Hi Sarah, I really want to do this. Joined last month, but without a single post, note or follower (obviously bc there’s no content yet 😂) can I still do it… starting from literal ground zero?
I've had a real lapse on Substack, and in my writing. I've been using AI to 'help' me with my thinking, until I realised that in outsourcing my thinking, I was losing my ability to think for myself (not helped by menopause and neurodivergent brain fog!).
Learning just how bad the environmental impact is of this outsourcing of our humanity sealed the deal. Yesterday I broke up with the AI, and recommitted to thinking for myself. I also recommitted to getting back to writing and sharing my thoughts here on Substack.
I'm all in and looking forward to reconnecting with myself, my subscribers and the Substack community through my thoughts and words!
I'm a few months into Substack and look forward to this challenge to connect with you all.
I wrote essays for my small list of readers, all who I met through teaching. I'd meet students and they'd join my list. Here, I meet you through the writing itself!
Being here on Substack seems like--how do I find you? But then I do.
There's someone who paints in her small journal all day and shows us her work, another teaches me about how AI robs us of our humanness. I'm reminded to read Virginia Wolf again. Someone walks to her Todd's point and takes a little quiet film of a rock. There's a wealthy person who gives 25 percent away. What a lovely thing.
And there is Patti Smith with the crows in Japan, and Tracy K. Smith across the road and I'm waving hello hello. I see you! And they all fly in my box. What a lovely thing.
I joined NBC in April but I was do new I didn’t quite understand the process. My advice: don’t ignore or shortchange the others’ Notes. It really helps to connect and you will be drawn to each other. It’s almost magic. I still have Notes that draw crickets so I look forward to this challenge.
I'm excited! I participated in the long NBC that you did over the Winter/Early spring, and while I dropped out after awhile, I did get some pretty good traction and visible increase in subscribers. I have decided to participate in May, imperfectly, but as much as I can.
Can’t wait, Sarah! Thank you so much for providing us with this brilliant community and for all your insights. Would you considering varying the topic of the specific boost from day to day, across different Substack categories (e.g. health & wellness, literature, politics, etc.)?
I’ve tried to make one note viral… selfishly … it was asking the Substack Gods to add a pin feature for the threads in our chats we want to highlight… if any of you wizard note writers want to adopt and spread the idea, I’d be very glad! 🎈
I've learned that notes isn't just throwing darts at the wall, hoping one sticks. I'm learning to find my voice in notes and connecting with the people I've hoped to find online for decades. 🖤
I feel you! Haha I am pretty sure I was banging my head against the wall for quite some time before this began to 'click' so to speak. What's good is that there is no rush. Glad you're here! :)
I just started my publication Substack in March. It was a new year's resolution to start writing again regularly after a painful publishing-induced hiatus.
My traditionally published book went out in 2019 and the experience was so dis-heartening that I basically stopped writing--something I've done since I was 11. I'm not going to say it was traumatic, as it was not life threatening and I don't want to over-dramatize, but it was Creative Life Threatening. The editors changed the meaning of my book, made it more formulaic.
The result was that after the book came out, I couldn't even look at it--much less market it, which is my sole responsibility-- and my writing inspiration dried up. 10 years to find an agent. another 3 to find a publisher. The book deal, the advance, and I've still not made a single cent on that book. The agent won't return my emails now that I have another book almost ready - my "numbers" never made the cut.
So here I am on Substack because I never want to go the traditional publishing route again. Maybe I just had a bad experience, but I love this platform so far.
I look forward to finding more personal ways to share my writing that don't rely on SOUL SUCKING social media numbers and Trends. But there is a learning curve here! I was going to try writing my first note today, and I can't even figure out how to write a note on Substack! ha! I'm such a newbie. Need this Notes-Boost Challenge bad. So happy to be here among other real people, writing.
This from the heart writing of yours about the agent and writing journey, leaving and returning inspires me. Thank you. Now I'll try to figure out how to write a note!
Sorry to hear that Kim - I feel your pain. I'm not a fiction writer - as I mainly write about economics – so it's not comparable. However, I write songs and I teach songwriting and that does have similarities. I published a songwriting tips e-book that includes tips about the creative pitfalls of listening to other people. Here's tip number 81 "It's easy to write your uniqueness and your genius all the way out. Seek to retain that original spark. Remember, there's many a talented child been corrected into mediocrity - as Sir Walter Scott remarked." Creativity is probably the same no matter what area you are working in. Hopefully we learn our lessons and don't repeat them. Having someone edit your work who is not empathetic to your styles is soul destroying. I'd be happy to give a copy of the ebook if you wanted it: I think you'll find it interesting. We can figure out a way I can get it to you.
