Good thoughts here...I've been on Substack less than three months and coming up on 600 subscribers. I came here to hone my writing skills for something else beyond advertising copywriting. No short stories or fiction...just short observations about life, experiences, and to share some of my photography. Like you I have met some very cool people...and I love the conversations we have. Keep doing great work! ✌️
My question would probably be, do you see high number of engagement because of number of subscribers? Just asking because, sometimes a sub/follow number can be little deceiving from your actual fans.
Oh my goodness!! 600 in under 3 months is blowing my mind 😂 that is incredible and sounds like you're having fun. I've been here the same amount of time and am at 66, which is huge for me 😂 I'm going to check out your writing now.
(Also, I see you're from Missouri?? I'm in St. Louis :))
Hi Miriam! I was born in Hannibal and still have my family farm in NE Missouri-Shelby County I'm enjoying the East cost for while and then who knows! Thanks! Nice meeting you!
I started my Substack a month ago just to create somewhere to breath. I have really appreciated that while everyone may have their own personal reasons for writing/being here, it’s pretty well understood that you have a reason, which is often financial, and that’s more than okay to openly talk about.
I have 7 subscribers, which is pretty cool for being my first month and completely doing this on a whim. I’m using Substack as a kind of “practice” right now, to try and see what I like writing and what I don’t. Learn how to be comfortable opening up and wording words.
While I’m not directly here for the growth, it’s really nice to have that feedback. The tip about responding to other’s posts is helpful. It’s one of those things I kind of know (this isn’t the first place I’ve written stuff), but I tend to do it for a bit and then trail off. Having the reinforcement that it actually is helpful is good for me to see.
"As a side note, be aware that writing fiction on Substack is harder than nonfiction." Ain't that the truth. I might switch to a mix after a year of purely fiction. Try new things. Congratulations on the checkmark and take it easy, no pressure!
The fiction/NF divide is something I struggle with here on Substack. Having worked primarily behind the curtain in fiction, my stack is a test run, we will see if my workaround works. A slow experiment in progress which like all good things takes time.
I raced for thirty years, successfully; beyond my teenage dreams, so if wishes were horses then I would want every creative to slow down a bit. Smell those roses. We can’t keep up with this hectic pace anymore as a culture, and I do not want to.
it's better not to see it as a race or comparison, at least I think there is little use in comparing or racing to numbers, yet of course, we all are looking for an audience. that f/nf divide, how do you mean you struggle with it? and is it a divide?
Well, Substack is probably 90% non-fiction and 10% fiction or maybe even less, which is why it has been said many times that Substack is best for non-fiction, even when you go into the fiction category there's a lot of non-fiction...
I really liked the slant on this- Finding one’s voice, developing it, has much more feeling of authenticity than marketing ploys and over-focus on affirmations from others …for me, anyway…thank you for sharing this, Remy.
I haven’t even got to 100 subscribers, but I’m still excited by, and grateful for, the thought that there are one or two people out there in the wilderness who might read what I write and even comment on it in a civilised manner. Because in the end I’m writing for myself, as that’s the best way of working out what the hell I think of what’s happening. And also, on those rare and marvellous occasions when I manage to get the right words in the right order to advance the story I’m working on, I don’t mind if nobody else is as enraptured as I am. Well, of course I care, but if you convince yourself you’ve written something worthwhile, you have to believe the rest of the world will appreciate it in the end.
Everything you say here resonates. Voice is absolutely key. I was delighted when a writer I admire, called my comment on her piece such a Holly way of saying something. And yes, the thrill of someone commenting on how something I’ve written has delighted them or made them feel seen or brought any amount of pleasure to their day is invaluable, a treasure I’m deeply grateful to have found. Glad you’re among those I’ve found to read.
"This allows me to compensate the long loops I get in my professional work, with almost instantaneous connection."
I started my Substack 4 months ago and this is almost exactly what I tell my friends and family who ask how it's going. I write a lot of fiction, which I love, and yet most of it never sees the light of day, and I rarely get to discuss it with other people. I've had so many fantastic conversations because of people responding to my blog posts. I only have 60 odd subscribers but I am grateful for the great connections that I've made from it.
Yes it's changed a lot for me as well. When I'm done with a script I even post it to substack to the paid subscribers so that it gets read quicker and by non gatekeeper folks.
