1397 Comments

Who's new here? We're curious to know: what prompted you to start a Substack and what do you plan to write about?

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I'm brand new. I wrote a book but I don't think it's quite ready for publication. So I'm releasing it chapter by chapter on sub stack to gain an audience and crowd source the editing process somewhat. It's about how to defend yourself from psyops. I'm really excited about it.

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I'm also publishing my short courses here in the hope of getting some feedback (as well as getting them out into the world instead of languishing in notebooks!) I think Substack is a great platform for this, and I wish you every success with your project.

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I just subscribed and I’m so glad I did!

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I'll sub you if you sub me, I'll read anything, but I like your avatar. Most people don't like my awful writing.

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Chris (any relation to Rodney?) Dangerfield: Okay okay, you got me. I let myself be suckered by your self-deprecation-but-not-really. And now, although I've never been addicted to anything except trauma bonding--even coke in the 80s just put me to sleep, before I learned just a little while ago that I'm one of those neurodivergent people who become *calmer* on stimulants--I'm hooked on your awful writing.

"If it’s got to the point where you’re shooting street drugs into your vein to have a Good Time™, you might want to reconsider your life choices." A sudden, perfectly timed zinger that you 100% earned by the several paragraphs of maniacally poetic, front-line insider talk that precedes it. Kudos, and damn it. I guess I have to subscribe now. But the joke's on you because now you have one more reason to keep churning this stuff out.

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How wonderful - what a detailed and well considered reply. I'm off to Thailand (I live in Cambodia so it's not a long haul) in about ten days to spend some time getting my manuscript finished. Six years in the avoiding (that has been a long-haul) and it's nearly there. No real story as such, just loads of little ones. Picaresque, I like to say when among other writers. No plot as I say to the rest. Thanks for your kind words - it does make a difference.

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Love this. I started writing something, and then it started getting suuuuuuper long, and then I figured out I could publish bit by bit over here to break free from the prison 😁

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I’ve ended up doing this too - it’s great because it keeps people engaged when they know to look out for the next email to continue exploring a given topic!

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Great idea, Zac! Welcome. You're gonna love it here.

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I was scrolling through looking for a post I had made and saw Holly’s Welcome Wagon all over the place! And taking time to personalize many of them. My theme today is a shoutout to the informal “Collaboration” effect on Substack and the Support of Holly other consistent supportive folks, including, but not limited to, S. E. Reid, Carol the Footloose Muse, Mike Sowden, Youtopian, Kevin Alexander…

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Nice! Excited to see you seralizing here

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I think this is a great place to do that!

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Great idea Zack welcome in our community!

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This is a great place to do that! Have you gotten a chance to check out substack's latest grow article? "How Category Pirates invented a new form of publishing" - your plan reminds me of what they did and it worked perfectly

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Yes, super inspiring! Especially the stuff about the long form articles which are really my thing. I'm slowly trying to implement ideas that I feel will be beneficial to my readers, and am inspired to learn more about what's working for others. Good luck with your own project, and thanks for sharing your comments!

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Sarah, Fellow long-form-ist here. :-) It is definitely a great place to stretch out. My sense is that you can definitely learn about what works from others here, but also, the people you attract will help guide you themselves by what they respond most strongly too.

As an essayist/literary type, I've never really thought too much about what's beneficial to my readers before I write it (lol). But I will say that getting actual stats about each of my posts--especially among brand-new readers--is helping me grow into my voice even more than I already had. I wrote for old-school print publications from the late 80s through the early 200s, and I've been sending out newsletters to my music fans for 21 years, but the open rates from total strangers are excellent feedback for what resonates best.

I'll admit that sometimes I try to figure out who people are based on their name-based email and look them up, to see if they might be a personal connection or figure out from their LinkedIn or other public profile why they might be interested in what I do. A little online stalking, oops, I meant research, can offer some anecdotal insights alongside the data.

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I did my first book by first doing most of what went into the final book as blog posts. When preparing the book, I organized the posts into chapters and added an introduction, a concluding chapter, and endnotes. I then did a lot of editing myself, had a professional editor, a book cover designed, and then self-published. I will do my next book similarly but approach the publishing differently as I overran my planned costs, so I hope to do more myself.

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Welcome Zac! There's such a great serialized community on here and they are a wealth of support and information. You're in good company.

If you haven't already, check out Elle Griffin https://ellegriffin.substack.com and Fictionistas https://fictionistas.substack.com/

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That's awesome Zac. Years back, I wrote and published books on a platform called Wattpad, which allowed me to release chapter-by-chapter and get feedback throughout the process. I loved that way of doing it, it holds you accountable in a way too when you have a following.

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This is fascinating. I think there's a great niche for that interest too! I could see a fictional author taking on a collab with you for a series similar to "Alex Rider" for the topic.

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That’s awesome !! Congratulations 👏🏻 I am writing a book as well. I will follow you..can’t wait to read your work 😃

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Good on ya Zac, best of luck & what a cool and relevant topic to have written about. I will support your work as best I can. Stay on the path!

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Sounds like a great plan!

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Sounds exciting. Cool idea!

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That's a great idea Zac. Welcome to the community!

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I started my substack because I didn’t want to deal with pitching to editors in order to get my content out there. I write about combat sports. Feel free to check out Fight Fundamental!

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Welcome, Jamie! Your the only editor you have to pitch here :)

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Exactly why I launched my Substack. After ten or more Op-Eds on Trump, in light of all the time it takes to pitch and wait and pitch and wait, I came to Substack.

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I can tell you as a career print journalist (freelance now for over a decade) the same is true for me. I spent years working harder and harder for the less pay a fewer commissions and watched the editors I trusted and loved get fired and laid off one by one... I worked at a major broadsheet for over ten years and I can assure you the remaining editors on the inside are struggling too. Substack has been a revelation to me -- the first green shoot after years of attrition, panic and creative destruction in the industry I love. So... welcome!

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Leah, there are several like us here, burnouts or near-burnouts from the old world of print. Ted Gioia of The Honest Broker is an author I'd admired for decades for his excellent books on music history & criticism, especially jazz. He doesn't have to pitch anymore, as he gets courted by publishers, but he recently decided to serialize his new book on Substack rather than agree to some new, awful "community standards" clause in a proposed contract, which struck him as a wide-open door to censorship. There were other reasons for his late-career decision to self-publish, including increasingly shitty advance/royalties offers, but this was the one that bothered him the most.

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Yep. All the waiting has become too much for me. I want to get my fiction out to my readers on my timetable. So now I've set up a schedule and am sticking to it.

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Victor, you're so right, scheduling is everything. In just a year I've found that the basic wisdom is true--you can start to build a readership just by showing up with good content on the same day or days every week. This reminds me that I have to finish my piece for tomorrow morning so I should stop reading this lovely thread for now. :-)

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Thanks Sandhya. I'm just starting on substack so I have only two pieces, but tomorrow is Tuesday and I'll post another. I do hope to gain an audience through consistency and from those who enjoy my sort of off the wall stories. And all the best to you, too. Looks like you've got more experience here than me.

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That's a big part of why I started mine. Immediate gratification, no waiting on editors and no unnecessary alteration of my content. I see it as augmenting the pieces I write for publication (magazines, newspapers, etc).

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I also landed here for the creative autonomy and have found it to be so empowering and freeing. Happy to meet a fellow writer exploring tv and film!

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Yes, those are of some of the reasons I started up here, too: no waiting, no unnecessary alteration. Mainly the waiting that's getting to me, I suppose. This way I get my work out on my schedule.

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Welcome Jamie !

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Welcome, Jamie!

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Thanks!

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I'm definitely going to check this out

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Looks like there are many of us here for similar reasons! Best of luck to all of you.

Do you imagine that newspapers and magazines are going to be dealing with a brain drain as more talented writers head to Substack?

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I think we're already seeing that! Lyz Lenz sent out an email today about how after getting fired from her local paper, she came to Substack. She published two of the pieces that had been rejected by other outlets, and they went viral on here. Bet they're kicking themselves now. This is one of those: https://lyz.substack.com/p/the-cult-of-caseys-how-gas-stations?s=w

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Haha, that's why I started self-publishing! Seems editors have a lot to answer for. You would think responding to pitches was basically the job description.

Funnily enough though, when I was an editor, nobody ever pitched me anything!

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This is how I got started with Collected Rejections too! Pitching is such a hassle!

