Yes, Substack Writers at Work will now have a Friday thread! This is our collective office hours. I’ll dip in and moderate, but this is your chance to help each other, meet, answer questions, and give advice. Let’s do this!
(Substack’s Thursday Office Hours are great but they’re unwieldy; now, we have our own.)
Please tell us (briefly) about your Substack. I think it’s hilarious that people consider this “self-promotion.” You’re letting us know. Just do it in a sentence or two.
And spread the word about the Substack Writers at Work Friday Thread Office Hours on Notes inviting others. Substack can be a mystifying place when you just arrive. You can do that by restacking or sharing.
So fun! My substack is the Quingdom, where I write about my path of learning to live as a Quing ... a female King, in the 21st century. I'm just getting started, and grateful to have found y'all. It could all shift after my 1:1 with Sarah - I never go it alone, when I can get help from someone who has been there done that, so if you want to see the rise from the beginning, and what changes, check out the messy beginning here:
Wow, Ali, amazing story! Academic life (at least in my field) is so sealed off from the world of money-making that to me, what you've done reads like the adventures of someone with superpowers!
I love that Elizabeth! Thank you for the reflection. Sometimes I feel as if I have superpowers, honestly. But, they are also superpowers available to all who want to have them, and I have a sense in the coming years it will become more and more important. Thank you for reading!
We all need a little less confusion and anxiety in our lives, with all the uncertainty we read about. I write fun stories about economics and life to help my readers feel less daunted by economic events. Please join me. The site is always free: https://nikkifinlay.substack.com/
Hi all! I'm Hannah, and I write for the Substack, By Hannah, a space for quiet creatives to unravel and explore their creativity. I share a lot about the process of writing as a quiet creative - a quiet creative being a sensitive, introverted person with a wealth of creative expression within them - and how we can find the courage to share our work with the world. I've been consistently posting for over a month now, yay! I'm hoping to learn and grow here on Substack alongside you all. You can read more of my work here: https://hannahhooper.substack.com
Hello, everyone! I’m Tim, a recovered food addict and ex-binge eater. I found help and got healthy again, so I know what it’s like to be overweight and out of shape. I decided that helping others live healthier lives was my mission. https://time2thrive.substack.com/
Hello fellow Substack Writers. I'm a little (a lot!) late to the party. (I got stuck in traffic 😅) I'm a former corporate ladder climber who now writes the Midlife Cues, a newsletter for midlifers who aren't done growing and wants to get better as we get older. https://midlifecues.substack.com/
My Substack is 'Gateway Elderwomen' https://jodyday.substack.com/about and I write about the experience of elderhood without motherhood. I started in 2020, and as I turn 60 this year, now feel I have permission to say much more, and have some great courses/interviews/events to share.
So I guess I'm a slighly experienced novice looking to learn with and from all your lovely people!
I live in rural West Cork, in Ireland and I'm a social entrepreneur, author, speaker and psychotherapist. I also function as a dog and cat bed!
New Stack! HOW TO SHOW UP, for those moments when you’re gonna open your mouth and share that weird idea or advocate for what’s near to your heart. Let’s alchemize “public speaking” into something soul-satisfying and dare I say fun. I wrote last year’s PERMISSION TO SPEAK and so pleased to find myself on Substack with each of you!
Hello🌟 I'm Nika and I write the Substack newsletter A Writer's Life🍀 I give insights in my life as a writer, talk about mental health and the romantic short novel I'm currently working on called 'A Sweet Disuption'🤗
Hi all! I am fairly new to Substack - I opened my account 3 years ago, and just started really writing last fall. My Substack, Making Home, focuses on the moments, traditions, and little things that make a home.
It's been a creative outlet and a reminder to reprioritize what's most important to me, breaking away from some of the bad habits I've picked up working in corporate America. I'm still finding my way and this year want to work on consistency, finding my voice and growing my audience. Glad to be a part of this community and looking forward to growing together with you all!
Hi, all! I'm EJ, and I just launched my substack a week ago. I am an avid reader and will be writing about books, the experience of reading, thoughts about the books I read, commentary about the publishing world, etc! I love this group and am excited to learn more from you all. Any advice for newbies is always helpful! Specifically I am wondering about cadence; for now I am posting every-other week, but wondering if that is enough to build an audience... thoughts?
Relative newbie: joined 5 months ago. I’m an ER doctor whose husband is dying of tongue cancer while we try to start a family. I write about the challenges of life in our fragile human bodies: personal essays, stories about medicine and a weekly article called “pulse check” where i answer reader questions in order to help you make better, cheaper, healthcare choices.
My essay, “Remembering things that haven’t happened yet” is a good intro to my style of personal meets scientific:
Joining the intro party! I'm Christin and I write The Content Brief to help you take control of your content (and make it simple). As a professional editor, podcast host and former j-school professor, I've decided to bring my obsession over all things content to Substack so I can hand you the brief of practical, actionable ideas. 💼 Looking forward to connecting with you here!
Hello! 👋 I’m also a newbie with my ‘Letters from Therapy’. I feel like I’ve discovered the secret garden here on Substack, so many amazing publications. Still finding my way around with lots to learn. It’s great to be here! 😊
Hello. I'm Esther, I've been on substack for a while but I'm new to trying to figure it out properly.
