Part One of Two: Where I Started, What I've Done, What Did & Didn't Work ( & tomorrow, Part Two on the more philosophical "Eleven Urgent & Possibly Helpful Things I've Learned Along the Way")
Jeannine, this is so incredibly generous and helpful, especially for anyone (like me) on the verge of launching their substack, and especially from this angle: “Instead, it explores the role of passion and alignment in this journey of building a creative life doing what I am best at.” Thank you!!!!! ♥️🙏🏼
Even though I am on what I am calling my “winter break” from writing and reading posts so I can focus on Christmas and family, I took some time today to go to Substack writing class by reading this excellent post! Thank you, Jeannine for every single well thought out word of this. When I think back on this year of being a writer and reader on Substack, I realize any growth I have achieved on the platform or in my own writing, I owe to you. Thank you your writing, your instruction, your attention to detail, and the way you honestly respond to comments that I and others in your community write. I will come back to this for instruction, and for inspiration. You truly are the master teacher not only in the way you teach but in the way your teacher’s heart comes through in everything you do. Thank you again.
I love your newsletter and your vision. The fact that you participate in the comments with your native warmth was key to me feeling a part of the community when I had time to participate more. Thank you for what you taught me with your feedback! Congratulations on your success. I see your hard work! You're a fantastic writer too and that was why I came looking here for more In the beginning. I read an essay you shared for free and I was moved to tears by what you had written. And inspired. I look forward to summer when I can use your exercises to improve my novel!
Read every word of this post -- didn't understand it all because I'm not super Substack-y (I'm here because of WITD) but I'll say this -- your work ethic and warmth are ABSOLUTELY two things that shine through in what you offer the world. Also: you somehow manage to be non-judgmental and encouraging without "blowing smoke" as my young nephew would say ;) (How I translate that: you tell writers the truth and model high standards without being hurtful -- which doesn't always happen in MFA-quality literary instruction in my experience.) Grateful to you and looking forward to Part II :)
Oh my gosh thank you so much. It is urgently important to my belief system as a teacher to be honest— and also to be kind. These are not mutually exclusive. I never “blow smoke” because I want my students (and others!) to trust me. My kids will attest: plenty of encouragement and genuine enthusiasm but no “false praise.” Thank you for seeing that. I’m always trying to grow too, and that’s how I want to be supported: truthfully. And I agree with you about that the harm that can occur in MFA-style workshops.
Oh, I hope so too! The planned dates are now Aug 18-24--not all seven nights, but somewhere in there. We are working that out with the camp after Christmas!
Congratulations Jeannine! It is your natural gift for building community for which I am particularly grateful. WITD has become family. I always feel held in trust, respect & kindness. Because those are the qualities you bring.💗
What a phenomenal post Jeannine! Your passion and energy to share your gifts shines, not only in this post, but in all you offer! It’s no surprise to me that your subscribers have grown exponentially. As a founding member and SCHOOL student, I can attest to the value you offer. I have spent thousands on coaches and retreats to only learn a thimble-full of what I have learned from your instruction and from participating in comments with WITD subscribers. Congratulations on year two! Looking forward to more writing, more learning, more growth in 2025!!
I appreciate you mentioning, numerous times, how hard you work. This is so important because, as with so many success stories, it seems easy - the in-depth curriculum, the connected community, the amazing intensives. Easy peasy. Not! It's great to get this gentle kick in the pants because my current sense of stuckness is, in part, a result of less effort recently.
The other great thing about this is you offer a sense of hope that, in spite of the changing Substack landscape, a person can show up with a clear vision, an excellent work ethic and a warm heart and feel good about what they are doing here. We are not simply spinning our wheels.
The changing Substack landscape -- truer words never spoken. It feels unsettling to me more often than not, too, but I just keep my eyes on what I am doing, which is the part I can control. Thanks for being here, Donna!
It will be open to all, yes, but we will open registration for CAMP and also for SCHOOL to current SCHOOL participants early, with a finite time window for that early registration, then open to general WITD! Keep your eye out for those announcements. SCHOOL Is all online so can accommodate more writers, but CAMP is in person and space will be limited.
