I spent hours and hours crafting an essay with a "narrative arc" because I did the workshop with Sarah Fey on memoir and it got zero traction lol. I began Substack with no email list at all, I now have 67 subscribers and it's taken me a little over a year to get that many! I don't see the fabulous organic growth that others rave about (and I'm on Notes all the time) but I write because I love writing and I'm proud of what I put out into the universe. I'm trying to become a better writer, that's my goal.
I just came across someone with one post that has more subscribers than me, and I had to work really hard not to have feelings about it.
She got restacked by a publication with 6k subscribers and her first post was really punchy.
I love how you have returned to your goal of writing to become a better writer. That is something we can control. As well as enjoy the process! Cheering you on!!
That is an excellent goal! You and me both. I also spend hours writing and re-writing until my eyeballs can’t focus anymore. I hit publish and wait for the likes and comments, but I get very few. I’m proud of my work and I’m just going to keep getting better because I put in the work, and so are you.
Thank you for your shoutout! Oh gosh, on the other hand, I can so relate to your struggle. Expectation vs Reality (this happens to me as well on Linkedin where I share the links to my Substack posts), and the feeling of "unwanted" because I haven't been noticed by many big names. Insecurity speaking there... I'm completely at peace now that you mention building our own community instead of waiting to get noticed.
Thank you so much for the recommendation! It was the sweetest gift! I’m so glad you feel at peace. That’s the only way creativity will flourish and how we won’t give up!
I used to get caught up in the comparison trap when looking at other creators here or on social media, but I figured out a way to steer clear of it (mostly). I am imperfect :-).
When I come across someone 2 or 100 steps ahead of me, I make the choice to LEARN from them instead of compare myself to them. Then I go about studying their work and strategy and if it resonates and seems practical and doable, I can take that knowledge and apply it to my strategy. Ever since I made that mindset shift a few years back, it has changed how I look at those successful creators. Game changing!
I actually have a 'list' of those I aspire to and often refer back to their platforms to keep learning.
Agreed, Melissa! Envy is a toxic thing that we have to work to avoid, some of us, anyway! But, as I tell my college aged kids, everyone has "something". Everyone. Learning form those we see as successful or ahead of us is the perfect way to process where we are in our own process. Great post!
I think all writers are at least a little envious of whoever they compare themselves to. I can't say I'm immune to that. But it's almost always about "strangers," i.e., writers I don't know. Once I become a fan of a writer, I am genuinely happy for their success. So, that is a happy offset to any envy.
I think I’ve been in my own lane for so long (being the only in-house graphic designer at my old job) that these feelings totally took me by surprise. I am glad that I am working through it now, because I don’t want to taint this journey here. Thank you for the lovely poem and words of advice David!
Thanks Mika. I hesitated to write because the feedback I gave was uninvited—which is a bit rude. But I really enjoyed your writing and thought my reaction/response might serve you. So I took the risk. Glad you heard it in the spirit in which it was offered.
There are some really insightful tips for newbie Substackers like myself in this post. Especially the expectation vs reality point is so true. Thanks for writing this post!
Thank you for your comment Anna. I am definitely not immune to wanting to be bigger and better…but I have I caught myself and made a conscious decision to be grateful all along the way, while I’m still honing my craft. Every time I get a new subscriber, I sign “thank you” (I learned that courtesy of the kid’s show “Blues Clues”). I am so grateful for each person that has decided to join me on my journey.
Mika this made me feel so relaxed just reading your words of encouragement on letting go and embracing feeling proud of writing what we love. Fully related to the feeling of being back in high school but hadn’t thought of it until you put it that way! Subscribing and excited to read more of your work. Happy (almost) New Year!
Welcome Jess! Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m glad you can relate (although sorry you’ve felt that way too), it makes me feel like I’m not the only one. Here‘s to putting that part of high school behind us! 💕
Perfect timing! I've had this Substack account for three years! I published some things before but stopped from lack of motivation. Now I'm starting it again and your post was perfect. I've subscribed and look forward to following your journey in 2024.
It’s easy to let life get in the way, but I’ve found that the calling to write never goes away. I’m glad that we are both leaning into it. I’m excited about your journey too! Thank you so much for commenting!
The calling to write has been there for so long. It took me hitting a low point to wake me up from sleeping walking through life the past three years. I look forward to writing and see where it leads!