I write Sober Life Rocks. I'm a recovery coach, and i've been sober for 9 years. I was amazed to discover that all the things I thought I was getting from alcohol (fun, excitement, confidence, connection, dancing, and more) I actually get in abundance now I'm sober. Plus I like myself a lot more!
So I share tips to help the newly sober, or the sober curious, and share how much fun and joy sobriety can bring.
Recovering Catholic is a place to seek wholeness and freedom in the living tradition of the Church.
I write with and for other Catholics/Christians who, like myself, have gone through periods of really hard transition in faith where easy, clean-cut answers weren't working anymore - who need something more, a way of thinking about and living the faith capable of holding our entire experience as broken people living in a broken world.
I’m a person in transition and have yet to begin my SS- hoping Sarah can help me get it off on the right foot! I’ve been a professional photographer for 18 years (gulp!) and am back to school to become a therapist. My SS will be about Divorce and Coparenting. Any suggestions for (clever but searchable, descriptive but hopeful, memorable but not common) names for my SS are welcome!!!
I'm a little late to the party, as I've been down with Covid (first time--don't recommend). Looking forward to checking out some of your awesome subs, people!
Mine is "Just About Glad." Many Substacks provide serious takes on the pressing issues of the day. This is not one of them. Here you'll get comedic essays on all the other, more personal stuff. I'm here to amuse. Entertain. Dare I say delight? Is this legally binding?
So how new do you have to be to be a newbie? I've been here for little over a year and a half. I write long fiction, and have started reading it out loud on my 'Stack. That's what I wanted to talk about. How many of you are thinking about reading out your work? Is it something that only works for fiction? I suppose anything else would work better as a podcast, maybe? Any ideas?
Do you think you get more out of it by listening to the story, or reading it?
Hello! I write around and through the intersection of yoga, philosophy, health + wellness, science, spirituality, feminism, nature, and motherhood. I’ve been a yoga teacher for over a decade and a writer since I could write. I started my Substack in November and I still don’t really understand how it all works, but I love connecting and writing and teaching and sharing so it seems like the right place for me to be! Thanks for offering this Sarah!
At heart I’m a storyteller who got into journalism because I couldn’t see making a living on fiction. Made sense when I graduated college in 1989. I have two memoirs out, one about discovering my internalized misogyny when I lived in the Persian Gulf, and another about maintaining long-term sobriety in spite of the wellness industry. My debut historical fiction title, FLORIDA GIRLS, comes out May 28, 2024, yay!
With the pivot to fiction, I wanted my newsletter to reflect all my work and be useful to readers.
Introducing… Ill-Behaved Women, stories making history now, which combines op eds on about current events with historical context, process highlights of my forthcoming book, craft, and self-publishing tips.
I write Gently Does It - a mix of memoir and reflective posts unpeeling the onion layers of life (cancer, grief, loss, living gently after all of that) but I'm feeling a little lost at the moment. Could be the new year funk but this feeling comes round a bit too regularly. I write a lot but struggle knowing when/what to share.
Hello Sarah and everyone, it's great to meet you all! I'm Jana, and I'm a new writer at Productivity Sphere. Even though I never considered myself a writer, I joined Substack in July 2022 and I've fallen in love with the platform. My Substack focuses on personal effectiveness and productivity, which is something I'm very passionate about and love to nerd out on. It's amazing to see how versatile this platform is! I just joined Full-Access Members and hope to learn and grow with Sarah's tips. https://productivitysphere.substack.com/
My Substack, the Inspiration Station, is now the home of the Flag Oracle, an Oracle deck I made from a large-scale art project. Every week I pull two cards and give a reading for the week. To keep things fresh I work in series and this series just launched today!
Hello Sarah and fellow Writers at Work! My name is Kristoffer Carter (everyone calls me KC). Sarah’s work (and a few very successful coaching clients) have inspired me to launch my first Substack this Tuesday. I’m an executive coach and meditation teacher. I’m passionate about Yoga and meditation to meet the demands of modern life and leadership. Our team chose the name “Tiny, Bold Moves-- Creat your world, self-compassion required.” https://kristoffercarter.substack.com
As coaches, tiny, bold moves is usually how any cool stuff gets created. (Realize I’m talking to a ton of fellow creatives and teachers here!) 🤣 What’s 1 simple small thing I can do each day to help move our community over to Substack? Thx!! Already love this community. -kc
KC, we are kindred spirits. I work in a corporate job and I’ve never seen anyone write about it like that--but it’s how I write in my journal. Following!
Great idea and thread - thanks for the invite and open house welcome, what a great party this is turning out to be! (excuse the fairly long, late share!!)
Hi Everyone! I've been reading through everyone's responses and I think I'm using things slightly differently.
I'm a Newbie since Oct 2023, nearly 3 months. The majority of my subscribers right now are direct/email. 'Carer Mentor: Empathy and Inspiration'. short description: 'Heartfelt empathy for Carers. Practical tools, tips & resources for those navigating work-life challenges, seeking inspiration and insights. Everyone has a unique rollercoaster journey. Need copilot support? Feeling 'Carer turbulence'? I see you!'