Thanks Jim. I'm also a non-fiction writer, and somewhere along the way, publishers decided that memoir with a message should be self-help, and self-help should follow a pattern. It's not wrong, but it's not what I wanted to write. Yes to uniqueness and original spark! wish you all the best on this platform.
Thank you so much, Sarah! And everyone highlighted here! And everyone, really.
I am learning so much and what's more is that I'm becoming way more comfortable being more honest with myself about where I'm rockin' it--and where I need to work smarter and make adjustments. I think developing that discernment definitely has built my confidence and given me more solid direction.
I gained 60+ new subscribers over the course of the last NBC! :)
Q: What do people do after they have such a huge influx of new subscribers all of a sudden? Are there best ways to handle that so that you keep them, like a 're-introduction' or making sure to publish a post soon after so they don't forget who you are? I do NOT mean that in a rude way. I really mean there are so many amazing writers, and I do this myself, I subscribe to someone one day but by the time they appear in my inbox I'm like: "Wait, who is this again?"
Hi Sarah, I'm a new subscriber and I want do participate in the note challenge but I'm struggling to understand how it works. I see above you say "May’s 21-Day Notes Boost Challenge begins tomorrow (!), Wednesday, 5/7 at 9 AM" I'm in the UK. My understanding is that I post a link to my note in this discussion area? Is that correct? Is there a time window in which I'm am suppossed to post my note? As there are many different time zones across the US? How do I work out what time it is in the UK to match 9AM where you are? Thanks for your help, Jim
Sarah sends an email, “Your boost challenge starts now.” You go into the comment section, post your note, and link your note. Sarah explains the required steps and prompts.
Thanks Jana. Your help is much appreciated. Being new to this - I was feeling as if I was standing on an unstable raft - with no idea how to steer it forward. So, can I assume there is not time frame within which I have to post my link? I'm not sure what 9AM will be in the UK.
Hi Sarah, I really want to do this. Joined last month, but without a single post, note or follower (obviously bc there’s no content yet 😂) can I still do it… starting from literal ground zero?
Is there a notes boost today?
It didn't show up in my feed either Buku. But it's here: https://www.substackwritersatwork.com/p/substack-notes-boost-challenge-day-1-guide
I loved doing the challenge, looking forward to it!
I became a bestselling writer here just after the notes boost challenge! 🥳
At least two people became paid subscribers as a direct result on the first day! It's a great way to make new connections. ☺️
I've had a real lapse on Substack, and in my writing. I've been using AI to 'help' me with my thinking, until I realised that in outsourcing my thinking, I was losing my ability to think for myself (not helped by menopause and neurodivergent brain fog!).
Learning just how bad the environmental impact is of this outsourcing of our humanity sealed the deal. Yesterday I broke up with the AI, and recommitted to thinking for myself. I also recommitted to getting back to writing and sharing my thoughts here on Substack.
I'm all in and looking forward to reconnecting with myself, my subscribers and the Substack community through my thoughts and words!
I enjoyed this live video so much! Thank you to all. So inspired to keep making great connections here. More to come!
I'm a few months into Substack and look forward to this challenge to connect with you all.
I wrote essays for my small list of readers, all who I met through teaching. I'd meet students and they'd join my list. Here, I meet you through the writing itself!
Being here on Substack seems like--how do I find you? But then I do.
There's someone who paints in her small journal all day and shows us her work, another teaches me about how AI robs us of our humanness. I'm reminded to read Virginia Wolf again. Someone walks to her Todd's point and takes a little quiet film of a rock. There's a wealthy person who gives 25 percent away. What a lovely thing.
And there is Patti Smith with the crows in Japan, and Tracy K. Smith across the road and I'm waving hello hello. I see you! And they all fly in my box. What a lovely thing.
I joined NBC in April but I was do new I didn’t quite understand the process. My advice: don’t ignore or shortchange the others’ Notes. It really helps to connect and you will be drawn to each other. It’s almost magic. I still have Notes that draw crickets so I look forward to this challenge.
Looking forward to the challenge!
I'm excited! I participated in the long NBC that you did over the Winter/Early spring, and while I dropped out after awhile, I did get some pretty good traction and visible increase in subscribers. I have decided to participate in May, imperfectly, but as much as I can.
Can’t wait, Sarah! Thank you so much for providing us with this brilliant community and for all your insights. Would you considering varying the topic of the specific boost from day to day, across different Substack categories (e.g. health & wellness, literature, politics, etc.)?
I’ve tried to make one note viral… selfishly … it was asking the Substack Gods to add a pin feature for the threads in our chats we want to highlight… if any of you wizard note writers want to adopt and spread the idea, I’d be very glad! 🎈
I've learned that notes isn't just throwing darts at the wall, hoping one sticks. I'm learning to find my voice in notes and connecting with the people I've hoped to find online for decades. 🖤
YES. This has been transformative for me as well, Bridget.
