I’m so glad you posted this as I have been overwhelmed by all the things. When Substack announced the chat feature Thursday, admittedly, I was not excited. Just one more thing to entice me away from my priorities. Will I comments on some chats? Sure. But I got off social media earlier this year so I could be more intentional with my time. Chats feels like a sick back in.
Like you, I subscribe to a lot of Substacks. I read most of them, but in busy weeks, I only read the headlines that interest me or an author I don’t want to miss. fwiw, you’re one of those authors. Your newsletters feel like we are chatting at a table over coffee, and those are the kind of virtual spaces I want to be.
I’ve been considering adding a podcast that would start as readings of my work but also eventually include interviews or chats with others. And I’ve considered hosting a meet-up on Google Meet or Zoom just for the fun of it. There is a small writing group I’ve begun joining once a week on Zoom where we chat for a minute or two and then spend 30 minutes writing. I LOVE it, though I’ve not considered why until your post. It’s the human interaction--the face-to-face.
I will continue to read your posts. I probably will not listen to a podcast because my mind wanders too much during podcasts. I might show up for a chat. But I 100% will show up for a Zoom discussion!
oh Holly, thank you so much! I'm honored to be on your "always read" list!! And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who was, let's say, taken aback by the new chat feature. I use to participate regularly in Substack writer's hours but the comments come in break-neck speed, it's hard to keep up, and it is, again, written comments, not a full connection. So many readers now come through the SUbstack universe, which is fantastic - and - I want to make sure I'm connecting with those who are not using platforms, apps, or social media.
Love that you're doing a Zoom writing group - and - that you actually hold space together as you write! That's a beautiful thing. To bear witness without words.
Thanks for the encouragement to do Zoom. Let me mull on that some more and get back to you!
It's hard to not be daunted by those statistics. Hard for me, at least. I'm not at all a competitive person. If someone else wants to get ahead of me, I tend to let them. I'm not going to race you or fight you for something. And I dont' think I'm the most deserving. There are LOTS of great writers and smart people doing amazing things (you definitely rank in that category). So I struggle with understanding WHY people read me. It's not a matter of NOT writing but rather, how do I make it worth it for my readers? How do I provide the best produce that truly values their time and generosity.
And then there's the possibility that I think about this too much. That maybe I need to just write. Just do what I do, whatever that is. And see who shows up!
Thank you- wow. Not sure if this is wanted, but these days I'm trying to write just for me, regardless of who reads it. Naturally, it's a lot better when people respond or engage. But regardless of responses there's still a catharsis for me, and I try to center it.
I read your stuff because it's interesting! Dunno what else to say ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I would love to connect with you in a deeper way. zoom would be awesome,Substack chat could be good too. I am drawn to your posts and themes since have a long standing set of emotions regarding the concept of home. When you spend 15 years as a caretaker who has lived in an out of a hospital and then afterwards - experienced the displacement of home- felt by my deep primary loss. I think myself & others in similar situations could benefit from your wisdom. I have been working on a chapter related to home in my own work/memoir.
Thank you, Susan. Displacement of home... in and out of hospitals ... the loss of your daughter. There is certainly a lot to process there, well beyond the structure and place of home. I suspect it also has to do with you as a mother, a wife, and as a person and then the space where you find comfort, where you rest, are protected, and heal. Thank you for responding. If there is something in particular you would like me to touch on, please let me know. And we WILL find a way to connect more deeply. I like the idea of a Zoom before chat, that way we have an opportunity to see each other, hear the voices, which I think may deepen chats later. Stay posted. You've given me something to think about.
The numbers game is a dead end. A lot of viral content is deliberately divisive or sensational. Stick to your craft and to the puzzles that you need to write your way through. I used to tell students that we write to discover. We don’t write to simply record what we already know. And if we start out writing our way into what we don’t know or understand, and if that question is a universal one, we’ll speak to others. My two cents 😊
Thanks, Josh, I appreciate that POV. Writing is absolutely valuable in that way and I highly recommend folks use writing for these purposes. However, I don't write on Substack to process. I have a different writing practice for that, and other methods. Nor do I typically financially support that kind of writing, as that's not what I'm looking to read. I make this distinction not only because you mention it but also as it refers back to the two compliments I referenced. I am highly intuitive and adept at sensing what is not spoken. And, I stay present to my connections. For me, the kind of writing you are referring to, requires me to "hold space" for the writer, to "bear witness," if you know what I mean. And I don't take that lightly. And for my own wellness, I must be deliberate about this and judicious in my choices of what to read. So personally, I lean toward writing that informs. Which is then not a stretch as to why I write to inform more than to discover or process my own stuff. Again, at least in regards to what I publish on Substack.