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Jamie, I was toying with the idea to launch a publication dedicated to the fight game so I love to see others posting in this space. I'll check out your work for sure. My newsletter is broadly about Self-Mastery, but I did recently do a piece on Gordon Ryan. If you're interested to read, here it is: https://www.selfmasterysunday.com/p/the-king-gordon-ryan

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I feel ya Jamie

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I hear you

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relatable!!! I have so many ideas that have languished because I didn't want to deal with pitching them that I'm going to give life to here :)

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Welcome Jamie! Cheers to taking the reins back.

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I’m new 👋 I started writing my ‘A Struggling Mom’ substack after having my baby and needing a creative outlet.

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Welcome, Marissa! You are joining a great crew of parenting writing: https://substack.com/discover/category/parenting/paid

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Such a great healthy creative outlet. I think writing is a wonderful way to make sense of life, tell stories, and share life with others simply "figuring it out" ourselves!

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Very true. I started my substack, as an archive of my evolution and thought. To hopefully be able to see, 10 years from now how far I've gone and how much I've grown. And honestly, it just feels like self therapy to write

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Welcome, Marissa! I'll check it out! I had a blog 15 years ago for the same reason. Now my kids are older (17 & 19) and I write about the things I've learned and how I've changed over time.

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I started and published Mamalode Magazine in 2008 to gather mom content- gutsy and real. The site is still live (with 4k stories from 1500 writers www.mamalode.com) we haven't added new content in a couple of years and it just keeps going, new moms born every minute! I wonder if I might start reissuing the content on a substack thread... ????

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Hi Elke - What a treasure trove of mama wisdom! Yes to opening a Substack thread and pulling through new content!

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Yay for creative outlets!

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Yay for creative outlets indeed!

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Welcome, Marissa!

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Love this! Welcome Marissa

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Hi Everyone! I have been on Substack for a couple months and have learned so much in a short amount of time. It has never been about earning money from my posts but I do have some content behind a paywall because it is either very raw vulnerable information or reserved for those who are interested in being part of the larger ecosystem.

Core topics include:

Lived Experience - Never Shared: An Untold Life

Humour & other - Outhouse Originals

Real Leadership Events - I Sh*t You Not

ryanhopf.substack.com

I appreciate the quality of everyone’s work and decided that I needed a “pay it forward” element to my Substack (I Sh*t You Not), so for every Super Subscriber, I subscribe to another Substack creator and invite them into the ISYN community.

Also, if anyone is interested in publishing into any of the ISYN sections please feel free to reach out.

Thank you to the community!! I look forward to the journey ahead.

Ryan

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I love this idea of pay it forward, beautiful!

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Wow, such a great outlet to keep you creative whilst getting to grips with being a new mom! Hope it goes well : )

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Hi Katie, I'm new here. I had a big life change and experienced a ton of negativity. The single best thing I did was dive into writing out my thoughts to help deal with the trauma. I did that privately and then remembered how much I enjoyed reading, researching and writing about things important to me. So I started a Substack to write about philosophy, self-mastery and health & wellness. It's called Self-Mastery Sunday. Hope my fellow newbies are willing to check it out: https://www.selfmasterysunday.com/

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I want to recommend Self-Mastery Sunday TO EVERYONE. I do not know Tobias but just spent 10 minutes on his Substack. Great stuff to make you wiser, calmer, and more grounded.

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Thank you so much Eli. In turn, I'd like to recommend Eli's substack and for all to check out his public writings on our current American experience. Particularly his LA times piece of embracing Stoicism in a time when we all need a bit more meaning in our lives: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-12-24/op-ed-this-may-be-the-year-to-have-yourself-a-stoic-little-christmas

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So beautiful to see people recommending each other like this. Love it !

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Sounds great. I can relate. My writing is one of the good things to come out of a traumatic year.

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Redirecting energy into something positive. Feels like a superpower!

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That sounds very therapeutic, I will check your publication out :)

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I also aim to write in the "self-help" arena, with "moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies" which covers the wisdom and guides to life found in great films:

https://moviewise.substack.com

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Welcome, Tobias!

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Love this. Would love to do some writing crossovers or recommendations?

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Hi Tobias, of all the new Substacks I encountered today thanks to this shoutout, I can tell you that yours really stands out for me. It's an encouragement to self-reflect... as opposed to just another distraction. We share some similar angles on this topic - our Substack is called NomadAristocrats, https://nomadaristocrats.substack.com/, which is mostly about freedom, the mental and financial side of it. Well done, looking forward to reading more of your writing! Take care, Theresa

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Yes! I think we need the relationship between philosophy to be public. This is what I’m doing on mine.

Using Continental Philosophy as a way to understand why we do what we do.

Tobias I’d love to work together! :-)

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Great to see the philosophy-based undercurrent Self-Mastery has Tobias and that it's rooted in Stoicism. That's had a profound impact on my mental health and how I see the world and we're in similar niches.

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I've found a lot of lessons of practical wisdom, Stoicism, in movies. For example, here is an article on acceptance:

Facing Life’s Difficulties: Movies That Show The Value Of Acceptance

https://moviewise.substack.com/p/facing-lifes-difficulties

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Welcome Tobias ! Hope you’ll be happy here

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Welcome, Tobias!

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I will check out your newsletter. I've always found my writing and exploration into areas of meaning to be a journey of self-discovery, integration, and healing. Good luck to you.

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Likewise! I write "moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies," 🤗 which also explores the deeper meaning in movies in the hope that this will help people in their real lives:

https://moviewise.substack.com

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That sounds amazing !! I’m subscribing.

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Hello Tobias! You have a new subscriber. Your Substack is exactly what I'm always looking for!

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Welcome Tobias! Outsourced Optimism was my own new beginning born out of a lot of hard transitions and difficult endings. Writing is such a powerful way of processing. Glad you're here to share what you're learning while navigating.

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Hi Everyone! I have been on Substack for a couple months and have learned so much in a short amount of time. It has never been about earning money from my posts but I do have some content behind a paywall because it is either very raw vulnerable information or reserved for those who are interested in being part of the larger ecosystem.

Core topics include:

Lived Experience - Never Shared: An Untold Life

Humour & other - Outhouse Originals

Real Leadership Events - I Sh*t You Not

ryanhopf.substack.com

I appreciate the quality of everyone’s work and decided that I needed a “pay it forward” element to my Substack (I Sh*t You Not), so for every Super Subscriber, I subscribe to another Substack creator and invite them into the ISYN community.

Also, if anyone is interested in publishing into any of the ISYN sections please feel free to reach out.

Thank you to the community!! I look forward to the journey ahead.

Ryan

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Just subscribed.. it’s so therapeutic

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I just created my substack today 👏 👏 and I'm committed to writing my challenges, hopes, and realities in the dim hopes of a bleak midwinter that they might inspire just a soul to never give up, or at the very least amuse just as many.

Please Subscribe and let's put on this show together.

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Brand new! What will the first post be...

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Subscribed! Check out mine for counter intuitive insights from technology, innovation, philosophy, psychology, and more. Basically I find issue with all the false binaries and like to explore different perspectives. https://polymathicbeing.substack.com/

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Love anything to do with philosophy.

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Welcome, Moyin! Writing is therapeutic way to heal ourselves and also share the healing with others. Supporting you on this new adventure - can't wait to read your first post.

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Also a fellow dreamer here haha!

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Welcome Moyin & congratulations for that first step !

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Congrats!! So excited for you starting on this journey

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Welcome!

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Hi there, I am relatively new... I started "Tiny Love Letters" (https://chirpandmoo.substack.com/) in February. Short, less than one minute read (with drawings) of my musings on life. I love Substack so much. Few of my favorites are Heather Cox Richardson, Austin Kleon, Wendy MacNaughton and Yung Pueblo!

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I subscribed! I love your little drawings and I'm especially a fan of it being less than 1 minute to read. This was my idea behind my substack too - since I don't have the attention span most of the time, I kept mine below 2 minutes.

You'd also like Adam Ming's substack,

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My hopefully funny! comic strip that I just started a month ago is less than 1 minute to read as well 🤗 :

https://moviewise.substack.com/p/its-all-good-times

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Thank you so much! I will check it out.

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"I'm a rotten egg" post <3

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Hi Anne! This sounds like exactly what I need in my inbox. I can't wait to check it out

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Aww, thanks! :)

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Welcome Anne! Love the title of your substack

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Boujou, I love your illustrations as well! I am very intrigued by what it's like to be a self-taught illustrator from France.

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Thank you Suki :) I’m very intrigued too 😅 it’s scary but let’s see what’s going to happen! Thank you for subscribing!

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Thanks :)

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Welcome, Anne! And, best of luck!