I am the Carer but I'm also a Mentor of execs and Business owners. Also melding and integrating to mentor other Carers. The site is a big vulnerable share of who 'Integrated' me is and leverages 20+ years of learnings and my knowledge management system which I built. The mission and purpose is outlined here on the 'About page' : https://www.carermentor.com/about
(easier to see on desktops and outside the mobile app)
I have a vision and strategy. I'm happily discovering that Substack, it's tools, functionality and publication system is fulfilling what I was looking for- there are some things I'd ask for though - that's a whole other discussion though. (I've self-built 2 websites on Squarespace, and 1 via Notion + Super, on my custom domain - such a relief not to have to build the frame and standard elements!)
Similarities to everyone: I'm exploring my own creativity having just accepted I love to write having had a journal & written poems most of my life.
Differences now: a) Focus is on fast, short accessible posts, resources and articles to offer frequent connection to people who have little or no time, but who feel isolated or without independent objective Mentor support. I'm at the point of web posting without emails/notes to avoid flooding inboxes. b) Longer 'newsletters' interlock and weave stories of my personal journey and build themes.
In the Future I'll look for collaborations and contributors to build diversity - voices and stories, to offer different perspectives with a particular focus on UK unpaid carers, to eventually commission and pay for their work, based on THEIR schedule and time.
The long term aim is to offer bespoke paid work opportunities for Carers and a creative outlet. The website will eventually pay for itself AND increase the awareness of Carer's lives, the challenges they face and the under appreciated role we play in the UK health care system; community care.
It's been a fast evolution more about the HOW to publish, have sections, sustain the integrated-ness rather than content build. As you'll see from my page - my own time is at a premium!
Hi everyone! I started my (free) Substack in October; This Won't End Well: On Loving Greek Tragedy. Greek tragedy has a lot to say about war and generational trauma, so in October and November, for obvious reasons, that's what I wrote about. In December, I struggled to find something to say that wasn't about the war, and I stalled. I may have boxed myself in by writing only about tragedy instead of Greek mythology in general. If anyone who's interested in ancient Greek stuff has time to hop over to elizabethbobrick.substack.com and let me know what you think, I'd be so grateful.
Thanks for your great work, Sarah! It’s helped me launch Stumbling Toward Genius, my online author’s notebook that chronicles what I am learning as I write my second novel. I’ve had a newsletter, Impulses, for my writing coaching work, since 2001. StG is a whole different animal, more personal and not promoting anything. I love writing more personal essays and still, it’s hard to step away from coach mode and simply share my experience. Wish me luck!
Hi everyone! I joined in September on a whim and to my surprise it turns out I have a lot to say. My Substack is 'The Babbling Brook' - a name I chose to give myself license to write about whatever interests me, not knowing what the connecting thread would be. Just yesterday I changed the description for the umpteenth time and now I finally have one that I feel encapsulates what I'm trying to do. It's 'Weekly reflections on finding joy, making meaning, and navigating the forces that make this difficult.'
Hello newbies and veterans! I'm an Austin-based marketer and former journalist (and would love to connect with more Austin folks). I write about boldly embracing midlife while detoxing from diet culture at https://www.almostsated.com.
Hello from Cape Town! I’ve been on Substack for just over a year (moved my blog over from Wordpress) and my subscribers have almost tripled since then... although still a very small base (130 subs), it’s a start!
In my weekly(ish) publication: https://cathyparkkelly.substack.com/ I explore big things - life, love, loss, creativity, death - by zooming in on the small things: the longing that trails through me when ‘C’est une chanson’ plays; or how a tiny Cape white-eye sipping nectar from the lemon blossoms encapsulates how I feel about money. The posts can be read in the time it takes you to savour a few slow sips of coffee, and, based on what readers have said, will leave you with feelings of expansion, connection and hope.
Thanks Sarah for a fab newsletter, one of only two newsletters to which I have a paid subscription. Great value!
Hello everyone! 👋🏻 I’ve been writing Letters from Tuscany (and the Italian version, Lettere dalla Toscana) for three years now. I am Giulia, a Tuscan born and bred food writer. Here on Substack I share recipes and glimpses from my every day life as a cooking class teacher and cookbook writer.
Hi all- newbie here! I’m a former journalist writing about finding joy and meaning in careers and life, particularly after loss. I’m getting up the courage to write more specifically about grief after losing my twin brother suddenly. Would love any feedback, ideas or just hellos :) nice to meet y’all
Thank you Sarah for that amazing opportunity. And welcome fellow Substackers!
I am a complete newbie to Substack (not even two months since launch!) and this great community.
My Substack is "UNSCREWING MOTHERHOOD", where I talk about perinatal mental while wearing two hats - CBT therapist as well as "expert by experience". It is a crawling project, but with mighty ambitions! Within this space I plan to share ideas around: adjustment to motherhood, coping with parental stress, coping with common mental health problems in the perinatal period (anxiety + depression, birth trauma), developing self-care for mums and empowering the sense of being&feeling "good enough mother" with a magical sprinkle of self-compassion and debunking the myths around motherhood.
I draw on my experiences of building a multi-million dollar business in a regulated & niche industry (I had a sterile compounding pharmacy that sold innovative injectable products around Australia) to write real, business "chat" (as I like to call it).