Jeannine, this is so incredibly generous and helpful, especially for anyone (like me) on the verge of launching their substack, and especially from this angle: “Instead, it explores the role of passion and alignment in this journey of building a creative life doing what I am best at.” Thank you!!!!! ♥️🙏🏼
Even though I am on what I am calling my “winter break” from writing and reading posts so I can focus on Christmas and family, I took some time today to go to Substack writing class by reading this excellent post! Thank you, Jeannine for every single well thought out word of this. When I think back on this year of being a writer and reader on Substack, I realize any growth I have achieved on the platform or in my own writing, I owe to you. Thank you your writing, your instruction, your attention to detail, and the way you honestly respond to comments that I and others in your community write. I will come back to this for instruction, and for inspiration. You truly are the master teacher not only in the way you teach but in the way your teacher’s heart comes through in everything you do. Thank you again.
I love your newsletter and your vision. The fact that you participate in the comments with your native warmth was key to me feeling a part of the community when I had time to participate more. Thank you for what you taught me with your feedback! Congratulations on your success. I see your hard work! You're a fantastic writer too and that was why I came looking here for more In the beginning. I read an essay you shared for free and I was moved to tears by what you had written. And inspired. I look forward to summer when I can use your exercises to improve my novel!
Read every word of this post -- didn't understand it all because I'm not super Substack-y (I'm here because of WITD) but I'll say this -- your work ethic and warmth are ABSOLUTELY two things that shine through in what you offer the world. Also: you somehow manage to be non-judgmental and encouraging without "blowing smoke" as my young nephew would say ;) (How I translate that: you tell writers the truth and model high standards without being hurtful -- which doesn't always happen in MFA-quality literary instruction in my experience.) Grateful to you and looking forward to Part II :)
Oh my gosh thank you so much. It is urgently important to my belief system as a teacher to be honest— and also to be kind. These are not mutually exclusive. I never “blow smoke” because I want my students (and others!) to trust me. My kids will attest: plenty of encouragement and genuine enthusiasm but no “false praise.” Thank you for seeing that. I’m always trying to grow too, and that’s how I want to be supported: truthfully. And I agree with you about that the harm that can occur in MFA-style workshops.
I’m honoured to be in your community Jeannine, learning from you and growing with you! ♥️
Same, Imola. Honored every day. Thank you!
Super psyched for camp! Hoping it coincides with my planned visit to the US in August (as I am moving to Barcelona in Feb).
Oh, I hope so too! The planned dates are now Aug 18-24--not all seven nights, but somewhere in there. We are working that out with the camp after Christmas!
Congratulations Jeannine! It is your natural gift for building community for which I am particularly grateful. WITD has become family. I always feel held in trust, respect & kindness. Because those are the qualities you bring.💗
Same for us, Amy—family. Thank you!
What a phenomenal post Jeannine! Your passion and energy to share your gifts shines, not only in this post, but in all you offer! It’s no surprise to me that your subscribers have grown exponentially. As a founding member and SCHOOL student, I can attest to the value you offer. I have spent thousands on coaches and retreats to only learn a thimble-full of what I have learned from your instruction and from participating in comments with WITD subscribers. Congratulations on year two! Looking forward to more writing, more learning, more growth in 2025!!
Wow, thank you. This is so uplifting, Lisa. Thank you for everything this year! It's been so wonderful writing with all of you!
I appreciate you mentioning, numerous times, how hard you work. This is so important because, as with so many success stories, it seems easy - the in-depth curriculum, the connected community, the amazing intensives. Easy peasy. Not! It's great to get this gentle kick in the pants because my current sense of stuckness is, in part, a result of less effort recently.
The other great thing about this is you offer a sense of hope that, in spite of the changing Substack landscape, a person can show up with a clear vision, an excellent work ethic and a warm heart and feel good about what they are doing here. We are not simply spinning our wheels.
The changing Substack landscape -- truer words never spoken. It feels unsettling to me more often than not, too, but I just keep my eyes on what I am doing, which is the part I can control. Thanks for being here, Donna!
Thanks for sharing this! I'm trying to grow my memoir teaching class so you are an inspiration!!
Yes!! Wonderful to hear that. Above all, teach with all your heart. The rest, I have found, will take care of itself, over time.
P.S. will anyone be able to join your writing camp?? I'm a monthly member, not in the school.
It will be open to all, yes, but we will open registration for CAMP and also for SCHOOL to current SCHOOL participants early, with a finite time window for that early registration, then open to general WITD! Keep your eye out for those announcements. SCHOOL Is all online so can accommodate more writers, but CAMP is in person and space will be limited.
Boy, are we all glad you stuck with this! 😂🥰🤩🙏
Thank you so much, Alecia. Me too!
❤️❤️❤️
You too, friend xoxoxo
You rock, Jeannine.
Thanks so much, Paul. I’m a big fan of your voice.