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Welcome, Anne! Omg I vibe with your writing & illustrations. Cute, simple artwork always lifts me up :) Subbing now xo

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I tried very hard to make my cartoon characters cute. I took inspiration from the Kawaii style. But I'm not a trained artist, so the figures are very simple and potato-like, but I hope the cuteness comes through anyway 😉:

https://moviewise.substack.com/p/its-all-good-times

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hearts! hearts! hearts! thank you :)

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Oooo...this looks so fun! Subscribing now. Welcome!

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Yay! thank you :)

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Such charming illustrations and I love "snack sized stories." Welcome Anne!

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Yay snacks! thank you so much :)

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Hello there!

I'm kind of new. I started writing back in June. I decided to start a Substack as a way to photograph and write about anything and everything--without having to worry about social media algorithms and because I miss working in a newsroom.

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The hellish “Social media algorithm “ is the reason why many of us are here ! Welcome Alfonso !

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Beautiful photos! I want to go to Maine

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Thank you! Maine is a lovley place to visit. :)

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"without having to worry about social media algorithms" - ahhh yes, something I think we can all empathize with here! Welcome :)

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I love that - moving away from social media algorithms. I think more people are starting to want more than social media has to offer. Good luck with your new venture! : )

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Welcome Alfonso! I started in June too and have loved untangling my work from the judgmental algorithm. How have you been finding it so far?

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Also...just taken a look, and your photographs are awesome : )

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Thank you! :)

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I’m new, and I was inspired to create a Substack to house my writing somewhere independent of social media. I don’t want my content to be at the whims of the tech bros 🤷🏻‍♀️. I write about surviving educator burnout, and creating a life more connected to (our) nature.

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Welcome, Sarah!

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Subscribed! Love that you have turned away from the 'tech bros' and creating a more connected life. Looking forward to reading your posts : )

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Welcome Sarah! The return to a slower, less tech centered connectedness seems to be a strong theme around here and I'm with you! You're in good, supportive company.

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SUCH a theme around here and it is so lovely to see!

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It is a strong theme, Tami, and a good one. That's my voice also.

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Hi Sarah! I also really feel the education burn out and overwhelming nature of social media. Will definitely be checking out your page when I need a break from all the noise :)

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This is exactly why I started mine. I was so fed up with ever changing algorithms. I'm also an educator 💕

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This seems like a really valuable subject to explore in these times. I've been reading so much about the steep challenges facing educators and health care providers. I will check it out and share with some friends I know in both fields.

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Hi Sarah! I also came to Substack as an alternative to social media, lol. It's so nice here, isn't it?

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Similar to what @Alfonso Neal mentioned above. I hear you. Taking on a non-traditional hedonic treadmill with social media is a common cause for what bring people to Substack it seems! Welcome !

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Welcome, Sarah. It's great to remove oneself from the whims of algorithms.

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Cancer care and information is non existent in many low middle income countries. I write about what it means to be an oncologist in such setting and I advocate for subsided cancer care and culture based cancer care.

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I know this struggle and I look forward to reading your newsletter. Living in Nigeria and knowing people who have struggled this,I'm pretty sure people will find your newsletter helpful.

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Very interested in this one, Hamid. I wrote about my experience being a stem cell donor for my brother (AML), and I certainly learned a lot about the financial burden of cancer. Looking forward to checking out your newsletter!

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Fascinating. Super appreciate you filling the void, seeing the need, and dedicating your work and service to step up and step in to help others in this field!

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I really needed to keep myself motivated in trying to finish an album, so writing about the process helped...to the point where writing about the creative process became more fun and interesting than making the music in some ways. I hope the frustrations and considerations are pretty relatable to other creative people.

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So cool! As a music lover (and shy songwriter) I wish everyone who made music had a "Song Exploder"-esk style Substack where they share their process. Do you listen to Song Exploder?

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Yes I do, it's so fun. So often it's happy accidents and then: oh and then a masterpiece in the end.

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That's really cool! I love reading about people's processes--this is going to be so cool!

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Thanks, I'd love the company while I fumble my way toward... Something!

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Same and agree!

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I agree too lol!

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Welcome Ay! Frustrations seems to be the first seed of many artist’s substack 😅 even mine

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i'm literally exasperated

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Ahahaha...I see what you did there

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Yeah. "I can't be the only one losing my mind, right? Hello?!" We should all be frustrated together.

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Ah ah that’s right! I’m convinced that there’s a way outside of the algorithm game no matter what Facebook says!

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Hello Katie ! I’m new too & I started my substack Because I’m fed up of Instagram and want to share my path as a self taught illustrator, helping those who think that they are not “enough” or too old to achieve their dreams ! I’m writing about high and low, fails and victories, and things that no one talk about in our “ succes story” culture!

Here’s the link to my newsletter https://boujouchantal.substack.com/

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You are not alone! Lots mentioning today being burnt out by Instagram.

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Welcome, Boujou!

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Thank you Katie !

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Ditto re: being fed up with Instagram! Your illustrations are so cute -- officially subscribing to your newsletter!

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Oh thank you Laura ! So happy to meet you :) seems that “being fed up with Instagram “ is the best way to make friends 😂

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Ooo add me to the burnout bonding party! And welcome Boujou! I love that you're using this platform to talk about the things we don't talk about. I started Outsourced Optimism with a similar mission- how to tell a more honest story that can hold the whole complicated, conflicting truth. We need (way) more of that. Happy you're here!

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Thank you Tami! Might create a cosy sweater “ I survived Social media” 😀 I had no idea that so many people were exhausted by social media, I feel less alone

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Ahahaha I love that!

Same! The more I talk about it, the more I hear my feelings echoed.

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haha I think you're right -- it is the best way to make friends!

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Oh what happened to your blog ? 😂

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Love this. Self taught illustrator as well :)

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Hello Anne :) so happy to meet a new friend ! Are you sharing your path on your blog?

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Hello from Bali! I became a poet and painter as part of my burnout recovery. I joined Substack to give a home to my art.

Shout-out: I'm enjoying the poetry and musings at Tea For The Curious:

https://teaforthecurious.substack.com/

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Very cool, welcome!

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Welcome Paloma ! Poet & painter that’s impressive

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Merci Chantal. Happy to be here

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Wow Paloma, you're so sweet to share https://teaforthecurious.substack.com/ with the world.

And for others reading. Paloma is an incredibly gifted painter, drawer, visual artist. And has the kindest of souls.

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I needed a simple way to create a good looking newsletter and I already now Substack as a subscriber. I write mostly about pop journalism, writing tips, interviews etc.

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Welcome, Lorenzo!

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I am writing a memoir called about growing up in an abandoned fur farm in Alaska, right in with all the empty cages. It was a knife edge but my mother was an artist so she made it magical. It is a story about the places that shape us, but also about how much we shape them back. It is about how art can transform generational trauma. I have been writing on substack for a year or so, often about the process of writing such a personal book, but this is my first time doing anything like this thread!

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wow, sounds amazing Elke! Looking forward to your memoir!

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I started my Substack a couple weeks ago because I have a huge backlog of information on my topic of choice--seafood--that hasn't fit in recent cookbooks and that gets added to my ever-growing list of cool things to write about with each passing week. I love the idea of Substack being a way to build community and engage with folks in a way that's hard to do with books. Working on issue #2 right now and a little concerned about overloading readers with too much content. I guess I'll find a good balance of enough but not too much as I go along. Thanks for the fabulous writer resources offered!

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Love the specificity—seafood!

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Private to Cynthia: Hi!

Public to the crowd: If Cynthia has something to say about seafood, you should subscribe to read it!

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Thanks so very much, Hanna! About time we get together for some delicious seafood again.

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I'm really trying to get into seafood after years of not eating it... I subscribed and am very excited to covert because of your newsletter 💖🐟

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Aw, Gina, thanks!! I definitely have a mission of wanting to help home cooks feel more comfortable cooking seafood. Content will cover practical things, along with travel, interesting people in the biz, etc. I hope you'll like it. Let me know if I get too wordy, will ya??

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Hey! I started writing my substack this summer. Then got diagnosed at 40 with ADHD 🤯 so now I’m writing about that!

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Wow! Way to take a difficult life experience and make something creative out of it - I hope it goes well : )

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So many interesting publications to explore! Especially new ones. Welcome to all the new writers who joined us today. We hope you bumped into someone you are excited to connect with.

Our team is signing off for today but we will be back next week for Office Hours to help answer your questions about getting started, growing and going paid on Substack. Save it to your calendar: https://lu.ma/office-hours

Until the, happy reading!

Katie, Bailey and Aaron

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Ugh I realized after I posted that you specified "new." I wasn't trying to horn in, I promise! Anyway, agreed. Lots of cool new stuff.

