Listen now (19 mins) | I’m thrilled to bring you this interview with Elle Griffin. Elle talks about building a following, defying traditional publishing, handling criticism, and staying creative. She also shares her advice for aspiring Substack writers. Elle is something of a Substack icon. In 2022, she was awarded one of 10 places in Substack’s now-defunct Grow program, which launched her Substack into the stratosphere.
What a great interview, and a nice surprise to be mentioned by Elle. Elle and I started Substack around the same time and were both interested in serializing fiction, which I had tried on Medium shortly before I “met” Elle. We communicated and I quickly discovered how driven, fascinating, and inspiring Elle is. It was fun being part of a small group of fiction pioneers on Substack and learning together. I agree with Elle that you need to follow your inspiration as an artist and don’t fear change. Embrace it. Substack is what you make it. Go Elle!
I’m new to Substack and trying to figure out what in the world I want to do. This is so valuable! Absolutely has helped me and just wanted to say thank you!
What a light and insightful conversation! I love the idea that this is an exploration, and we don't need to be stuck in one era. Very liberating, as everything creative should be!
This was a really encouraging conversation -- especially the part about not being an expert on what you're writing about and viewing it as a communal exploration of a topic. I feel like that's how I'm viewing my first series. I'm writing about the increasing prevalence of ugly architecture in our cities, but I'm a web designer by trade, not an architect. Nonetheless -- the problem really bothers me, so that's why I'm trying to figure out what the hell has happened in this realm. It's encouraging to hear a successful Substack writer have the same view of her work.
Also, I loved the part about finding your people on Substack. I think that's what Substack is great for -- it's SO EASY to connect with other people, AND people who know more about your topic than you do. So, I may not be an expert, but I am finding it easy to TALK to experts in the field. And that's almost just as good :)
Ooh, I like that framing — it's very freeing. You mention being a creative in the podcast and that part of that is following the creative spirit (which requires branching out). Gives me confidence that as soon as I wrap up my first series, even if my second series has nothing to do with the first, that's okay. "People are following your brain" :)
Thank you for this. I have been seriously stuck, trying to figure out what to write about, and while I was doing that, my Substack turned into the default for me: another blog. But that’s what I do. That’s what I’ve always done: write about my life. I feel like Elle has given me permission to write whatever interests me at the time, and to change whenever I feel like changing. It’s so freeing to think that way.
Such a great conversation - huge yes to making space for different eras while staying true to our real goals. And love the discussion of handling criticism. Thank you Elle and Sarah!
Appreciate Elle's honesty around receiving criticism. It's one of the more difficult aspects of being public on the internet (especially when done in bad faith). And although it comes with the territory, it does take time and adjustment to not have them impact or derail one's work.
It really does! I have had a couple of bad weeks where I considered leaving altogether, but most of the weeks are truly great. Sometimes it just takes that zoomed out perspective!
"It's an exploration not written in blood" this! I loved listening to this thoughtful conversation thank you both so much for putting yourself out there and sharing your experiences with us.
What a great interview, and a nice surprise to be mentioned by Elle. Elle and I started Substack around the same time and were both interested in serializing fiction, which I had tried on Medium shortly before I “met” Elle. We communicated and I quickly discovered how driven, fascinating, and inspiring Elle is. It was fun being part of a small group of fiction pioneers on Substack and learning together. I agree with Elle that you need to follow your inspiration as an artist and don’t fear change. Embrace it. Substack is what you make it. Go Elle!
You have always been such an inspiration to me Mark!
This brought tears to my eyes. Yes, follow your inspiration as an artist and don't fear change.
Thank you, Sarah.
I’m new to Substack and trying to figure out what in the world I want to do. This is so valuable! Absolutely has helped me and just wanted to say thank you!
Wonderful! That makes me so happy!
Such an interesting interview! Took so many notes and much inspiration.
What a light and insightful conversation! I love the idea that this is an exploration, and we don't need to be stuck in one era. Very liberating, as everything creative should be!
I love that too.
This was a really encouraging conversation -- especially the part about not being an expert on what you're writing about and viewing it as a communal exploration of a topic. I feel like that's how I'm viewing my first series. I'm writing about the increasing prevalence of ugly architecture in our cities, but I'm a web designer by trade, not an architect. Nonetheless -- the problem really bothers me, so that's why I'm trying to figure out what the hell has happened in this realm. It's encouraging to hear a successful Substack writer have the same view of her work.
Also, I loved the part about finding your people on Substack. I think that's what Substack is great for -- it's SO EASY to connect with other people, AND people who know more about your topic than you do. So, I may not be an expert, but I am finding it easy to TALK to experts in the field. And that's almost just as good :)
Thanks for the great podcast. Very uplifting!
It really is all an experiment. Someone at Substack once told me that people are following your brain, not your current niche! I think that's true.
Ooh, I like that framing — it's very freeing. You mention being a creative in the podcast and that part of that is following the creative spirit (which requires branching out). Gives me confidence that as soon as I wrap up my first series, even if my second series has nothing to do with the first, that's okay. "People are following your brain" :)
That's so great. I needed reinforcement there too. "I don't know" are the three most freeing words in the English language.
I certainly agree with that :)
Thank you for this. I have been seriously stuck, trying to figure out what to write about, and while I was doing that, my Substack turned into the default for me: another blog. But that’s what I do. That’s what I’ve always done: write about my life. I feel like Elle has given me permission to write whatever interests me at the time, and to change whenever I feel like changing. It’s so freeing to think that way.
YES!!!! I love that.
I'm so glad. I feel like she gave me that too!
Such a great conversation - huge yes to making space for different eras while staying true to our real goals. And love the discussion of handling criticism. Thank you Elle and Sarah!
Yes! I love the idea of eras.
I learn how to stay creative
Very inspiring, thanks for sharing 😊
Two of my faves on the same post? Incredible! ✨
I love this “ we’ll just figure it out together“. I’m planning a new part of my newsletter and this has really helped me be less uptight about it!
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Excellent.
Appreciate Elle's honesty around receiving criticism. It's one of the more difficult aspects of being public on the internet (especially when done in bad faith). And although it comes with the territory, it does take time and adjustment to not have them impact or derail one's work.
It really does! I have had a couple of bad weeks where I considered leaving altogether, but most of the weeks are truly great. Sometimes it just takes that zoomed out perspective!
"It's an exploration not written in blood" this! I loved listening to this thoughtful conversation thank you both so much for putting yourself out there and sharing your experiences with us.
Thank you for listening!
Loved this interview. Thanks for all the helpful tips!
Another great conversation. Thanks for introducing me to Elle's work. Love her model of reinventing her Substack to fit whatever she's working on.
Me too!
I highly recommend Elle, an author and essayist worth listening to.
That is so nice D.L. Thank you so much!