Yes, don’t get stuck in the weeds. That’s how our pieces never get from ideas to draft to published. I completely changed the beginning of this piece AFTER I emailed it out!! And even then, caught some spelling mistakes. I would have been so embarrassed and would have dwelled on it in the past…but I’m giving myself permission to make mistakes and pivot. A huge step up away from my good old friend perfectionism!!
I feel the same way. It’s funny how for so many people, it’s the low points in life that wake us up and make us take a hard look at our lives. I’m in the same boat as you with writing. I just want to spend as much time honing my writing skills and seeing where it takes me!
Mika, after looking down for just over two years, writing as a personal saving grace. Lately, I have been so enjoying the freedom of meeting other Substackers and feel ready to grow. You are truly special. Loved this read. I have re-written my About, to be more honest as to why I started to write, because of you! and this was my first story: (thank you again)
Hi Mika, I love your honesty. It's so helpful to read about your thoughts and see your results here on Substack.
You mentioned about using notes and chats. I'm interested on your thoughts. I am using notes and love intereacting. I'm finding I'm building nice connections with other substack publishers. I'm not however using chat. I haven't yet worked out the difference. Any tips?
Having a weekly thing that people can have input on works well. Mine is substack accountably, and something that lights them up.
I’ve enjoyed participating in a weekly device-use accountability by Beth Spencer or headline help by Fay or a daily “what’s true for me today” by Kathryn Vercillo
Im guessing a lot of people have successful chats for their paid subscribers
Your writing is excellent. A pleasure to read. I’m sharing this with you in case it’s helpful. If I could have done it privately, I would have.
I liked what I read and thought “maybe I’ll subscribe.” So I read the description and learned that I don’t share your profession nor do I know what sort of topics your Substack will be about. Changing careers? How to live on little income? Abandoning corporate goals for spiritual growth? Relationship advice?
My sense of not knowing what I would be getting stopped me from hitting “subscribe.” It’s only one person’s experience so take it with a grain (or bag) of salt. But because I enjoyed the quality of your writing, I’ve taken the time to share.
Okay, now I’m going to go back and subscribe. I figure I’ll take my chances on topics. And if nothing else, I’m confident I’ll be reading quality writing and honest reflections. 😊
I’ve been reflecting on your comment all day. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and I can tell it has come from a really good place.
You could have easily just went on your way, but you took the time to give really constructive feedback.
I’m excited to take a look at the description again with a different lens.
Also, your comment about my writing is so generous. Thank you so much.
Love to read this honest reflection Dan. I think it’s honest reflections like these that can all allow us to grow and it encourages (and exposes) the questions we ought to ask ourselves as if we were the potential subscriber to our own publications 👏
Celebrating your start to this beautiful journey. By the way, love the name of your publication. Let me know if you have any questions about customising your publication. Xx
Thanks for your honesty Mika. I am yet to get started and yes, tbh I noticed I was feeling a bit of imposter syndrome, allowing old patterns of “not good enough” to get in my way. The reason I came on here was simply to put my writing somewhere other. Out there!
I appreciate that you use your voice to encourage others on here. 🖊️
I resonate so much with you on how easy it is to engage in deep-dive conversations here on Substack. You're so generous and honest with your sharing, and your exponential growth after this newsletter is testament of how well you've put your own advice into practice. Keep writing and shining, Mika!
Your analogy with High School is spot on. I notice myself feeling like I'm not in the 'in crowd' sometimes, and then have to remind myself, there is no 'in crowd' really 😂 What fragile creatures we are!
I spent hours and hours crafting an essay with a "narrative arc" because I did the workshop with Sarah Fey on memoir and it got zero traction lol. I began Substack with no email list at all, I now have 67 subscribers and it's taken me a little over a year to get that many! I don't see the fabulous organic growth that others rave about (and I'm on Notes all the time) but I write because I love writing and I'm proud of what I put out into the universe. I'm trying to become a better writer, that's my goal.
I just came across someone with one post that has more subscribers than me, and I had to work really hard not to have feelings about it.
She got restacked by a publication with 6k subscribers and her first post was really punchy.
I love how you have returned to your goal of writing to become a better writer. That is something we can control. As well as enjoy the process! Cheering you on!!