To be honest I find it hard to find my "voice". Both in art and writing. But I also starting to realize why that is. Its just who I am. Somethings will turn out good, other half mäh. Maybe that is the charm in the end 😉
And I have been on Substack for over a year, very slow growth. But I guess we just figure it out why that is. 😊
Completely organic growth from scratch is very difficult on Substack for certains reasons. I wrote an article about this. My 500 subscribers article, sometimes you need to nudge yourself in the right direction before letting go.
« Don’t be afraid to be passionate or cynical, or be a miserable wretch if that’s who you are, because there are probably folks out there who will find that refreshing. Don’t over-analyse the marketing side of things and just power through with the idea of voice. »
That’s exactly what I’m here for !
Webmarketing is my pro world and here I want to build a community out of it.
And I’m doing it in English though I’m French like you. I also chose a pen name so I can feel totally free. So thank you again for your insight, experience and honest point of view 🙏
It is true. The fiction community here is the best I have come across various platforms. Maybe it's because of the internal network system but it works. The community is kind, encouraging and creative with ways to work together and lift each other up.
Good thoughts here...I've been on Substack less than three months and coming up on 600 subscribers. I came here to hone my writing skills for something else beyond advertising copywriting. No short stories or fiction...just short observations about life, experiences, and to share some of my photography. Like you I have met some very cool people...and I love the conversations we have. Keep doing great work! ✌️
Thanks Susan :)
Woow! that is some incredible growth!
My question would probably be, do you see high number of engagement because of number of subscribers? Just asking because, sometimes a sub/follow number can be little deceiving from your actual fans.
I’m new here but I seem to get a lot of engagement- and I spend a fair bit of time in conversation with people. 🤷♀️
Oh my goodness!! 600 in under 3 months is blowing my mind 😂 that is incredible and sounds like you're having fun. I've been here the same amount of time and am at 66, which is huge for me 😂 I'm going to check out your writing now.
(Also, I see you're from Missouri?? I'm in St. Louis :))
Hi Miriam! I was born in Hannibal and still have my family farm in NE Missouri-Shelby County I'm enjoying the East cost for while and then who knows! Thanks! Nice meeting you!
I started my Substack a month ago just to create somewhere to breath. I have really appreciated that while everyone may have their own personal reasons for writing/being here, it’s pretty well understood that you have a reason, which is often financial, and that’s more than okay to openly talk about.
I have 7 subscribers, which is pretty cool for being my first month and completely doing this on a whim. I’m using Substack as a kind of “practice” right now, to try and see what I like writing and what I don’t. Learn how to be comfortable opening up and wording words.
While I’m not directly here for the growth, it’s really nice to have that feedback. The tip about responding to other’s posts is helpful. It’s one of those things I kind of know (this isn’t the first place I’ve written stuff), but I tend to do it for a bit and then trail off. Having the reinforcement that it actually is helpful is good for me to see.
That's good to hear Liberty. Good luck on the experiment!
"As a side note, be aware that writing fiction on Substack is harder than nonfiction." Ain't that the truth. I might switch to a mix after a year of purely fiction. Try new things. Congratulations on the checkmark and take it easy, no pressure!
Thanks Alexander!
I do a mix! I’m having fun with it 🥰
Having fun is the most important part! And how is it working out so far?
The fiction/NF divide is something I struggle with here on Substack. Having worked primarily behind the curtain in fiction, my stack is a test run, we will see if my workaround works. A slow experiment in progress which like all good things takes time.
I raced for thirty years, successfully; beyond my teenage dreams, so if wishes were horses then I would want every creative to slow down a bit. Smell those roses. We can’t keep up with this hectic pace anymore as a culture, and I do not want to.
it's better not to see it as a race or comparison, at least I think there is little use in comparing or racing to numbers, yet of course, we all are looking for an audience. that f/nf divide, how do you mean you struggle with it? and is it a divide?
It is a divide for me. Or better said the dividing line is very wavy, and I’m starting to suspect not linear at all.
Well, Substack is probably 90% non-fiction and 10% fiction or maybe even less, which is why it has been said many times that Substack is best for non-fiction, even when you go into the fiction category there's a lot of non-fiction...