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I'm a maniac for all things related to the creative process. That's why I've been so excited to discover Jillian Hess's Noted. https://jillianhess.substack.com/ -- She investigates how people's note-taking, journaling, and the like, shapes their workcraft. Her latest on Walter Benjamin, an intellectual who fled the Nazis, is sublime and moving.

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Ditto on Noted! I loved the recent issue on Robert Caro's corkboard! https://jillianhess.substack.com/p/robert-caros-corkboard

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That WAS fantastic - a definite must-read!

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@anne you're the best!

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this is so excellent. what a great take on this topic.

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Yes, Noted is wonderful!

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While you're here, Mark....Fellow 'Stackers would do well to not only follow/Subscribe to your "How About This," but follow your example of engagement with your subbies, to wit:

https://howaboutthis.substack.com/p/dear-hatters-looking-for-your-feedback

Go get 'em, Mark, and 'Stackers, do yourself a favor, and check him out!

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Mark does love a notebook or two! And How About This is a great read!

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Shucks, thanks Kyle!

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I love this! I am so glad to discover Jillian thanks to you. I am always wondering about how my note taking feeds my process and wonder too if my inconsistent approach reflects something about me that I need to address.

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Thank you for the recommendation! Just subscribed!

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Loved that one! Just discovered Jillian and am enjoying her posts tremendously. So helpful.

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Her newsletter sounds fascinating!

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Wow. Thank you for this very generous endorsement! I’m so happy to be a part of the Substack community. It’s been rewarding beyond my wildest expectations.

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Ooo! My type A, structure-motivated, color-coded, process-fascinated brain is very excited about this recommendation!

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I'm such a geek for note-taking and PKMs. I recently finished reading 'Building a Second Brain' by Tiago Forte, and would highly recommend it if you're into this!

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wow that sounds excellent. keen to subscribe!

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100% right up my alley

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Ooh that sounds like a great recommendation thank you, just subscribed!

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Love Benjamin! Would love to do some crossovers and recommendations?

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I’m happy to talk about Benjamin anytime!

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Yes! Let’s do it. Are used to teach this is a lecturer. But now using his literary criticism as social criticism. Maybe there’s crossover? :-)

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Oh thank you for the recommendation seems to be a gem!

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You won't be disappointed!

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Hi! I’ve been here for about two months, but this is the first time I’ve worked up the courage to say hello. After struggling with self-injury for more than a decade, I now write out of that experience to remind you you’re more than your own worst moments, whatever they may be. I’m looking forward to connecting with other writers here! You can find me at https://brittanytinsley.substack.com.

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"More than your worst moments..." I love that. Will be sure to check out your page.

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Thanks, Jen!

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Hi brittany so happy to discover your substack

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Glad you finally said hello. Everyone is welcome here!

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Such an important message to get out to the world, Brittany. I just subscribed :)

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Wonderful to have you here. Glad you said hi!

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Powerful testimony to share. Thank you for being here!

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Thanks, Jonathan!

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Hi Everyone! I have been on Substack for a couple months and have learned so much in a short amount of time. It has never been about earning money from my posts but I do have some content behind a paywall because it is either very raw vulnerable information or reserved for those who are interested in being part of the larger ecosystem.

Core topics include:

Lived Experience - Never Shared: An Untold Life

Humour & other - Outhouse Originals

Real Leadership Events - I Sh*t You Not

ryanhopf.substack.com

I appreciate the quality of everyone’s work and decided that I needed a “pay it forward” element to my Substack (I Sh*t You Not), so for every Super Subscriber, I subscribe to another Substack creator and invite them into the ISYN community.

Also, if anyone is interested in publishing into any of the ISYN sections please feel free to reach out.

Thank you to the community!! I look forward to the journey ahead.

Ryan

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I use Recommendations a lot in my own newsletter so as you can tell I enjoy a lot of newsletters. :)

To recognize some good people who are continuing to do some great work:

Alison at Subject Headings: alisonburnis.substack.com

Bryn at Campfire Notebook: brynphd.substack.com

MarkFyve: markfyve.substack.com

Mark at Technocomplex: technocomplex.substack.com

Matthew Murray from Writer's Notebook: https://matthewmurray.substack.com/

Bryan Padrick at The Bus: https://thebus.substack.com/

Shane O'Mara's Brain Pizza: https://brainpizza.substack.com/

Rebecca's Dear Reader, I'm Lost: https://rebeccaholden.substack.com/

I want to double-echo the sentiment expressed elsewhere: Jillian Hess's Noted is absolute quality and I'm loving it: https://jillianhess.substack.com/

Finally, want to recognize Thomas J. Bevan and my other colleagues from the Soaring Twenties Social Club, the weekly Omnibus and monthly Symposiums are not to be missed: https://soaringtwenties.substack.com/

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One more (there are many more I could include...) I want to also mention Holly Rabalais at Release and Gather, I always appreciate her candor and depth she brings to her writing: https://hollyrabalais.substack.com/

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Holly's is fantastic! There is an art to making something like a trip to the DEQ engrossing for the reader. Holly does it.

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That might just be the best compliment of my life, Kevin. Well, except maybe that time my teen son eyed my outfit approvingly and told me I was "looking all hipster."

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Ditto!

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Holly is the real deal!

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Thank you, Mark!

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Thanks Mark for the recommendation! And to be included with such great writers is an honor.

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Thanks for the recommendation, Mark! Really appreciate it - and to be in such company, too!

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Thank you, Mark! I appreciate the shout-out and especially being included in such great company (yourself included)!

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Oooh, thanks, Mark! Delighted to see myself recommended alongside such glowing company! :D

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Have any of you ever subscribed to a 'stack then unsubscribed after a couple of posts thinking, "eh...not sure this is my thing" then rediscovered it and subscribed again? I may have done that with a 'stack I'm really digging. Shoutout to Rebecca Holden over at Dear Reader, I'm lost. I especially loved her post this week on something all of us writers go through--having our writing expectations derailed, which isn't a bad thing! Read more:

https://rebeccaholden.substack.com/p/24-good-writing-intentions-gone-astray

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Oooooh, thanks for the shout-out, Holly - you're smashing! :D

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I love what you do, too!

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Rebecca is so open and descriptive, her writing is terrific!

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Absolutely can relate to that Holly. I'm new here and im sure I'll do that a few times. My main experience has been YouTube subscriptions. Every 6 months I do a clean up of my subs and then inevitably I end up subbing to one again because some 🔥 content is dropped

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I'll check it out!

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I love that I was 'second time lucky'!

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I think Mike Sowden's Everything Is Amazing (https://everythingisamazing.substack.com/) was another. In the beginning I was afraid to subscribe and then unsubscribe, but aren't we all just here to figure out what's out there, what we like, and what isn't our cup of tea? I subscribe to A LOT of Substacks, and there are days (or weeks like this one when I am very busy) where many posts end up on the cutting room floor. Still, I'm learning that it's okay to not read everything a writer posts. I read what draws me in and trust that I'll eventually land on the things I missed that Someone out there knows I need to read. :)

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Haha!

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It's shout out time!! I just took a moment to read through the replies and I just want to give a HUGE shout out to all the new folks, especially those who just started their 'Stack today! Welcome, welcome, welcome, and I hope you find a community here!! Write for you, not for numbers, and press on even when you feel you can't. We're cheering you on! 🌿

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Also, I'm a bit behind today (need more coffee!) and don't have all my personal shout-outs lined up at the moment, but I write in the incredibly supportive niche of faith/nature/spirituality/healing with a bunch of other AMAZING Substack writers and if you also write in this niche, reply below so we can find you!

On a personal note, here are a couple of 'Stackers who have been absolutely blowing my mind in my comment sections lately with their wisdom and insight: Adrian Conway of https://adrianconway.substack.com/ and Scoot of https://timesdispatch.substack.com/ !

Also, I loved Caitlin H Mallery's recent article (https://caitlinhmallery.substack.com/) called "The Significance of a Woman's Hair".

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Thank you for the motivation! I also write (and love to read) about faith, spirituality and personal healing so I'm SUPER glad I hit refresh and found your comment.

I just read your post "The most generous tree" and felt a wave of calm and peace. It has the same essence as "the giving tree" by shel silverstein xo

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What a compliment, Suki, thank you! I love the premise of your newsletter and can't wait to check it out! 🌿

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I would love to read about your choice of interest and want to read your new publications

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Your energy is so wonderful and contagious. Always makes me want to be and do better as a fellow human. Thank you for that, S.E.

