I love these so much, Jeannine. Yesterday’s article offered such valuable practical information and expansive inspiration. Today’s spoke to my heart.
My aspiration for Substack includes making money (I mean, in my dream scenario, it’d be my full-time gig!). But also, as you so beautifully weave in here, I and many others show up on the platform for other reasons—whether or not we’re also trying to get paid for our work. For example, I think so many of us in the recovery community consider writing on Substack part of our healing and a support in staying sober—I know I do.
Thank you again for your wisdom and generosity. You are indeed such a caring, wise teacher!
Yes, I see that too--how Substack can be such a beautiful container for highly specific communities. It's really wonderful. Glad to be connected to you here, Dana.
There were so many moments when I paused and thought, "I want to share this, and celebrate it, and just savor it" and then 2 minutes later I'd say the same thing about another moment. So wonderfully written.
Just a quick note to say thank you for writing this and for sharing so generously of yourself. I normally don't read Susbtacks until later in the day (I try to reserve my mornings to write), but when I saw your post had been published, I had to switch up my routine. It was well worth it.
I stumbled onto your work on Notes this morning, and an hour and a half later, after reading and tagging so many extraordinary thoughts and prompts, I'm feeling grateful to have found you. Looking forward to reading more of your work. 💜
I’ve spent waaay too much time trying to compose what I thought would be a meaningful response to these past two posts - but I’ve ended up deleting it all, and instead will offer just a simple, heartfelt “thank you.” Hardly adequate, but that’s what I’m capable of right now. At this moment in my life, I really needed to hear what you’ve offered. I’ll be reading and rereading, then rereading again as I stumble my way forward.
I'm so glad I've found you in the past several weeks. Your generosity of spirit really comes through. I agree about making friends vs. building community and here's to more ease! I always kick myself a little about the typos, but FFS, it's just me over here lol. Thanks for validating that. :) And for mentioning me!
I loved what you said about this being an exciting time to write, and I resonated with your history of having some similar work in other spaces with no monetization. There are so many ways to look at it all! Also, typos!!!!!
Thank you for putting this out there, as vulnerable and the consuming as it was. Your post touched on the practicality of growing a Substack, and even becoming a better writer, but more than both of those things I think this post reminded us what it is to be a kind and generous human--full of gratitude, always encouraging others without expectation of reciprocation, and celebrating both big and small accomplishments. Thank you!!! And Happy 1 Year Birthday, Writing in the Dark! I’m grateful to be here. 👏🏼❤️🎉
Loved this second part even more than the first part, which I didn't think was possible, but these lessons are the key to it all. I agree with every single one. Alignment, desire, authenticity, generosity, ease, making friends, curiosity--yes, yes, and yes. It's about getting comfortable with experimentation and some inevitable failure and dusting yourself off and getting back to the thing you love, which for me has always been writing. I noted too that this post was full of gifts--quotes from writers and thinkers and mentions of other Substack writers I now feel drawn to read. In the beautiful, thoughtful writing of this newsletter, you demonstrated that most basic lesson of writing: you didn't just tell us how to do this Substack thing well, you showed us. Thank you, Jeannine.
Oh this is -- well, this feeds me. I am not immune to the uplift from kind words. Thank you, Amy! This means a lot. Glad you are here and excited to get to know your work.
Thank you for the beauty, wisdom and generosity in your anniversary posts, Jeannine. Thank you for reinforcing my faith in my own process, my reasons for writing here, and where I want to go with my substack—and for your gorgeous, inspiring writing. You are a shining light. Looking forward to following your work and writing with you!
A big heartfelt thank you for writing this. It's only been a few months sharing more personal writing and a different style than I'm used to. Reading both part one and part two of your reflections reminds me that my efforts indeed need to be celebrated. And embracing curiosity lessens the fear just ever so little.
Again-with thanks. There’s an incredible relief that comes from a reflection of commonality of-I don’t know what it is exactly-humanness? This is just so thoughtful
Wow. Thank you so much. That means a lot. Most of my posts here at WITD are super literary and hyerspecific to creative writers, and, also, comments are usually paywalled, so I don't get any monkey business around here. But yesterday's free post being a little bit viral and a little bit business-y brought out a couple of trolls, which makes me value this actual community even more. Thank you!