That is an excellent goal! You and me both. I also spend hours writing and re-writing until my eyeballs can’t focus anymore. I hit publish and wait for the likes and comments, but I get very few. I’m proud of my work and I’m just going to keep getting better because I put in the work, and so are you.
This is my goal as well. I am going to have to remind myself of this every week ✨
Thank you for your shoutout! Oh gosh, on the other hand, I can so relate to your struggle. Expectation vs Reality (this happens to me as well on Linkedin where I share the links to my Substack posts), and the feeling of "unwanted" because I haven't been noticed by many big names. Insecurity speaking there... I'm completely at peace now that you mention building our own community instead of waiting to get noticed.
Enjoy the rest of 2023, Mika!
Thank you so much for the recommendation! It was the sweetest gift! I’m so glad you feel at peace. That’s the only way creativity will flourish and how we won’t give up!
I used to get caught up in the comparison trap when looking at other creators here or on social media, but I figured out a way to steer clear of it (mostly). I am imperfect :-).
When I come across someone 2 or 100 steps ahead of me, I make the choice to LEARN from them instead of compare myself to them. Then I go about studying their work and strategy and if it resonates and seems practical and doable, I can take that knowledge and apply it to my strategy. Ever since I made that mindset shift a few years back, it has changed how I look at those successful creators. Game changing!
I actually have a 'list' of those I aspire to and often refer back to their platforms to keep learning.
That is a really healthy approach Melissa! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Agreed, Melissa! Envy is a toxic thing that we have to work to avoid, some of us, anyway! But, as I tell my college aged kids, everyone has "something". Everyone. Learning form those we see as successful or ahead of us is the perfect way to process where we are in our own process. Great post!
You said it perfectly and if you can get to this learning rather than envy mindset - comparison flutters away.
Hi Mika,
I think all writers are at least a little envious of whoever they compare themselves to. I can't say I'm immune to that. But it's almost always about "strangers," i.e., writers I don't know. Once I become a fan of a writer, I am genuinely happy for their success. So, that is a happy offset to any envy.
Here is a wonderful poem about writer's envy.
https://web.cs.dal.ca/~johnston/poetry/bookofmyenemy.html
I think I’ve been in my own lane for so long (being the only in-house graphic designer at my old job) that these feelings totally took me by surprise. I am glad that I am working through it now, because I don’t want to taint this journey here. Thank you for the lovely poem and words of advice David!
Thanks Mika. I hesitated to write because the feedback I gave was uninvited—which is a bit rude. But I really enjoyed your writing and thought my reaction/response might serve you. So I took the risk. Glad you heard it in the spirit in which it was offered.
I would love to improve my writing and this publication, so any feedback is always welcome!
There are some really insightful tips for newbie Substackers like myself in this post. Especially the expectation vs reality point is so true. Thanks for writing this post!
You’re so welcome! I’m so glad you found something that was helpful. Thank you for your lovely comment Krishna. Xx
Celebrate success at every stage, such a great mantra and something that is easy to forget when you’re at the start. Nice work 👏🏼
Thank you for your comment Anna. I am definitely not immune to wanting to be bigger and better…but I have I caught myself and made a conscious decision to be grateful all along the way, while I’m still honing my craft. Every time I get a new subscriber, I sign “thank you” (I learned that courtesy of the kid’s show “Blues Clues”). I am so grateful for each person that has decided to join me on my journey.
Mika this made me feel so relaxed just reading your words of encouragement on letting go and embracing feeling proud of writing what we love. Fully related to the feeling of being back in high school but hadn’t thought of it until you put it that way! Subscribing and excited to read more of your work. Happy (almost) New Year!
Welcome Jess! Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m glad you can relate (although sorry you’ve felt that way too), it makes me feel like I’m not the only one. Here‘s to putting that part of high school behind us! 💕
Perfect timing! I've had this Substack account for three years! I published some things before but stopped from lack of motivation. Now I'm starting it again and your post was perfect. I've subscribed and look forward to following your journey in 2024.
It’s easy to let life get in the way, but I’ve found that the calling to write never goes away. I’m glad that we are both leaning into it. I’m excited about your journey too! Thank you so much for commenting!
The calling to write has been there for so long. It took me hitting a low point to wake me up from sleeping walking through life the past three years. I look forward to writing and see where it leads!
I love the description to your newsletter!!