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This is the sweetest compliment, Arjan! Thank you so much! I gave your name/link to a newbie poetry 'Stacker here on the thread so I hope she checks you out! :)

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Thanks, S.E. Can you remember who? I try to subscribe to all the Substacking poets.

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Awesome, yes, she subscribed! Thank you. You are very influential!

Really serious now: thank you. You are very generous.

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There she is!

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Happy Thursday, Mark! Good to see you! :)

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Shout to Neal Bascombe of https://www.workcraftlife.com/ not only for his fantastic interviews, but for having nominated us for Substack Reader Recommendations. And a shoutout to Substack for having Reader Recommendations in the first place as it brought us a bunch of new subscribers!

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Hey, I'll take that shout out! Thanks Michael. You're a prince!

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Shhh, that's a secret...

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Glad to hear that!

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I’m brand new here, I write horror fiction and hoping to build an audience of beta readers for my first anthology book and full length novel. Haven’t got much of an established audience anywhere else but still looking forward to building a community on here.

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Welcome to Substack! We've got a pretty good fiction writing community going here, so make sure to check out fictionistas for a whole list of us.

https://fictionistas.substack.com

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Wonderful, I'll definitely check it out!

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Lol, you beat me to the punch, Claire, so J.J. has two recommendations for Fictionistas.

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Awesome, thanks to both of you I’ll check that out

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Hey J.J., be sure to check out Fictionistas, which is a large and growing fiction community on Substack: https://fictionistas.substack.com. They are a great group that welcomes fiction writers of all genres.

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Lots of us are serialising our fiction and building beta readerships, so welcome to the club. :)

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I'm a big fan of horror film and fiction. I'll check out your stuff. I just did a post about my favorite horror flicks -- it's the first of two parts. Take a look if you get a chance. https://philipbooth.substack.com/p/chilltober-daze-my-horror-top-20

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Looking forward to reading you, man! I write horror fiction as well and plan on including related topics on my Substack.

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Thanks!

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Yes to horror!

Check out Chuck’s Substack

https://chuckpalahniuk.substack.com/

Fantastic community of writers there

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The first Substack I subscribed too, Chuck is one of my favourite authors!

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Hell ya 🤘

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Yay for horror! Welcome and I look forward to your work.

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Welcome, J.J! Best of luck with your upcoming novel - I'm sure you'll find the community and audience that's meant for you here. I just launched my newsletter a month ago, and from what I can tell here, there's all kinds of writers and readers! Cheers

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The best Substacks I never miss out on are :

1) music recommendations by Kevin from On Repeat

https://thekevinalexander.substack.com/

2) poetry by my fellow poet Arjan on Triple Effect

https://trippleeffect.substack.com/

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Second the recommendation of Kevin - a hugely generous fellow in the Substack community.

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Thank you! I really appreciate that. :)

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Me three. Kevin rocks.

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Thanks for sharing! I love poetry x

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Thank you! Hello Universe and Triple Effect are both great ways to start the day!

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THANKS KEVIN!!!!

(Sorry, can't stop shouting, it's so nice to be mentioned).

And thanks for helping me to (re)discover all these lovely bands and songs. Loving it.

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Three cheers for poetry! Quite the underrated craft and one I wish I was better at.

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You really should subscribe to Hello Universe if you haven't already. It's amazing. Punit has it all.

If you like to read poetry, feel free to check out my recommendations page. I collect poetry substacks on there. To be more precise: substacks with original poetry:

https://trippleeffect.substack.com/recommendations

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PUNIT!!!! THANK YOU!

Your newsletter is so much fun to read. I really admire how consistently you produce great poetry within the format you've given yourself. Reading it always makes my day better.

And with Kevin's music tips I really get in the zone.

Both these are very much worth subscribing to, dear people!

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As a film and music writer, I'm a big fan of:

The Last Thing I Saw https://rapold.substack.com

The Reveal https://thereveal.substack.com/

Ty Burr's Watch List https://tyburrswatchlist.substack.com

Bulwark Goes to Hollywood https://screentime.thebulwark.com

The Gig https://thegig.substack.com

The Honest Broker -- four stars! https://tedgioia.substack.com

No Content for Old Men https://mattcraig.substack.com

Great political content at Popular Information https://popular.info

Good discussion of issues around the craft of writing at Craft Talk https://1000wordsofsummer.substack.com

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My Substack is short fiction but I'm also an actor and my new feature film, Ash and Bone, just released on Amazon Prime and Apple TV yesterday

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Congrats on the release of your film- that's amazing! Happy to meet a fellow writer + actor on here.

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I just looked at your IMDb. Do you know you jumped over 6 million this week? I've never seen an increase even close to that

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Oh wow! I didn't know that!

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Shocked me, but very cool. Your project in post must have a ton of buzz

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I am going to check them out, Jimmy. Congratulations!

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Thanks!

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Just watched the trailer. I think I'm going to need someone to hold my hand while I watch but I will watch.

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I think it's best viewed with a few friends.

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Thank you!

+1 for both yours and Brad's letters. I'm really enjoying the "extra" short posts you've started doing.

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Ohhhh... bookmarking all of these to check out today!

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Wow what a great robust list!

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Sounds like an interesting list. You might be interested in what I’m doing as well. I focus on the moral philosophy behind various films and television shows.

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I will take look.

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Hello folks. I made a local news outlet in Substack as I wanted to do more reporting in my community, and, as I have 7 different jobs atm, my dream is to get The Wausau Sentinel successful enough I can go back to just two or three. My apologies if this is a silly introduction. If you know anyone in Wisconsin, tell them about it! :)

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Great stuff Evan! I've also considered a localized newsletter focus on all things health and wellness for my local area taking strategy tips from Nathan Barry's "from Boise" newsletter development. Do you have any documented sharing of your journey in developing this localized newsletter?

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Not really no. I just formed an LLC and did a survey for a month about a couple of months before launching.

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I am in the defense program. As for these other bits a lot is what I am doing now. Its been a bit tricky with my time. Goal is to be self-sustaining in the first year before getting to working at just this in a second. Nervous as shit.

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*Waves from Madison

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Thank you for signing on.

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As well, if you know anyone at all with an interest in the area please share. The dream is to go back to just two or three jobs as I am often superhumanly tired.

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Dave Bangert has done a great job doing this with his Substack reporting on news in Lafayette, Indiana. https://davebangert.substack.com/

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I'll keep his in mind.

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Hi everyone! A couple of great shout outs!

1. For great book and drink recommendations (especially if you like mysteries and whisky), check out the fantastic Blood & Whisky by Neal Thompson! I've already discovered two great books from this Substack.

https://bloodandwhiskey.substack.com/

2. For a wonderful writing craft community with lots of interesting stories to boot, check out Work/Craft/Life by Neal Bascomb. Lots of great writing and writing advice here.

https://www.workcraftlife.com/

3. For something completely different, original, hilarious, heartfelt, and vulnerable check out Both Are True by Alex Dobrenko. These essays are always funny, always honest, and they always hit just right.

https://botharetrue.substack.com/

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Huge fan of Blood and Whiskey. I was so excited when Neal agreed to contribute to Notes From Three Pines.

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Thanks Elizabeth!

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michael omg wow truly this is so kind and I am floored i will be a floor guy now I cannot get up from the floor bc u were too kind.

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while you're down on the floor, what do you think of polished concrete. too modern? also, you're welcome because you are great and your Substack is great!

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wait truly what the hell is polished concrete is that a thing???? feels like the name of a horror movie

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it's a thing. we have it in our home because we love it. but some people don't. and some people think it's a horror movie, which is another story altogether.

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I love both are true!

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AHHH thank u

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So good!

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I DO enjoy mysteries and whiskey! Adding that one to the list.

I discovered Situation Normal AND Both Are True a few weeks ago and have been delighted ever since.

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TAMI HELLO thank u and feeling is mutual!!!

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Love Blood and Whisky!

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Hey Michael -- huge thanks for the shoutout! Glad you're enjoying Blood & Whiskey (and psyched to be paired here alongside with my pal, the east coast Neal).

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Hi—I love being here on Substack. I write about addiction and recovery and host the podcast “Breakfast with an Alcoholic.” The best thing about Substack is/are the other writers and here are some I always love reading:

Sarah Miller https://canweread.substack.com

Holly Rabalais https://hollyrabalais.substack.net

Paulina Pinsky. https://paulinapinsky.substack.net

Matt Andersen. https://idiotspit.substack.com

Jamee Sailor Rowe https://macrodosing.substack.com

S.E. Reid https://sereid.substack.com

Tatiana Gallardo https://brazenface.substack.com

Rebecca Holden https://rebeccaholden.substack.com

Did I mention I love it here on Substack?