I'm getting ready to launch an additional interview-type section within my Substack, and am currently trying to decide on what format would work best, etc. If anybody does something similar in their own Substack, or has any recommendations of some great interview-esque Substacks I could draw inspiration from then I'd love if you could share them with me below :)
Thanks Cathy! I had a sneaky peek at yours this morning too, and I particularly loved the piece about the yarn. It really resonated with me. I've subscribed too :)
Hi there! My name is Nakia. I am a life and leadership coach based in New York City. I am new to Substack, currently in my 8th week on the platform. Creating this newsletter has been a goal of mine for over a year and a half, and while it’s in its infancy and I am still figuring things out, committing to this practice has brought me so much joy.
My substack is Cliffs without Borders, which feels like my own little corner of the world where I share my personal journey, which reflects on the power of self-belief while having the courage to embrace change (and discomfort). I hope that my readers, no matter what stage of life they are in, find inspiration in the truth and honesty of my stories. https://nakiaprileauconnor.substack.com/
Happy to join this community as a newbie and connect with you all!
Hello all. Just getting started here. My Substack is Behind the Door – exploring the story under the story, or the story shut off from the world that lives behind the door. I love writing and making art (when I’m not blocked or feeling resistant). Themes I am exploring: where trauma, writing and art intersect, creativity, mental health, wellbeing, my own past and my journey surviving domestic violence, non-main-stream makers/creatives. Loving the Substack space!
I'm eight months in, does that make be a newbie, a veteran, or a plucky middle infielder trying to make the team. Anyway, I write "Salted Wetzel with a side of mustard," a mix of short stories that act as world fillers between my novels, Fridge Philosophies to share quotes of significance, and updates on this writing journey.
To all who post on this threat, Welcome. Glad to be on this self-discovery and expression journey with you.
Substack newbie here wanting to learn more about how to use Substack to convey my love of words, poetry, writing, reading, learning and life. I have a Substack account, but have hesitated to make a first post. Lots of questions! Eight nice people followed me already, and one friend accidentally hit paid…I sent her a refund, poor fumble fingers. Just subscribed here and so happy to find Writers at Work.
Yes! It's always a scramble to get enough kid questions submitted, but I want to give kids' genuine concerns about making and keeping friends the attention they deserve. Their little voices are adorable, and their questions are deep! Next Saturday, I'm answering a question about "Do we have to change ourselves to make friends?" How great is that?!?! https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com
Hello all, and thank you Sarah for supporting our growth in so many ways. I'm new here on Substack and still finding my way, but with Sarah's guidance I feel more comfortable.
For all the yoga and meditation teachers in this thread, I'm here with you and loving the work everyone is sharing. I will do my best to connect and support each of you. I've been teaching yoga and mediation for over 30 years, trained and mentored teachers, and now focusing more now on writing and coaching 1:1. I've written a memoir-ish book called, The Breakaway Girl: Secrets of a Tantric Yogi, and I'm slowly working on my second book. My publication is: https://paulettebodeman.substack.com/ Good to be here with such fabulous writers.
Wow Paulette! Excited to dig into your work. What a life of practice. Recently joined the board of Yoga Alliance and lead meditation retreats at Kripalu. Devotee of Yogananda / SRF
Thank you KC, it's been a journey for sure. Congratulations on joining the board, and appreciate your commitment. I'll look forward to your work too. Nice to connect.
Hello! I'm Lise (pronounced lease) - artist, reluctant writer ;) and slow to connect. My substack is art from opposites - https://llgriffin.substack.com - bringing to light the pain of loss that happens in our lives and holding opposite feeling at the same time. Just started publishing art and essays a few months ago.
Today:
Newbies, introduce yourselves!
Veterans, welcome those new to Substack!
So fun! My substack is the Quingdom, where I write about my path of learning to live as a Quing ... a female King, in the 21st century. I'm just getting started, and grateful to have found y'all. It could all shift after my 1:1 with Sarah - I never go it alone, when I can get help from someone who has been there done that, so if you want to see the rise from the beginning, and what changes, check out the messy beginning here:
https://alikatz.substack.com/
Interesting! Subscribed.
Wow, Ali, amazing story! Academic life (at least in my field) is so sealed off from the world of money-making that to me, what you've done reads like the adventures of someone with superpowers!
I love that Elizabeth! Thank you for the reflection. Sometimes I feel as if I have superpowers, honestly. But, they are also superpowers available to all who want to have them, and I have a sense in the coming years it will become more and more important. Thank you for reading!
Great idea, Sarah, our Queen of Generosity and Substack advocacy! 👑+📣
We all need a little less confusion and anxiety in our lives, with all the uncertainty we read about. I write fun stories about economics and life to help my readers feel less daunted by economic events. Please join me. The site is always free: https://nikkifinlay.substack.com/
Hi all! I'm Hannah, and I write for the Substack, By Hannah, a space for quiet creatives to unravel and explore their creativity. I share a lot about the process of writing as a quiet creative - a quiet creative being a sensitive, introverted person with a wealth of creative expression within them - and how we can find the courage to share our work with the world. I've been consistently posting for over a month now, yay! I'm hoping to learn and grow here on Substack alongside you all. You can read more of my work here: https://hannahhooper.substack.com
Hi Hannah, the voice of Substack. Would love to hear your personal thoughts on your own newsletter. Subscribed.