Jeannine, this is beautiful! Thank you for sharing so openly. Your way of showing up in the world resonates. Generosity is among my highest values, not just because the world needs it but mostly because I feel lighter and more at ease when I am moving toward the most generous version of myself. I love to read the way you talk about it.
And passion. To work at a piece of writing, turning it over again and again, getting closer each time to what I mean, to come at it this way and that until i uncover a surprise or a hidden knowing, and then to find just the combination of words to make it shine is an exquisite pleasure.
And friends! I’m newish to Substack, about 5 months in. And I have discovered writers whose minds and hearts and craft I’m falling in love with and who I now can’t imagine not keeping up with and cheering on as their lives and careers unfold.
What I mean to say is I’m grateful to have found your work and look forward to engaging in the community that engages here at WITD and your offerings. These 11 questions will help me hone answers to questions I’ve already been delving into as I discover how to make my own Substack as me as it can possibly, render its purpose clear, and imbibe it with what will enable people to engage with it (me / each other) joyfully. 💕
These articles are great. Would you be okay with me crossposting both of these to the 20,000 writers who subscribe to The Author Stack? They really like articles about growth and these are great.
I would love that, Russell. I am (at only a year) still learning about all that kind of thing, like cross posting, so I am excited about it. Thank you!
Yay! It will be a bit b/c we have a big backlog, but I scheduled it for next month. Thanks for writing it :) I'll also be putting them in my roundup on Saturday.
I love these so much, Jeannine. Yesterday’s article offered such valuable practical information and expansive inspiration. Today’s spoke to my heart.
My aspiration for Substack includes making money (I mean, in my dream scenario, it’d be my full-time gig!). But also, as you so beautifully weave in here, I and many others show up on the platform for other reasons—whether or not we’re also trying to get paid for our work. For example, I think so many of us in the recovery community consider writing on Substack part of our healing and a support in staying sober—I know I do.
Thank you again for your wisdom and generosity. You are indeed such a caring, wise teacher!
Yes, I see that too--how Substack can be such a beautiful container for highly specific communities. It's really wonderful. Glad to be connected to you here, Dana.
There were so many moments when I paused and thought, "I want to share this, and celebrate it, and just savor it" and then 2 minutes later I'd say the same thing about another moment. So wonderfully written.
Just a quick note to say thank you for writing this and for sharing so generously of yourself. I normally don't read Susbtacks until later in the day (I try to reserve my mornings to write), but when I saw your post had been published, I had to switch up my routine. It was well worth it.
Goodness, thank you, truly. That really means a lot. And even taking the time to come here and tell me. Grateful!
I stumbled onto your work on Notes this morning, and an hour and a half later, after reading and tagging so many extraordinary thoughts and prompts, I'm feeling grateful to have found you. Looking forward to reading more of your work. 💜
Thank you so much, Sue!! I am so happy you are here.
I’ve spent waaay too much time trying to compose what I thought would be a meaningful response to these past two posts - but I’ve ended up deleting it all, and instead will offer just a simple, heartfelt “thank you.” Hardly adequate, but that’s what I’m capable of right now. At this moment in my life, I really needed to hear what you’ve offered. I’ll be reading and rereading, then rereading again as I stumble my way forward.
Thank you so much, J! I appreciate this so much.
I adored this post. Thank you so much for your beautiful and generous writing. It’s a joy to subscribe. 💗
Oh my. Thank you, Ruth. Thank you so much.
I'm so glad I've found you in the past several weeks. Your generosity of spirit really comes through. I agree about making friends vs. building community and here's to more ease! I always kick myself a little about the typos, but FFS, it's just me over here lol. Thanks for validating that. :) And for mentioning me!
I loved what you said about this being an exciting time to write, and I resonated with your history of having some similar work in other spaces with no monetization. There are so many ways to look at it all! Also, typos!!!!!
TYPOZZZZ!
Thank you for putting this out there, as vulnerable and the consuming as it was. Your post touched on the practicality of growing a Substack, and even becoming a better writer, but more than both of those things I think this post reminded us what it is to be a kind and generous human--full of gratitude, always encouraging others without expectation of reciprocation, and celebrating both big and small accomplishments. Thank you!!! And Happy 1 Year Birthday, Writing in the Dark! I’m grateful to be here. 👏🏼❤️🎉
Ah, thank you thank you thank you, Chelsea!!