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I want to second that. It's such a beautiful, supportive community. These threads always fill my bucket.

P.S. I've really enjoyed your substack and- no surprise here- we have a very similar reading list. I'll second all those recommendations while I'm at it.

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thank you so much!!

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Thanks so much for the shout-out! Going to check out everyone else! :D :D :D

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Thanks, TBD! We love that you're here, too!! 🌿

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Hello all! I'm bravely jumping in here today to shout out the news that I FINALLY launched my newsletter. Bingeworthy aims to connect Podcast Lovers with Podcast Makers. I have 2 big goals:

First, to celebrate the art of narrative podcast storytelling and help make it a *thing*

Second, helping audience to find great longform, original content to listen to...and then discuss it! https://bingeworthy.substack.com/p/introducing-bingeworthy-a-newsletter

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Congrats on the launch!!!

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How great to find out about your newsletter. Can’t wait to share it with my friends who are just getting started with podcasting.

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That’s fantastic, thanks!

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Congrats on the launch. I'm a bit of a podcast addict - My name is Arjan and I'm a podcast addict - so I will subscribe. I do occasionally produce my own podcast episodes, but I don't think it fall into your "thing" category. It's short and it's more a portrait than a story. It is precious to me, though.

Anyway, looking forward to see what you bring to my inbox.

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Arjan, you cracked me up! That's such a perfect intro....thanks for the sub. Hope you enjoyed the Q+A today from Zayd Ayres Dohrn, the creator of the first series I covered, Mother Country Radicals.

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Oh my goodness. I have so many that I listen to already, I don't know that I can listen to more! We also have a podcast where we discuss storytelling, but don't do storytelling. I don't know if you would be interested in litthinkpodcast.substack.com, but I'll recommend it ;-)

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Thanks Sarah, I'll check it out. Good stuff!

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My interest is piqued, subscribing, interested to read more!

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Thanks Mark! Pleased to have you!

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Hi Samantha, I assume you follow Jay Acunzo's work and ideas around narrative form podcast shows? He's got some great content, structural frameworks education and podcasts himself! Highly recommend!

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Thank you Jonathan, BRB just googling that name. Appreciate the recco!

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Shoutout to three very funny Substacks!

First, shoutout to Café Anne by Ann Kadet! The hype is real – every post delights. See: https://annekadet.substack.com/p/hotsingles

Second, shoutout to Bev Has All The Answers by Bev Potter! Surly and sardonic, you’ll laugh out loud. See: https://bevpotter.substack.com/p/the-horror-of-running-into-someone

Finally, shoutout to Dirtbags Through the Ages by Allison Epstein! Learn about the shittiest people ever in the funniest way imaginable. See: https://rapscallison.substack.com/p/napoleon

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Love Anne's newsletter! Every issue is like a treasure trove.

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Anne’s Substack is wacky, smart, and heartfelt all in one. Love it!

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Indeed! I was a late arrival, but better late than never.

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Seconded for Anne Kadet. She’s gracious and responsive. Plus, she has a great Substack.

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THANK YOU for this, Amran...I've been looking for some good Humorstacks! :)

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Can't go wrong with any of these! If humor's your jam, check out Situation Normal by Michael Estrin: https://michaelestrin.substack.com/

And Extra Evil by Dennard Dayle: https://extraevil.substack.com/

And, ahem, yours truly: https://agowani.substack.com/

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Laughter! I need that. Thanks I will check these out right now.

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You won't be disappointed!

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We have the same reading lists!

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Great minds!

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Thank you for these suggestions. I need more laughter, off to subscribe!

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Awesome! Theoretically, I'm funny too, but in a dark way. Mileage varies. :-)

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I read Bev's first sentence and already LOL'd. Haha i've been looking for something light-hearted in my inbox, thanks for recommending!

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Great! Situation Normal by Michael Estrin: https://michaelestrin.substack.com/ is also wonderful slice of life humor with good vibes.

If you're into something a little edgier, try Extra Evil by Dennard Dayle: https://extraevil.substack.com/ and, of course, yours truly: https://agowani.substack.com/.

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Hi all, I LOOOOOOVE this thread!

Shout-outs to four of my favourites on my ever-growing list of Stacks I follow:

Mark Dykeman writes 'How About This' - https://howaboutthis.substack.com/ - a one-stop goldmine for everything interesting. Weekly interviews and insights into Atlantic Canada life. Weekly links post to introduce you to the Substacks you’ve been wanting to find but didn’t know you did. And all sorts in between, including planning, productivity and everything you ever wanted to know about notebooks. His recent post about the latter was smashing: https://howaboutthis.substack.com/p/creative-realizer-a-notebook-harvest

Helen Redfern writes 'The Red Fern’ - https://helenredfern.substack.com/ - if you’re looking for a bit of oomph to kick-start (or maintain!) your fabulous creativity and writing practice you certainly can’t go wrong here.

Holly Rabalais writes 'Release and Gather' - https://hollyrabalais.substack.com/ - delightful and insightful writing about people, life and the challenges that come our way. Poignant, thought-provoking and with lots of laughs.

Julie B. Hughes writes ‘Run to Write’ - https://juliebhughes.substack.com/ - if you’re looking for a brief moment of reflection every day you’ll love her poems. Regular (free!) writing group sessions on Zoom. Loves writing and writers.

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+1 for Holly - I'm also enjoying her stories and insights.

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Release and Gather is a delight!

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Thank you Rebecca! Your other recommendations are also wonderful.

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I also enjoyed reading Mark's post on notebook harvesting--very interesting ideas! Going to check out Helen & Julie now. And thanks for the shoutout!

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I’d love to give a shout out to two publications:

1. Packy McCormick’s Not Boring and his Weekly Dose of Optimism.

His Monday post on teaching for the future got me thinking about the educational system’s fate in 10 years.

https://open.substack.com/pub/notboring/p/how-do-i-teach-these-kids?r=1lccrf&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post

2. Mark Dykeman’s How About This. My favorite read is his Creative Realizer piece on old notebooks. I have at least 10 half filled books that get thrown around. I connect with this realization.

https://open.substack.com/pub/howaboutthis/p/creative-realizer-a-notebook-harvest?r=1lccrf&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post

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Mark Dykeman is one of the hardest working writers out there. His stuff is really worthwhile. I am happy to be a H.A.T.T.E.R.

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Ditto, and me too! :D

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That is a true statement.

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Mark had me at his acronym (H.A.T.) and kept me because of his fascinating posts.

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Thank you Crush! Always ready to read your next rant!

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Oleg over at Fictitious is recording his Ray Bradbury challenge of 1 poem, 1 story, and 1 essay each day for 1000 days, and noting down his progress. It is incredibly cool, and introduces me to SO MUCH I didn't think I was interested in. Check this post out: https://fictitious.substack.com/p/ray-bradbury-challenge-213000

Shoutout to Austin Smith working out his poem-a-day substack. My favorite: https://austinsmith.substack.com/p/lyrhick-24. His "lyrhicks" are incredible. I'd like him to join the Soaring Twenties Social Club (if he sees this): https://soaringtwenties.substack.com/

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Yes I love Oleg's weird experiment and I am praying for him. Haha!

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I'll take all the prayers I can get Anne :)

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Love it too! Sounds pretty tough.

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Wow, that’s ambitious.

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Oh my gosh, yes, Oleg's Substack is wonderful!

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Thanks Mark! I can only say the same about yours!

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Thanks for the shoutout James!

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If you're interested in some fun fantasy short stories, then I recommmend Claire's Short Stories.

https://clairesshortstories.substack.com

She has some great reads 👍

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Hey thanks! You beat me to the punch, I was going to give you a shout out today!

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We seem to be in this cross wavelength today 😂

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As they say, great minds think alike.

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For the sober curious:

https://thanksforlettingmeshare.substack.com/

For writers and readers:

https://chuckpalahniuk.substack.com/

For those interested in all the above, I try my own hand:

https://idiotspit.substack.com/

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YES to all three of these--great stuff!

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I'd like to thank Parker Molloy for inviting me to take part in our debate about cancel culture and free speech, which ran on our respective newsletters over the past several weeks.

https://www.readtpa.com/

https://freddiedeboer.substack.com/

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This is very sweet. You just melted my heart!

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Don't mind me-- I'm just taking notes on whom to follow and possibly invite for guest posts/interview collabs for What's Curation? I hit 200 subs milestone today, so feeling extra happy.

(obligatory strategic evil laugh, muahahahahaha!)

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Very nice, Nikhil! Hmmm....my son told me he got a new roommate. I wasn't sure how to spell his name, but now that I'm looking at yours I think I've got it!