Hello, everyone! I’m Tim, a recovered food addict and ex-binge eater. I found help and got healthy again, so I know what it’s like to be overweight and out of shape. I decided that helping others live healthier lives was my mission. https://time2thrive.substack.com/
I did it! My first substack is up and out!!!! Thank you all
Hello fellow Substack Writers. I'm a little (a lot!) late to the party. (I got stuck in traffic 😅) I'm a former corporate ladder climber who now writes the Midlife Cues, a newsletter for midlifers who aren't done growing and wants to get better as we get older. https://midlifecues.substack.com/
Thanks so much for this thread Sarah.
Launched my first podcast on Substack to interview a friend with mestastatic cancer. I asked her what motivates her. Her answers were surprising and her strength and resilience inspiring. https://tigerinmykitchen.substack.com/p/keep-your-self-respect-and-dignity
Hello Substackers!
My Substack is 'Gateway Elderwomen' https://jodyday.substack.com/about and I write about the experience of elderhood without motherhood. I started in 2020, and as I turn 60 this year, now feel I have permission to say much more, and have some great courses/interviews/events to share.
So I guess I'm a slighly experienced novice looking to learn with and from all your lovely people!
I live in rural West Cork, in Ireland and I'm a social entrepreneur, author, speaker and psychotherapist. I also function as a dog and cat bed!
Hugs, Jody x
We are of the same age. I understand what you're trying to achieve here. Would love to hear your thoughts. Subscribed!
Thank you Neera! Apols for not seeing this sooner - still finding the threads on Notes a bit hard to keep track of! x
Late but my completionist side can't resist commenting lol
I share exclusive storytelling (by me) - weekly fiction (various topics and genres), and monthly non-fiction (behind the scenes of my novel) :)
https://colquittwrites.substack.com/
Oooh my link ...https://substack.com/@fabulouskerry?r=1la391&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
A week later and I’ve done it! Started my substack!! First post this weekend, and I would love a few subscribers!! Please!
Im new, trying to turn my messy notes app into something relatable or sharable. My only real goal for now is to post everyday.
Oops, here’s my link: https://substack.com/@izzyrose?r=385pqm&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
New Stack! HOW TO SHOW UP, for those moments when you’re gonna open your mouth and share that weird idea or advocate for what’s near to your heart. Let’s alchemize “public speaking” into something soul-satisfying and dare I say fun. I wrote last year’s PERMISSION TO SPEAK and so pleased to find myself on Substack with each of you!
https://samarabay.substack.com/
Hello🌟 I'm Nika and I write the Substack newsletter A Writer's Life🍀 I give insights in my life as a writer, talk about mental health and the romantic short novel I'm currently working on called 'A Sweet Disuption'🤗
I forgot to put the link: https://mindandheart17.substack.com
Hi all! I am fairly new to Substack - I opened my account 3 years ago, and just started really writing last fall. My Substack, Making Home, focuses on the moments, traditions, and little things that make a home.
https://makinghome.substack.com/
It's been a creative outlet and a reminder to reprioritize what's most important to me, breaking away from some of the bad habits I've picked up working in corporate America. I'm still finding my way and this year want to work on consistency, finding my voice and growing my audience. Glad to be a part of this community and looking forward to growing together with you all!
Hi, all! I'm EJ, and I just launched my substack a week ago. I am an avid reader and will be writing about books, the experience of reading, thoughts about the books I read, commentary about the publishing world, etc! I love this group and am excited to learn more from you all. Any advice for newbies is always helpful! Specifically I am wondering about cadence; for now I am posting every-other week, but wondering if that is enough to build an audience... thoughts?
Anyhow– I hope you'll check it out! https://pointofdeparture.substack.com/
Relative newbie: joined 5 months ago. I’m an ER doctor whose husband is dying of tongue cancer while we try to start a family. I write about the challenges of life in our fragile human bodies: personal essays, stories about medicine and a weekly article called “pulse check” where i answer reader questions in order to help you make better, cheaper, healthcare choices.
My essay, “Remembering things that haven’t happened yet” is a good intro to my style of personal meets scientific:
https://open.substack.com/pub/bessstillman/p/remembering-things-that-havent-happened?r=16l8ek&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Joining the intro party! I'm Christin and I write The Content Brief to help you take control of your content (and make it simple). As a professional editor, podcast host and former j-school professor, I've decided to bring my obsession over all things content to Substack so I can hand you the brief of practical, actionable ideas. 💼 Looking forward to connecting with you here!
Hello! 👋 I’m also a newbie with my ‘Letters from Therapy’. I feel like I’ve discovered the secret garden here on Substack, so many amazing publications. Still finding my way around with lots to learn. It’s great to be here! 😊
Welcome!
Hello. I'm Esther, I've been on substack for a while but I'm new to trying to figure it out properly.
I write Sober Life Rocks. I'm a recovery coach, and i've been sober for 9 years. I was amazed to discover that all the things I thought I was getting from alcohol (fun, excitement, confidence, connection, dancing, and more) I actually get in abundance now I'm sober. Plus I like myself a lot more!
So I share tips to help the newly sober, or the sober curious, and share how much fun and joy sobriety can bring.
Welcome! Cool. Do you know Laura Mckowen's newsletter?
Yes, I do, she's great isn't she?
Yes! Love her.