This is how I feel a little bit--except I'm behind you..I'm still like, what are notes? i have to do my home work!
I feel you! Haha I am pretty sure I was banging my head against the wall for quite some time before this began to 'click' so to speak. What's good is that there is no rush. Glad you're here! :)
“There is no rush!” This brings tears to my eyes!
yay! It's such a relief! So we can have a little fun! :)
Can’t wait. This will be my second Notes - feel I’m just getting started!
I just started my publication Substack in March. It was a new year's resolution to start writing again regularly after a painful publishing-induced hiatus.
My traditionally published book went out in 2019 and the experience was so dis-heartening that I basically stopped writing--something I've done since I was 11. I'm not going to say it was traumatic, as it was not life threatening and I don't want to over-dramatize, but it was Creative Life Threatening. The editors changed the meaning of my book, made it more formulaic.
The result was that after the book came out, I couldn't even look at it--much less market it, which is my sole responsibility-- and my writing inspiration dried up. 10 years to find an agent. another 3 to find a publisher. The book deal, the advance, and I've still not made a single cent on that book. The agent won't return my emails now that I have another book almost ready - my "numbers" never made the cut.
So here I am on Substack because I never want to go the traditional publishing route again. Maybe I just had a bad experience, but I love this platform so far.
I look forward to finding more personal ways to share my writing that don't rely on SOUL SUCKING social media numbers and Trends. But there is a learning curve here! I was going to try writing my first note today, and I can't even figure out how to write a note on Substack! ha! I'm such a newbie. Need this Notes-Boost Challenge bad. So happy to be here among other real people, writing.
Hi Kim,
This from the heart writing of yours about the agent and writing journey, leaving and returning inspires me. Thank you. Now I'll try to figure out how to write a note!
Sorry to hear that Kim - I feel your pain. I'm not a fiction writer - as I mainly write about economics – so it's not comparable. However, I write songs and I teach songwriting and that does have similarities. I published a songwriting tips e-book that includes tips about the creative pitfalls of listening to other people. Here's tip number 81 "It's easy to write your uniqueness and your genius all the way out. Seek to retain that original spark. Remember, there's many a talented child been corrected into mediocrity - as Sir Walter Scott remarked." Creativity is probably the same no matter what area you are working in. Hopefully we learn our lessons and don't repeat them. Having someone edit your work who is not empathetic to your styles is soul destroying. I'd be happy to give a copy of the ebook if you wanted it: I think you'll find it interesting. We can figure out a way I can get it to you.
Thanks Jim. I'm also a non-fiction writer, and somewhere along the way, publishers decided that memoir with a message should be self-help, and self-help should follow a pattern. It's not wrong, but it's not what I wanted to write. Yes to uniqueness and original spark! wish you all the best on this platform.
Thanks Kim, Best you and yours.
Jim
Thank you so much, Sarah! And everyone highlighted here! And everyone, really.
I am learning so much and what's more is that I'm becoming way more comfortable being more honest with myself about where I'm rockin' it--and where I need to work smarter and make adjustments. I think developing that discernment definitely has built my confidence and given me more solid direction.
I gained 60+ new subscribers over the course of the last NBC! :)
Q: What do people do after they have such a huge influx of new subscribers all of a sudden? Are there best ways to handle that so that you keep them, like a 're-introduction' or making sure to publish a post soon after so they don't forget who you are? I do NOT mean that in a rude way. I really mean there are so many amazing writers, and I do this myself, I subscribe to someone one day but by the time they appear in my inbox I'm like: "Wait, who is this again?"
Hi Sarah, I'm a new subscriber and I want do participate in the note challenge but I'm struggling to understand how it works. I see above you say "May’s 21-Day Notes Boost Challenge begins tomorrow (!), Wednesday, 5/7 at 9 AM" I'm in the UK. My understanding is that I post a link to my note in this discussion area? Is that correct? Is there a time window in which I'm am suppossed to post my note? As there are many different time zones across the US? How do I work out what time it is in the UK to match 9AM where you are? Thanks for your help, Jim
I think it is 15:00 in the UK
Sarah sends an email, “Your boost challenge starts now.” You go into the comment section, post your note, and link your note. Sarah explains the required steps and prompts.
Thanks Jana. Your help is much appreciated. Being new to this - I was feeling as if I was standing on an unstable raft - with no idea how to steer it forward. So, can I assume there is not time frame within which I have to post my link? I'm not sure what 9AM will be in the UK.
I’m also in the UK. It normally starts at 15:00 and lasts for sometime, Sarah communicates it clearly every day. Enjoy and welcome to Substack
Thanks again Jana.