"Independent writers have an advantage. We have a strong point of view, an engaged audience, and our own voice. People want to hear from us."
This should be on a Post-It note stuck to the side of everyone's laptop.
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I also really appreciate Hawley mentioning the importance of having an entrepreneur mindset. That's something that doesn't get talked about enough. Not every one wants their newsletter to be a business, but everyone should at least be operating it as if it was one (good customer service, delivering quality work, etc.).
When I lived in England there was this short stretch of country road that was appropriately named, Blackwell's Hollow, mostly because that section was created when limestone was quarried for a manor house just down the road - which as it happens is where I worked. When entering the hollow, owing to trees creating a canopy blocking out the sun, you were greeted with almost complete darkness - which is how I often feel when writing my newsletter or other articles. Using all senses to figure out my way, not get lost and mostly not get hit by oncoming traffic. Your article helped ground the process a bit - find a niche or a passion is my takeaway. A focus that helps direct one's energy. Thank you for that!
Substack at its best has the thrilling independence of a south London punk ‘zine in the 1970’s. Only now you don’t need to photocopy it, and someone can read it in Karachi.
Very inspiring. Individual passion is what keeps us going. And success is always around the corner for those that do what they do for the sake of personal fulfilment.
It's not that I don't have confidence in myself. I have doubts that Substack as an audience values short stories. Which is fair, I might be in the totally wrong place, I don't mind the readers I currently have
I write on a very unpopular subject "Aging." I feel that younger people need to be prepared for the inevitable even though it's not pleasant. Thinking ahead is essential for managing old age. Any advice on how to get more readers?
I feel so incredibly fortunate that a growing group of people are interested in what I have to say. I'm sure bigger name publications have that feeling too, but I can't imagine it feels all that much better than the way I feel when I think about that.
One day, I may be paid well for my writing, and that will be nice.
But the reason I'm going to keep doing this is the group of folks who enjoy reading what I write. These are my thoughts I'm sharing! They're dear to me.
Incredibly well written and spoken.
“Everything you write is worse than it could be and better than you think." Superb advice.
This is great! Thanks for sharing your wisdom, @kristenhawley!
A great motivational piece for independent voices! I loved reading this.
Her confidence is infectious, even for someone like me who sometimes feels inferior reading accomplished voices like that. Queen shit.
Love this- especially the encouragement of an entrepreneurial spirit. Thank you!
"Independent writers have an advantage. We have a strong point of view, an engaged audience, and our own voice. People want to hear from us."
This should be on a Post-It note stuck to the side of everyone's laptop.
###
I also really appreciate Hawley mentioning the importance of having an entrepreneur mindset. That's something that doesn't get talked about enough. Not every one wants their newsletter to be a business, but everyone should at least be operating it as if it was one (good customer service, delivering quality work, etc.).
Thank you. I need this today. I've been stuck in an overthinking-induced writer's mini-crisis this week.
When I lived in England there was this short stretch of country road that was appropriately named, Blackwell's Hollow, mostly because that section was created when limestone was quarried for a manor house just down the road - which as it happens is where I worked. When entering the hollow, owing to trees creating a canopy blocking out the sun, you were greeted with almost complete darkness - which is how I often feel when writing my newsletter or other articles. Using all senses to figure out my way, not get lost and mostly not get hit by oncoming traffic. Your article helped ground the process a bit - find a niche or a passion is my takeaway. A focus that helps direct one's energy. Thank you for that!
Substack at its best has the thrilling independence of a south London punk ‘zine in the 1970’s. Only now you don’t need to photocopy it, and someone can read it in Karachi.
Very inspiring. Individual passion is what keeps us going. And success is always around the corner for those that do what they do for the sake of personal fulfilment.
Substack, hear my plea, please make a DM feature so subscribers can get in touch with writers!
It’s so inspiring to learn from others who are really “making it”!
It's not that I don't have confidence in myself. I have doubts that Substack as an audience values short stories. Which is fair, I might be in the totally wrong place, I don't mind the readers I currently have
I write on a very unpopular subject "Aging." I feel that younger people need to be prepared for the inevitable even though it's not pleasant. Thinking ahead is essential for managing old age. Any advice on how to get more readers?
I feel so incredibly fortunate that a growing group of people are interested in what I have to say. I'm sure bigger name publications have that feeling too, but I can't imagine it feels all that much better than the way I feel when I think about that.
One day, I may be paid well for my writing, and that will be nice.
But the reason I'm going to keep doing this is the group of folks who enjoy reading what I write. These are my thoughts I'm sharing! They're dear to me.
Thank you for this encouraging piece reminding me why I should persevere.