Indeed! It’s given me variety when I’m writing, and I think the same for my readers.
Diversify! Yes, gives the reader more choice, too. Non-fiction essays, hmmm I shall ponder on what...
I really liked the slant on this- Finding one’s voice, developing it, has much more feeling of authenticity than marketing ploys and over-focus on affirmations from others …for me, anyway…thank you for sharing this, Remy.
The reader-cook analogy is solid
I can confirm, I came here a month ago to do fiction and, if the community is the best one on substack, it drives way less readers than articles.
Also thanks for restacking one of my articles during my first week here, got my first ten subscribers like that 🥲
No problems, if I restacked it its because I loved it. But I'm glad it got you a little something :)
I haven’t even got to 100 subscribers, but I’m still excited by, and grateful for, the thought that there are one or two people out there in the wilderness who might read what I write and even comment on it in a civilised manner. Because in the end I’m writing for myself, as that’s the best way of working out what the hell I think of what’s happening. And also, on those rare and marvellous occasions when I manage to get the right words in the right order to advance the story I’m working on, I don’t mind if nobody else is as enraptured as I am. Well, of course I care, but if you convince yourself you’ve written something worthwhile, you have to believe the rest of the world will appreciate it in the end.
I couldn't agree more Peter. Sometimes it only takes on person to connect.
Hmmm, I have been thinking about renaming. And I just read a post from a Substack that did just that. Hmmm. Interesting, very interesting.
Me too — but I have a list of about 40 ideas and am too overwhelmed by all the directions to pick one 😂
Well, if you want to share your ideas with me, you can :)
EMBARRASSED TO ADMIT I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT A CHECKMARK MEANS OR HOW YOU GET IT 😬
It just reflects your num of paid subscriber. It's like a status thing I suppose.
Everything you say here resonates. Voice is absolutely key. I was delighted when a writer I admire, called my comment on her piece such a Holly way of saying something. And yes, the thrill of someone commenting on how something I’ve written has delighted them or made them feel seen or brought any amount of pleasure to their day is invaluable, a treasure I’m deeply grateful to have found. Glad you’re among those I’ve found to read.
Thanks so much Holly!
"This allows me to compensate the long loops I get in my professional work, with almost instantaneous connection."
I started my Substack 4 months ago and this is almost exactly what I tell my friends and family who ask how it's going. I write a lot of fiction, which I love, and yet most of it never sees the light of day, and I rarely get to discuss it with other people. I've had so many fantastic conversations because of people responding to my blog posts. I only have 60 odd subscribers but I am grateful for the great connections that I've made from it.
Yes it's changed a lot for me as well. When I'm done with a script I even post it to substack to the paid subscribers so that it gets read quicker and by non gatekeeper folks.
Finally they can see how damn talented we are!!
To be honest I find it hard to find my "voice". Both in art and writing. But I also starting to realize why that is. Its just who I am. Somethings will turn out good, other half mäh. Maybe that is the charm in the end 😉
And I have been on Substack for over a year, very slow growth. But I guess we just figure it out why that is. 😊
Completely organic growth from scratch is very difficult on Substack for certains reasons. I wrote an article about this. My 500 subscribers article, sometimes you need to nudge yourself in the right direction before letting go.
Thank you !
« Don’t be afraid to be passionate or cynical, or be a miserable wretch if that’s who you are, because there are probably folks out there who will find that refreshing. Don’t over-analyse the marketing side of things and just power through with the idea of voice. »
That’s exactly what I’m here for !
Webmarketing is my pro world and here I want to build a community out of it.
And I’m doing it in English though I’m French like you. I also chose a pen name so I can feel totally free. So thank you again for your insight, experience and honest point of view 🙏
Understandable about the pen name, although I think it's harder to grow under a pseudonym somehow. It's still possible though :)
Congratulations on the checkmark, Remy.
Love the interview we did a while back. Possibly something to look back on when I need some advice.
Thanks Celeste, was a pleasure!
I'm crossing 18 months which feels kinda of wild. Both ahead of and behind where I thought I'd be haha
It is true. The fiction community here is the best I have come across various platforms. Maybe it's because of the internal network system but it works. The community is kind, encouraging and creative with ways to work together and lift each other up.