Duh.... Forgot to add the link! https://soberliferocks.substack.com/
I’ve been on Substack 2+ years, and I focus on growth WITHOUT social media 🤔
If you’ve got questions, hit reply!
Recovering Catholic is a place to seek wholeness and freedom in the living tradition of the Church.
I write with and for other Catholics/Christians who, like myself, have gone through periods of really hard transition in faith where easy, clean-cut answers weren't working anymore - who need something more, a way of thinking about and living the faith capable of holding our entire experience as broken people living in a broken world.
Holy Moly there are so many people here!
I’m a person in transition and have yet to begin my SS- hoping Sarah can help me get it off on the right foot! I’ve been a professional photographer for 18 years (gulp!) and am back to school to become a therapist. My SS will be about Divorce and Coparenting. Any suggestions for (clever but searchable, descriptive but hopeful, memorable but not common) names for my SS are welcome!!!
What just popped in my head is
(un) Together-- Coparenting by...
Feel free to play with if it’s interesting, no attachment.
Your topic is awesome and the world needs this.
I'm a little late to the party, as I've been down with Covid (first time--don't recommend). Looking forward to checking out some of your awesome subs, people!
Mine is "Just About Glad." Many Substacks provide serious takes on the pressing issues of the day. This is not one of them. Here you'll get comedic essays on all the other, more personal stuff. I'm here to amuse. Entertain. Dare I say delight? Is this legally binding?
https://chrisstanton.substack.com
So how new do you have to be to be a newbie? I've been here for little over a year and a half. I write long fiction, and have started reading it out loud on my 'Stack. That's what I wanted to talk about. How many of you are thinking about reading out your work? Is it something that only works for fiction? I suppose anything else would work better as a podcast, maybe? Any ideas?
Do you think you get more out of it by listening to the story, or reading it?
Hello! I write around and through the intersection of yoga, philosophy, health + wellness, science, spirituality, feminism, nature, and motherhood. I’ve been a yoga teacher for over a decade and a writer since I could write. I started my Substack in November and I still don’t really understand how it all works, but I love connecting and writing and teaching and sharing so it seems like the right place for me to be! Thanks for offering this Sarah!
Hello, hello! Mine is So Much Stuff. How the things we collect--and can’t let go of--express who we are. Thanks, Sarah, for starting this thread!
What a great thread, thank you Sarah!
At heart I’m a storyteller who got into journalism because I couldn’t see making a living on fiction. Made sense when I graduated college in 1989. I have two memoirs out, one about discovering my internalized misogyny when I lived in the Persian Gulf, and another about maintaining long-term sobriety in spite of the wellness industry. My debut historical fiction title, FLORIDA GIRLS, comes out May 28, 2024, yay!
With the pivot to fiction, I wanted my newsletter to reflect all my work and be useful to readers.
Introducing… Ill-Behaved Women, stories making history now, which combines op eds on about current events with historical context, process highlights of my forthcoming book, craft, and self-publishing tips.
Https://llkirchner.substack.com
Congrats on the novel! Your work and life sounds so interesting!
Well, I’m really hoping my memoir worthy days are behind me! Which is the great thing about writing. As careers go it’s flexible!
I write Gently Does It - a mix of memoir and reflective posts unpeeling the onion layers of life (cancer, grief, loss, living gently after all of that) but I'm feeling a little lost at the moment. Could be the new year funk but this feeling comes round a bit too regularly. I write a lot but struggle knowing when/what to share.
Hello Sarah and everyone, it's great to meet you all! I'm Jana, and I'm a new writer at Productivity Sphere. Even though I never considered myself a writer, I joined Substack in July 2022 and I've fallen in love with the platform. My Substack focuses on personal effectiveness and productivity, which is something I'm very passionate about and love to nerd out on. It's amazing to see how versatile this platform is! I just joined Full-Access Members and hope to learn and grow with Sarah's tips. https://productivitysphere.substack.com/
My Substack, the Inspiration Station, is now the home of the Flag Oracle, an Oracle deck I made from a large-scale art project. Every week I pull two cards and give a reading for the week. To keep things fresh I work in series and this series just launched today!
https://leeannprescott.substack.com
Hello Sarah and fellow Writers at Work! My name is Kristoffer Carter (everyone calls me KC). Sarah’s work (and a few very successful coaching clients) have inspired me to launch my first Substack this Tuesday. I’m an executive coach and meditation teacher. I’m passionate about Yoga and meditation to meet the demands of modern life and leadership. Our team chose the name “Tiny, Bold Moves-- Creat your world, self-compassion required.” https://kristoffercarter.substack.com
As coaches, tiny, bold moves is usually how any cool stuff gets created. (Realize I’m talking to a ton of fellow creatives and teachers here!) 🤣 What’s 1 simple small thing I can do each day to help move our community over to Substack? Thx!! Already love this community. -kc
Hi KC!! Welcome to Substack ❤️
Hey! Thought I knew that face XO. Thanks Ashley.
KC, we are kindred spirits. I work in a corporate job and I’ve never seen anyone write about it like that--but it’s how I write in my journal. Following!
Wow, awesome to meet you Lee Ann. Thanks for the encouragement! Definitely kindred
@KelseyAbbott and @SarahFay
Great idea and thread - thanks for the invite and open house welcome, what a great party this is turning out to be! (excuse the fairly long, late share!!)
