office Hours for growth not just of subscribers, but for collaboration, community, insight... it’s always been a great forum. My baby Substack will be one next month so I’m looking forward to sharing some insight and other goodies!
This really is a great platform with responsive staff and innovative tools. I don’t lament what I wish were here because I know you’re listening and will incorporate even better tools with time.
I feel the exact same way. The community here is so supportive, the Substack team is so nurturing, and the new features they roll out are always better than I could have imagined! Congrats on one year!
(And thanks for the tips Substack!)
And then there’s you! The Discord has a life of its own and so many great connections have happened there. I’m on there daily to read or reply.
It really does! It’s been so cool to watch. The discord definitely helped me early on and I’m so glad it’s been helpful!
Well said, Chevanne!
This is just what I needed to read today - a reminder that slow & steady is the way to go. Thanks :)
I agree! We ALL need that reminder, EVERY DAY, Rachel!!!!
Thanks for mentioning "moviewise" in the list‼️
"Special thank you to the Office Hours stewards and top participants who have shown up in generous ways over the past year to support fellow writers."
And thank you for creating this program! This is a very supportive community, which has been made possible because of the leadership. THANK YOU 🤗
This was a great distillation of knowledge. I've been seeing the "Office Hours" newsletter since I joined SS, but haven't taken advantage of it like I could have. I will be checking it out a little more frequently, but I do appreciate the support y'all try to give to writers, newbies and seasoned alike.
it was! https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/is-the-celebration-of-overweight?s=r
What a nice celebration. Office Hours has been so fun (and helpful) -- grateful to be part of it (and thank you for the shoutout!)
I don’t always tune in to writer Office Hours, but reading the messages of encouragement today makes me realize that I probably should. I’ve written professionally and/or personally for much of my life. It has never come easily because of constant self-doubt born of the type of perfectionism that speaks like a harping critic from the sidelines, yelling, “You’re a fraud! Everyone knows it! Quit while you’re ahead!” The advice to just keep going even when the nasty inner (or outer) critics attack, to make friends who encourage you, to feel free to change subjects or directions if you like--all these are good. I’ve quit previous blogs, but I’m entering Year 3 of this one (RuthTalksFood). My posts aren’t always regular. Life and those venomous critical voices intrude. The blank screen sneers at me. Some posts don’t get many likes or comments. Sometimes I’m at a loss for what to write. But I’m going to keep going. I’m on a journey and the destination is still uncertain, but I can’t wait to find out what’s round the bend. Thanks for the platform, Substack, and to the many talented writers whose posts and comments inspire me every day.
Ruth, you’re an absolute gem! ❤️
You too, dear friend! 💕
keep going means a lot when coming from those who also write - and it matters :) check me out Ruth! https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/is-the-celebration-of-overweight?s=r
I'm about to clock up my first 2 months publishing my newsletter. I love the solitude of writing but I really appreciate the amount of support and encouragement here on Substack. It's nice to know that slow growth is normal growth, although I'm simply thrilled to hit 25 subscribers! Thank you for this Office Hours post... very reassuring.
A fantastic mash-up of insights, secrets to success, and Substackian wit....... deliciously performed by Jackie Dana!!
Wow, thank you so much! I feel honored that you listened to me! :)
I've been really happy with the support from the Substack team. I started writing in November and was really happy to have Writer Office Hours and Substack GO as resources. Like many people I started with a lot of enthusiasm, a pile of new subscribers as friends and family signed up, and am now at a little bit of a plateau. The reminders to persevere through this part are helping me stay focussed on the writing and not freak out over the plateau and the occasional "unsubscribe". It's a bit of a grind sometimes, but getting to write on my terms is amazing. Love the community vibe and want to keep it going!
they care it matters!
Thank you for sharing this! My favorite memory was meeting other fellow writers through Zoom. That was fantastic.
i’ve met some great writers who’ve become friends thanks to Office Hours. Keep it up.