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Another Nikhil, eh? 🧐

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I'm sure he's not nearly as cool as you. :)

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Nice work! Keep going!

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Congratulations on getting to 200!

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Yes!

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Music writers of Substack stick together, so I recommend Kevin Alexander and his On Repeat newsletter https://thekevinalexander.substack.com. You can't miss out if you're a fan of late 80s and early 90s deep cuts. Kevin is also fantastic at featuring new indie artists and his playlists are on point!

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Thanks man! That really means a lot to me. :)

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Hey, Kiley! I stick together, too! I'll check your "Check This Out!" if you'll check out my FRONT ROW & BACKSTAGE! I think we can get you past the velvet rope line! Cheers, and see you soon!---Brad

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Right on! I'm in 🤘🏽

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Woo-hoo! Thanks, Kiley! I'll have the gal come by your table for drink orders. Holler if you see a space where we can collab. I'll do the same once I get familiar with your "CTO"! Briefly, I was in FM rock radio in the '70s, and retail records late '70s-early '80s, and my specialty is an expansive knowledge and awareness of the music released in those decades that no one heard!

As I've said before, "Bon Journey doesn't need another drop of ink written about them (and certainly not from me!), but because no one's heard The Starjets ('79) or Taxiride ('99), that's why I'm here!"

Plus, you may enjoy the autobio, as it's being laid out, now (with about 18 articles, with more on the way!), on the '70s and '80s Hollywood record biz travails of singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor Stephen Michael Schwartz (1974 album on RCA Records when he was 20)!

His story on my 'Stack starts here, believe it or not(!) when I interviewed David Cassidy in 1975: https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/in-a-houston-penthouse-with-david

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Souls like Wheels (https://soulslikewheels.substack.com/) provides a very good reminder to get outdoors, touch grass and explore.

Both Are True (https://botharetrue.substack.com/) is a extremely humorous and funny in its own way.

Cafe Anne (https://annekadet.substack.com/) is a delightful treat, showing what actual city/urban journalism can be.

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oleg wow thank you and being mentioned in the same breath as Anne is an honor. Exccited to check out Souls like Wheels!

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Today I want to bring focus to 3 writers who also share a passion for how food impacts our daily life:

FutureFood by Jenny Splitter, who’s doing an excellent job of looking at the climate impact of producing our food. Find her newsletter here: https://futurefeed.substack.com/

Nico Vera’s La Yapa newsletter explores Peruvian cuisine from a vegan perspective…and I think we need many more writers who explore food culture through a vegan lens. Find his newsletter here: https://piscotrail.substack.com/

Thin Ink, who writes about food and climate…focusing on both problems and solutions. Her newsletter can be found here: https://news.thin-ink.net/

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Food is a great topic! I even wrote a post about it in relation to movies:

A List Of Movies Depicting The Greatness Of Food: A Varied And Delectable Movie Diet!

https://moviewise.substack.com/p/a-list-of-movies-depicting-the-greatness

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Awesome recommendations Jack.

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Thanks Jamie. There are so many talented and interesting writers out there.

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Love Nico's pub and Thin's! Hadn't heard of Jenny 👀

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Thanks for sharing, Jack!

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Wow this thread is very busy this time around. Maybe there should be an appreciation thread every week lol

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Good morning all! My three-month anniversary is coming up in a few weeks. I am having such a great time here, love this platform. My favorites are

Release and Gather

Holly Rabalais

Shangrilogs

Kelton Wright

Life in the Real World

Karen Davis

The Earthworm

Dan Masoliver

Cafe Anne

Anne Kadet

And I know this is ridiculous, I can't figure out how to enter a link here. What am I doing wrong?

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Copy and paste from the window address field, or like I just did, right-click on "copy address" and paste, like so: https://waywardyogini.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_content=comment_metadata

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This is what I'm doing, but when I paste it here, it isn't a link, , no underline beneath it to make it a link, just the letters. So strange.

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My limited tech knowledge is now stretched beyond its capacity! Maybe someone with more tech smarts can chime in!

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I loved Holly's latest post about a weekend trip with her son, who was on leave from residential treatment program. For those of us who parent older teens and young adults, the stakes feel higher than ever. I appreciate her sharing slices of the messier side of life and parenting.

https://hollyrabalais.substack.com/p/midweek-musings-sand-squirrel-snake

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Just wanted to add that Holly's newsletter is fantastic even if you don't have kids. Her writing is beautiful and super interesting.

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Oh, but the stakes feel higher, don't they, Jen?! Just slide all the chips in. Things might get sideways for a bit, but we'll make it through!

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Hey, all. I’m pitching myself! Heart and humor AKA This Being Human Thing. As a result, I’ve been picked up by my local newspaper, publishing twice monthly columns straight from my Substack. https://thisbeinghumanthing.substack.com

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Congratulations on getting picked up by the local paper! How did that happen?

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I paid for a new subscription to the paper after not having received it for about nine months. While reading the Viewpoints columns, I realized all the columnists were male. Wrote a funny and only slightly pointed email to the publisher about increasing the paper’s diversity, including the link to my Substack site. That opened the door and I’ve now been a biweekly columnist for about 3–4 months. As my Yiddish forebears would say, it took a bit of chutzpah, but was worth it! (And the publisher subscribes to and reads my Substack posts.) Much luck, Scoot!

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I started my newsletter here six months ago to write about the writing lifestyle. I estimate I’ve written about 50,000 words since then and my subscriber count has been growing steadily. I had 22 new subs yesterday which was pretty nuts. I write every day on Medium about politics and climate issues so my newsletter offers me an outlet for other stuff. I’ve been able to leverage my Medium followers into subscriber growth here which has really helped. So, if you’re new to this, hang in there and identify a niche to see growth. It can happen!

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Amazing stuff! It's nice to hear that you have different outlets for different topics, it sounds like a good way to keep things interesting and fresh. Congrats on your journey to 50k+ words :o !

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During that same time period my Medium writing probably adds up to another 80,000 words in addition to the newsletter. I write every day, usually in the morning and typically 500-1000 words. It may sound like a lot but I’ve been doing this for a long time! I love the simplicity of the Substack platform- it’s elegant.

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Absolutely agree - this place allows us to focus on what matters most - our thoughts, writing and message.

What's your experience like writing everyday? I'm curious because I want to cultivate a practice like this too, but I find that on some days my creative spirit just isn't there!

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My attitude is that inspiration comes from doing the writing whether you’re in the mood or not. Like any habit, it builds momentum from being repeated. Another rule of mine is never worry about whether your writing is any good. The beauty of writing is the power of edits and rewrites! If you kill a character off and change your mind, you can unkill them…

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Appreciate your insight, thank you! This attitude can take us so far - I'll definitely be implementing this more regularly.

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A big welcome to all the new writers here. This is one of the best platforms for writing and networking with fellow writers/readers. I wish you all the best.

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Hi everybody!

Rather than newsletters, here are some specific posts I loved this past month:

Chris Duffy, in his “Bright Spots” newsletter, wrote about his neighbors, who kept a pet donut for 27 years: https://chrisduffy.substack.com/p/a-27-year-old-donut?r=sqrxn&utm_medium=ios

Max Read, in his “Read Max” newsletter, has a strange and hilarious account of an ordinary man who sort of bought an entire small town in Arkansas. It’s not going very well, haha! https://maxread.substack.com/p/the-man-who-bought-pine-bluff-arkansas

Neal Bascomb, in his “Work Craft Life” newsletter, has a wonderful, touching profile of his local UPS man—which he agreed to let me excerpt in a future issue of my own newsletter: https://www.workcraftlife.com/p/vince?r=sqrxn&utm_medium=ios

Michael Estrin, in his always delightful “Situation Normal” newsletter, provided a great, detailed account of how he got his first 1000 subscribers: https://michaelestrin.substack.com/p/i-hit-1000-subscribers-heres-what?r=sqrxn&utm_medium=ios

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Hello, 👋 I'm fairly new here and really enjoying discovering new people to read! Just opened lots of new tabs from the recommendations below. I write musings/thoughts on overcoming fear and stepping out of your comfort zone (something I am trying to do) I've been wanting to write for years and finally done it!

I love reading Emma Gannon's Substack, her most recent Q&A post on writing is brilliant: https://thehyphen.substack.com/p/your-questions-on-writing-answered

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Sounds great - your post caught my eye because I love Emma's Substack too - I've just subscribed to yours, because you're right on my wavelength! :D

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Yay thank you so much! :D

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https://rychappell.substack.com/

Great substack about moral philosophy.