Hi Everyone! I've been reading through everyone's responses and I think I'm using things slightly differently.
I'm a Newbie since Oct 2023, nearly 3 months. The majority of my subscribers right now are direct/email. 'Carer Mentor: Empathy and Inspiration'. short description: 'Heartfelt empathy for Carers. Practical tools, tips & resources for those navigating work-life challenges, seeking inspiration and insights. Everyone has a unique rollercoaster journey. Need copilot support? Feeling 'Carer turbulence'? I see you!'
I am the Carer but I'm also a Mentor of execs and Business owners. Also melding and integrating to mentor other Carers. The site is a big vulnerable share of who 'Integrated' me is and leverages 20+ years of learnings and my knowledge management system which I built. The mission and purpose is outlined here on the 'About page' : https://www.carermentor.com/about
(easier to see on desktops and outside the mobile app)
I have a vision and strategy. I'm happily discovering that Substack, it's tools, functionality and publication system is fulfilling what I was looking for- there are some things I'd ask for though - that's a whole other discussion though. (I've self-built 2 websites on Squarespace, and 1 via Notion + Super, on my custom domain - such a relief not to have to build the frame and standard elements!)
Similarities to everyone: I'm exploring my own creativity having just accepted I love to write having had a journal & written poems most of my life.
Differences now: a) Focus is on fast, short accessible posts, resources and articles to offer frequent connection to people who have little or no time, but who feel isolated or without independent objective Mentor support. I'm at the point of web posting without emails/notes to avoid flooding inboxes. b) Longer 'newsletters' interlock and weave stories of my personal journey and build themes.
In the Future I'll look for collaborations and contributors to build diversity - voices and stories, to offer different perspectives with a particular focus on UK unpaid carers, to eventually commission and pay for their work, based on THEIR schedule and time.
The long term aim is to offer bespoke paid work opportunities for Carers and a creative outlet. The website will eventually pay for itself AND increase the awareness of Carer's lives, the challenges they face and the under appreciated role we play in the UK health care system; community care.
It's been a fast evolution more about the HOW to publish, have sections, sustain the integrated-ness rather than content build. As you'll see from my page - my own time is at a premium!
Hi everyone! I started my (free) Substack in October; This Won't End Well: On Loving Greek Tragedy. Greek tragedy has a lot to say about war and generational trauma, so in October and November, for obvious reasons, that's what I wrote about. In December, I struggled to find something to say that wasn't about the war, and I stalled. I may have boxed myself in by writing only about tragedy instead of Greek mythology in general. If anyone who's interested in ancient Greek stuff has time to hop over to elizabethbobrick.substack.com and let me know what you think, I'd be so grateful.
Thanks for your great work, Sarah! It’s helped me launch Stumbling Toward Genius, my online author’s notebook that chronicles what I am learning as I write my second novel. I’ve had a newsletter, Impulses, for my writing coaching work, since 2001. StG is a whole different animal, more personal and not promoting anything. I love writing more personal essays and still, it’s hard to step away from coach mode and simply share my experience. Wish me luck!
Hi Cynthia!! Good luck 😊
Thank you Ashley!
Hi everyone! I joined in September on a whim and to my surprise it turns out I have a lot to say. My Substack is 'The Babbling Brook' - a name I chose to give myself license to write about whatever interests me, not knowing what the connecting thread would be. Just yesterday I changed the description for the umpteenth time and now I finally have one that I feel encapsulates what I'm trying to do. It's 'Weekly reflections on finding joy, making meaning, and navigating the forces that make this difficult.'
Hello newbies and veterans! I'm an Austin-based marketer and former journalist (and would love to connect with more Austin folks). I write about boldly embracing midlife while detoxing from diet culture at https://www.almostsated.com.
Hello from Cape Town! I’ve been on Substack for just over a year (moved my blog over from Wordpress) and my subscribers have almost tripled since then... although still a very small base (130 subs), it’s a start!
In my weekly(ish) publication: https://cathyparkkelly.substack.com/ I explore big things - life, love, loss, creativity, death - by zooming in on the small things: the longing that trails through me when ‘C’est une chanson’ plays; or how a tiny Cape white-eye sipping nectar from the lemon blossoms encapsulates how I feel about money. The posts can be read in the time it takes you to savour a few slow sips of coffee, and, based on what readers have said, will leave you with feelings of expansion, connection and hope.
Thanks Sarah for a fab newsletter, one of only two newsletters to which I have a paid subscription. Great value!
Hello everyone! 👋🏻 I’ve been writing Letters from Tuscany (and the Italian version, Lettere dalla Toscana) for three years now. I am Giulia, a Tuscan born and bred food writer. Here on Substack I share recipes and glimpses from my every day life as a cooking class teacher and cookbook writer.
https://julskitchen.substack.com
Hi all- newbie here! I’m a former journalist writing about finding joy and meaning in careers and life, particularly after loss. I’m getting up the courage to write more specifically about grief after losing my twin brother suddenly. Would love any feedback, ideas or just hellos :) nice to meet y’all
https://laurensonnenberg.substack.com
I am sooo late to the party 😅
Thank you Sarah for that amazing opportunity. And welcome fellow Substackers!