Thanks!! I just finished rewording it. Still will probably change it over time but it’s a good start. Don’t want to get stuck in the weeds.
Yes, don’t get stuck in the weeds. That’s how our pieces never get from ideas to draft to published. I completely changed the beginning of this piece AFTER I emailed it out!! And even then, caught some spelling mistakes. I would have been so embarrassed and would have dwelled on it in the past…but I’m giving myself permission to make mistakes and pivot. A huge step up away from my good old friend perfectionism!!
I feel the same way. It’s funny how for so many people, it’s the low points in life that wake us up and make us take a hard look at our lives. I’m in the same boat as you with writing. I just want to spend as much time honing my writing skills and seeing where it takes me!
Mika, after looking down for just over two years, writing as a personal saving grace. Lately, I have been so enjoying the freedom of meeting other Substackers and feel ready to grow. You are truly special. Loved this read. I have re-written my About, to be more honest as to why I started to write, because of you! and this was my first story: (thank you again)
https://open.substack.com/pub/deborahthewitt/p/of-mines-media-and-moguls?r=kn8dx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you for your lovely comment! I am so privileged to have been part of your journey! Wow!
You really have encouraged me! Thank you again and I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts :)
Hi Mika, I love your honesty. It's so helpful to read about your thoughts and see your results here on Substack.
You mentioned about using notes and chats. I'm interested on your thoughts. I am using notes and love intereacting. I'm finding I'm building nice connections with other substack publishers. I'm not however using chat. I haven't yet worked out the difference. Any tips?
Having a weekly thing that people can have input on works well. Mine is substack accountably, and something that lights them up.
I’ve enjoyed participating in a weekly device-use accountability by Beth Spencer or headline help by Fay or a daily “what’s true for me today” by Kathryn Vercillo
Im guessing a lot of people have successful chats for their paid subscribers
Your writing is excellent. A pleasure to read. I’m sharing this with you in case it’s helpful. If I could have done it privately, I would have.
I liked what I read and thought “maybe I’ll subscribe.” So I read the description and learned that I don’t share your profession nor do I know what sort of topics your Substack will be about. Changing careers? How to live on little income? Abandoning corporate goals for spiritual growth? Relationship advice?
My sense of not knowing what I would be getting stopped me from hitting “subscribe.” It’s only one person’s experience so take it with a grain (or bag) of salt. But because I enjoyed the quality of your writing, I’ve taken the time to share.
Okay, now I’m going to go back and subscribe. I figure I’ll take my chances on topics. And if nothing else, I’m confident I’ll be reading quality writing and honest reflections. 😊
I’ve been reflecting on your comment all day. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and I can tell it has come from a really good place.
You could have easily just went on your way, but you took the time to give really constructive feedback.
I’m excited to take a look at the description again with a different lens.
Also, your comment about my writing is so generous. Thank you so much.
Love to read this honest reflection Dan. I think it’s honest reflections like these that can all allow us to grow and it encourages (and exposes) the questions we ought to ask ourselves as if we were the potential subscriber to our own publications 👏
Nurturing + much appreciated advice for this fellow beginner, writing after not doing so for many years. Thank you. Also, your Substack is beautiful!
Celebrating your start to this beautiful journey. By the way, love the name of your publication. Let me know if you have any questions about customising your publication. Xx
Thank you, Mika ❤️
Thanks for your honesty Mika. I am yet to get started and yes, tbh I noticed I was feeling a bit of imposter syndrome, allowing old patterns of “not good enough” to get in my way. The reason I came on here was simply to put my writing somewhere other. Out there!
I appreciate that you use your voice to encourage others on here. 🖊️
Yes to putting your writing out there! Let’s not fall victim to the imposter syndrome! Cheering you on! We can do this! Xx
I resonate so much with you on how easy it is to engage in deep-dive conversations here on Substack. You're so generous and honest with your sharing, and your exponential growth after this newsletter is testament of how well you've put your own advice into practice. Keep writing and shining, Mika!
Thank you so much for your kind words Louisa! It means so much z 🙏🏻✨
Your analogy with High School is spot on. I notice myself feeling like I'm not in the 'in crowd' sometimes, and then have to remind myself, there is no 'in crowd' really 😂 What fragile creatures we are!
I was a bit taken back that I could revert to teen angst when I thought I was a “well-adjusted” woman. 😆
Haha same here 😂