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Thanks for this! Checking it out!

My substack - Good Enough - is also philosophically inspired but with an educational bent. If philosophy is your jam you might check it out:

https://nataliedavey.substack.com/

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You had me at philosophy

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Wow awesome find. How'd you discover him?

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Nice. Compliments this one pretty well! https://polymathicbeing.substack.com/

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Oh, this is perfect. Thanks!

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I’m new to substack as well. I a recovering Christian fundamentalist working on a book about my experiences. Substack is a way for me to process ideas and have a regular writing schedule. Thanks for reading!

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Oh, I'm interested in your work. I can't promise I'll read all of the time (SO MANY NEWSLETTERS) but I'm excited to see where your work is going.

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Thank you so much!

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I began my substack as a way of healing after the death of my husband and to share the lessons I learned with others .

Shoutouts:

1. Tim Denning's Unfiltered, https://timdenning.substack.com/. He has a way of making me rethink my position on things.

2. Jan Stonebruner, https://janstoneburner.substack.com/. Her articles bring a smile, tears, and enjoyment each time I read them.

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Greetings, Janice.........if you've yet to meet her, I think you'll enjoy Ramona Grigg's "Writer Everlasting": https://writereverlasting.substack.com/

She's a fabulous writer who also shared a similar experience you mentioned. Take a cup of coffee to the back fence....I'm sure she'll be waiting!☕Have fun!😉

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I second this recommendation. I love her work.

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Most of my writings also revolve around the death of my husband and trying to live a "new normal" life. Blessed Be

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It's like I am reinventing myself - living in this new normal -doing things I had never done before, figuring out problems on my own, and moving forward. Take care.

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Hey everyone: I’m loving this community. For the first time I feel like I can write honestly and without fear of censorship or rejection. I’m currently publishing my ‘fictional memoir’ about living in East Harlem NYC during Covid. Please check it out!

“SINCERE AMERICAN WRITING”: https://michaelmohr.substack.com

*I also have a brand-new guest post with excellent Substack author Mary Tabor about my obsessive love of classic literature: https://marytabor.substack.com/p/on-literature

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I also wrote a guest post for Mary Tabor 🤗, and then continued the discussion on my newsletter, "moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies":

Part1: The Art of the Screenplay

https://marytabor.substack.com/p/the-art-of-the-screenplay

Part2: What Defines A Great Film?

https://moviewise.substack.com/p/what-defines-a-great-film

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Sweet!!

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I have a question about your "fictional memoir": Are you planning to publish it later?

I ask because I considered doing this with a fiction project in another year or so and I'm not sure if that is a good way to get feedback before publishing.

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At this point I’m just putting it on here. You never know though. This book has been revised a fair amount and about half a dozen trusted (published) writer friends read it and gave me good critical feedback which I implemented prior to posting on SS. I have a lot of traditionally published short fiction and nonfiction and I worked for a literary agent back in 2013 so I know the industry. Plus as a book editor I edited many books (fiction and memoir) which were published with major houses.

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Well, this English teacher realized, while teaching Antigone this year, that a story as rich as Antigone doesn't have many (or really any) solid modern adaptations. I have two other memoir projects I want to work on first, but I really this this is a good project I could eventually pursue.

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And a wonderful guest post it is too - I've just read it! :D

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Hello Substack! I am new and very much enjoying my time here. I have just started my newsletter, https://fromthekitchentable.substack.com. I joined because so many other writers I love were already here and I guess I sort of had FOMO?

Some of my faves --

Vittles - https://vittles.substack.com/

Brown History - https://brownhistory.substack.com/

Cafe Anne - https://annekadet.substack.com/

Dinner Document - https://dinnerdocument.substack.com/

My bookshop adventure - https://tomrowley.substack.com/

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Even if it wasn’t his birthday tomorrow I would be shouting out Myq Kaplan’s hilarious newsletter that’s full of jokes feeling zen love life and yes laugh

Myq is one of the kindest ppl on Substack and welcomed me with such kindness via his comments on my writing I owe him a lot and I promise I will pay him back once things really get moving for me (Myq this is re the 2k loan I need more time)

https://open.substack.com/pub/myqkaplan?r=bvz1&utm_medium=ios

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I would like to share The Warthog Report, which is for anyone who enjoys fantasy: https://warthogreport.substack.com/

I’m also looking for Substack that are philosophical, or that are crafted like journal entries. I like to learn new things and be shown different perspectives on life. I’m also very spiritual and would like to follow more Substacks like that if there are any (FYI i consider religion and spirituality 2 different things). If you have a Substack like this or know of any, let me know!

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Yes! I do this Kerry! Would love to connect! Jordanbridger.Substack.com

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Thank you for the shout out, very excited to finally come up in one of these threads (unless I did before and I missed it). Can't help you with your search unfortunately, don't know any that fit the description of what you're looking for.

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Grainne's Newsletter may give you the inspirational perspectives you are seeking.

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I'd like to shout out the Tower of Adam https://towerofadam.substack.com/. Tower of Adam is a newsletter I discovered over the summer and he writes excellent scriptural exegesis interesting for any Christians or Catholics out there who are interested in a deep dive into scripture. He presents everything in a very approachable format. He's doing a discussion on the Wedding of Cana now but he went through the book of Job earlier and that is one of my favorites. One of my favorite subscriptions recently!

Also, smaller shout out because everyone knows her already, SEReids "Wildroot Parables" https://sereid.substack.com/. She's been on a roll recently and her article today about "The Vespers Bell" is excellent. She's here every week to give a positive message but if you have read her positive vibes but haven't checked out her newsletter, you're missing out!

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Scoot, how kind! Thank you so much, friend! 🌿

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Brain Pizza! Love the name :) I'm a therapist and mental health writer so love learning more about neuroscience.

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Wonderful recommendations!

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Brand new! I moved to the States in May of this year and fell in love with hiking. I started “The Bougie Hiker” to share honest perspectives and offbeat advice on hiking as a solo female. (Think tips on choosing the best lipstick for the trail!)

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Welcome!

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Nice!!! Been hiking all my life. Welcome!

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Hey guys I'm writing Away Messages from the Healingvrse, the internet of the sick and healing, as I recover from chronic pain post Covid. So many people have been forced on sabbatical and here's what they go through! https://awaymessage.substack.com?r=iunw&utm_medium=ios

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Hi there Rebecca! Lovely to have you here. Are there any other writers you'd like to shoutout?

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Yes Freddie deBoer, writes a lot on various topics and gives an opportunity for other writers to submit their stuff to showcase to his audience https://freddiedeboer.substack.com/p/history-is-long-and-theres-nothing?r=iunw&utm_medium=ios

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Best to you in your healing process.

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Shoutout to Rob Henderson and his substack about evolutionary biology and human behavior. Always insightful.

https://robkhenderson.substack.com/

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I love evolutionary biology! I spent sometime trying to understand the human genome and the genes we share with other life on earth and wrote a summary of it here:

https://moviewise.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/evolution-darwins-dangerous-idea/#comments

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Oh yeah. His post on male competition and how it relates to their success attracting mates was completely fascinating. It made me so glad I am not a dude! https://robkhenderson.substack.com/p/the-male-monkey-dance

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This sounds really cool, Marissa, I'm going to check it out. Thanks!

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Thanks for the opportunity! I've actually started a new Substack to support a Spotify podcast I've been doing. It's called Music at the Movies, and it's for film score and soundtrack geeks like me.

https://musicatthemovies.substack.com

I just added a podcast feed to the publication to really round it out.

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Perhaps you will consider being a Guest Writer on "moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies"?

I've written a couple of articles on music in movies:

A Short History of Jazz in Movies: 1927 - 2016

https://moviewise.substack.com/p/a-short-history-of-jazz-in-movies

Reaching Nirvana: Classic Albums: Nirvana – Nevermind (2005) Documentary

https://moviewise.substack.com/p/reaching-nirvana

In case you are interested in being a Guest Writer, here is more information about it:

https://moviewise.substack.com/s/-guest-posts

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Thank you! I’ll definitely check it out.

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I love music and movies... and music *in* movies! Will check it out.

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I've really been enjoying the high-quality interviews on https://yetanothervalueblog.substack.com/

Exceptional business analysis on https://yhamiltonblog.substack.com/

Macroeconomics on https://www.fxmacro.info/

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HERE WE GOOOOOOO!

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Shoutout to Mary Tabor - https://marytabor.substack.com/

Just so much good energy here. Full of recommendations and inspiration for artists. The Substack is a really wonderful companion for anybody embarked on a creative path. Check it out!

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