I am a complete newbie to Substack (not even two months since launch!) and this great community.
My Substack is "UNSCREWING MOTHERHOOD", where I talk about perinatal mental while wearing two hats - CBT therapist as well as "expert by experience". It is a crawling project, but with mighty ambitions! Within this space I plan to share ideas around: adjustment to motherhood, coping with parental stress, coping with common mental health problems in the perinatal period (anxiety + depression, birth trauma), developing self-care for mums and empowering the sense of being&feeling "good enough mother" with a magical sprinkle of self-compassion and debunking the myths around motherhood.
Join the Tribe on https://unscrewing.substack.com/
Love this! So needed. I’m a toddler mom now and I still talk with my mom friends about how much we need to take care of ourselves. It’s so hard!
It is, isn't it. Finding a balance between looking after everybody else and still, finding time for yourself is so tricky. And also, so necessary!
Hey guys! Gosh, there's some good stuff on here that I can't wait to dive into!
My Substack is called Quarter Brick (https://helinac.substack.com)
I draw on my experiences of building a multi-million dollar business in a regulated & niche industry (I had a sterile compounding pharmacy that sold innovative injectable products around Australia) to write real, business "chat" (as I like to call it).
I'm getting ready to launch an additional interview-type section within my Substack, and am currently trying to decide on what format would work best, etc. If anybody does something similar in their own Substack, or has any recommendations of some great interview-esque Substacks I could draw inspiration from then I'd love if you could share them with me below :)
Thanks in advance!
Your Substack looks great - love the candid, no-fancy jargon vibe. Have subscribed.
Thanks Cathy! I had a sneaky peek at yours this morning too, and I particularly loved the piece about the yarn. It really resonated with me. I've subscribed too :)
Yay! Thanks Helina!
I’m Fern, Just started, doing daily updates on the Israel-Gaza war from Jerusalem, low on politics, high on personal interest. Very nice to be here!
Hi there! My name is Nakia. I am a life and leadership coach based in New York City. I am new to Substack, currently in my 8th week on the platform. Creating this newsletter has been a goal of mine for over a year and a half, and while it’s in its infancy and I am still figuring things out, committing to this practice has brought me so much joy.
My substack is Cliffs without Borders, which feels like my own little corner of the world where I share my personal journey, which reflects on the power of self-belief while having the courage to embrace change (and discomfort). I hope that my readers, no matter what stage of life they are in, find inspiration in the truth and honesty of my stories. https://nakiaprileauconnor.substack.com/
Happy to join this community as a newbie and connect with you all!
Hello all. Just getting started here. My Substack is Behind the Door – exploring the story under the story, or the story shut off from the world that lives behind the door. I love writing and making art (when I’m not blocked or feeling resistant). Themes I am exploring: where trauma, writing and art intersect, creativity, mental health, wellbeing, my own past and my journey surviving domestic violence, non-main-stream makers/creatives. Loving the Substack space!
I'm eight months in, does that make be a newbie, a veteran, or a plucky middle infielder trying to make the team. Anyway, I write "Salted Wetzel with a side of mustard," a mix of short stories that act as world fillers between my novels, Fridge Philosophies to share quotes of significance, and updates on this writing journey.
To all who post on this threat, Welcome. Glad to be on this self-discovery and expression journey with you.
Substack newbie here wanting to learn more about how to use Substack to convey my love of words, poetry, writing, reading, learning and life. I have a Substack account, but have hesitated to make a first post. Lots of questions! Eight nice people followed me already, and one friend accidentally hit paid…I sent her a refund, poor fumble fingers. Just subscribed here and so happy to find Writers at Work.
Ask your questions! We’re here to help.
Yes! It's always a scramble to get enough kid questions submitted, but I want to give kids' genuine concerns about making and keeping friends the attention they deserve. Their little voices are adorable, and their questions are deep! Next Saturday, I'm answering a question about "Do we have to change ourselves to make friends?" How great is that?!?! https://DrFriendtastic.substack.com
Hello all, and thank you Sarah for supporting our growth in so many ways. I'm new here on Substack and still finding my way, but with Sarah's guidance I feel more comfortable.
For all the yoga and meditation teachers in this thread, I'm here with you and loving the work everyone is sharing. I will do my best to connect and support each of you. I've been teaching yoga and mediation for over 30 years, trained and mentored teachers, and now focusing more now on writing and coaching 1:1. I've written a memoir-ish book called, The Breakaway Girl: Secrets of a Tantric Yogi, and I'm slowly working on my second book. My publication is: https://paulettebodeman.substack.com/ Good to be here with such fabulous writers.
Wow Paulette! Excited to dig into your work. What a life of practice. Recently joined the board of Yoga Alliance and lead meditation retreats at Kripalu. Devotee of Yogananda / SRF
Thank you KC, it's been a journey for sure. Congratulations on joining the board, and appreciate your commitment. I'll look forward to your work too. Nice to connect.
Hello! I'm Lise (pronounced lease) - artist, reluctant writer ;) and slow to connect. My substack is art from opposites - https://llgriffin.substack.com - bringing to light the pain of loss that happens in our lives and holding opposite feeling at the same time. Just started publishing art and essays a few months ago.
Hello Lisa, Great idea, looking forward to reading!