Loved this second part even more than the first part, which I didn't think was possible, but these lessons are the key to it all. I agree with every single one. Alignment, desire, authenticity, generosity, ease, making friends, curiosity--yes, yes, and yes. It's about getting comfortable with experimentation and some inevitable failure and dusting yourself off and getting back to the thing you love, which for me has always been writing. I noted too that this post was full of gifts--quotes from writers and thinkers and mentions of other Substack writers I now feel drawn to read. In the beautiful, thoughtful writing of this newsletter, you demonstrated that most basic lesson of writing: you didn't just tell us how to do this Substack thing well, you showed us. Thank you, Jeannine.
Oh this is -- well, this feeds me. I am not immune to the uplift from kind words. Thank you, Amy! This means a lot. Glad you are here and excited to get to know your work.
Thank you for the beauty, wisdom and generosity in your anniversary posts, Jeannine. Thank you for reinforcing my faith in my own process, my reasons for writing here, and where I want to go with my substack—and for your gorgeous, inspiring writing. You are a shining light. Looking forward to following your work and writing with you!
Thank you so much, Carey!!
I try to be number 6 everyday. ☺️
Me, too--me, too. Thank you for being here!
A big heartfelt thank you for writing this. It's only been a few months sharing more personal writing and a different style than I'm used to. Reading both part one and part two of your reflections reminds me that my efforts indeed need to be celebrated. And embracing curiosity lessens the fear just ever so little.
I am so glad, Sarah! Thank you!
Again-with thanks. There’s an incredible relief that comes from a reflection of commonality of-I don’t know what it is exactly-humanness? This is just so thoughtful
Thanks so much for this, and yes to the never ending query into the nature of humanness. Good to have company in that.
I can tell you’ve been doing this a long time. You are really a master at this craft. This was beautiful and touched my heart. Thank you. ❤️
Wow. Thank you so much for that, Sunbird. There never comes a time (for this writer) when words like yours don't lift me. Thank you!
Thank you for both of these posts. Their honesty and soul-fullness sing.
Wow. Thank you so much. That means a lot. Most of my posts here at WITD are super literary and hyerspecific to creative writers, and, also, comments are usually paywalled, so I don't get any monkey business around here. But yesterday's free post being a little bit viral and a little bit business-y brought out a couple of trolls, which makes me value this actual community even more. Thank you!
Jeannine, this is beautiful! Thank you for sharing so openly. Your way of showing up in the world resonates. Generosity is among my highest values, not just because the world needs it but mostly because I feel lighter and more at ease when I am moving toward the most generous version of myself. I love to read the way you talk about it.
And passion. To work at a piece of writing, turning it over again and again, getting closer each time to what I mean, to come at it this way and that until i uncover a surprise or a hidden knowing, and then to find just the combination of words to make it shine is an exquisite pleasure.
And friends! I’m newish to Substack, about 5 months in. And I have discovered writers whose minds and hearts and craft I’m falling in love with and who I now can’t imagine not keeping up with and cheering on as their lives and careers unfold.
What I mean to say is I’m grateful to have found your work and look forward to engaging in the community that engages here at WITD and your offerings. These 11 questions will help me hone answers to questions I’ve already been delving into as I discover how to make my own Substack as me as it can possibly, render its purpose clear, and imbibe it with what will enable people to engage with it (me / each other) joyfully. 💕
This is so lovely, Holly. Welcome to you, and thank you for so much for being here. I look forward to writing with you.
These articles are great. Would you be okay with me crossposting both of these to the 20,000 writers who subscribe to The Author Stack? They really like articles about growth and these are great.
I would love that, Russell. I am (at only a year) still learning about all that kind of thing, like cross posting, so I am excited about it. Thank you!
Yay! It will be a bit b/c we have a big backlog, but I scheduled it for next month. Thanks for writing it :) I'll also be putting them in my roundup on Saturday.
Yay, thank you! I really appreciate it! And I am excited to check out your work.