But even this is a bit different than what I was trying to get at with this post. I have a high rate of readership, but low engagement (clicking the heart or commenting). And maybe that alone is the answer. Maybe the majority of my readers don't want to engage more than reading. If so, okay, great. But if there are readers who do want more engagement, who would like a larger experience than just reading, I'm hoping they will tell me. Meanwhile, it's not lost on me that at least a solid 80% of comments on my posts come from other writers... In which case, I'm probably more interested in participating in a writer's group than I am in moderating a Finding Home chat that will only be attended by writers.
I will think about your question. In a few weeks (after my school series) I will do some writing related to my relationship with home. Things usually become clearer after I write. Keep up your awesome work!
There's too much noise right now, and I was annoyed about the Chat feature because I'm already mentally overwhelmed (hence, finally reading this newsletter 2 weeks later. And it's not as though anything you've written is out of date at this point, so why do we all have to listen to that voice in our head telling us to feel guilty about being "so late"??). I am not planning on utilizing Chat at this time. I don't need to feel like I'm always on.
Ugh, but then what's after that??
Your newsletter (like mine) is quiet but engaging. We need more of that in the world. Do what YOU want to do (YouTube if you want, don't if you don't!) and try not to feel pressured otherwise. What if social media collapses next year? (I have no idea either way, but I've seen this proposed somewhere, what with all the changes to Twitter and the constant negative output of Meta). If it ever does, those of us who took a quieter path will be in better shape on the other side.
Ah, Ashleigh, such a calm and reasoned response. Thank you. I so appreciate the reference to a "quieter path." Yes. And thank you for your kind words. In life, and in general, I trust that things happen when the time is right. I didn't get to see a friend when they came to town? I will see them when the time is right. I didn't get a post out on Friday? That's okay. When the time is right - or ripe, we might say - the post will come. We never know anything except the present. It is hubris to think otherwise. For me, the lesson is to stay present. Be present. Enjoy the present. One step, one breath, one conversation at a time.
I miss conversations too .. I don’t want too many features .. I like Substack because it reminded me of good old days of blogging . I started travel blogging in 2005 and we were a small community across the world and we would be in touch all the time , connecting with each other and chatting over comments . And that’s the vibe I get here too
I'm new to blogging. Knowing that you've been doing it quite a while makes me feel better. It's all about community and connection. And we don't necessarily need another feature for that. :)
I really enjoy your posts. They feel warm and welcoming, which is why I choose to read them. What draws any of us to a blog, podcast etc. may be simply a need for info or entertainment, but it may also be something completely personal and difficult to pin down. The little windows into your world are fun to look through. Thanks for letting us peep :) I'm looking forward to seeing you transform your home in Italy.
I’m so glad you posted this as I have been overwhelmed by all the things. When Substack announced the chat feature Thursday, admittedly, I was not excited. Just one more thing to entice me away from my priorities. Will I comments on some chats? Sure. But I got off social media earlier this year so I could be more intentional with my time. Chats feels like a sick back in.
Like you, I subscribe to a lot of Substacks. I read most of them, but in busy weeks, I only read the headlines that interest me or an author I don’t want to miss. fwiw, you’re one of those authors. Your newsletters feel like we are chatting at a table over coffee, and those are the kind of virtual spaces I want to be.
I’ve been considering adding a podcast that would start as readings of my work but also eventually include interviews or chats with others. And I’ve considered hosting a meet-up on Google Meet or Zoom just for the fun of it. There is a small writing group I’ve begun joining once a week on Zoom where we chat for a minute or two and then spend 30 minutes writing. I LOVE it, though I’ve not considered why until your post. It’s the human interaction--the face-to-face.
I will continue to read your posts. I probably will not listen to a podcast because my mind wanders too much during podcasts. I might show up for a chat. But I 100% will show up for a Zoom discussion!
oh Holly, thank you so much! I'm honored to be on your "always read" list!! And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who was, let's say, taken aback by the new chat feature. I use to participate regularly in Substack writer's hours but the comments come in break-neck speed, it's hard to keep up, and it is, again, written comments, not a full connection. So many readers now come through the SUbstack universe, which is fantastic - and - I want to make sure I'm connecting with those who are not using platforms, apps, or social media.
Love that you're doing a Zoom writing group - and - that you actually hold space together as you write! That's a beautiful thing. To bear witness without words.
Thanks for the encouragement to do Zoom. Let me mull on that some more and get back to you!
You ask the questions every writer asks every 20 minutes.
😆 yes, I suppose so. And the answers probably vary by writer, you think? What have you found works for you and your readers?
This resonates! Thanks for looping us into your indecision. Those blogging stats are wild
It's hard to not be daunted by those statistics. Hard for me, at least. I'm not at all a competitive person. If someone else wants to get ahead of me, I tend to let them. I'm not going to race you or fight you for something. And I dont' think I'm the most deserving. There are LOTS of great writers and smart people doing amazing things (you definitely rank in that category). So I struggle with understanding WHY people read me. It's not a matter of NOT writing but rather, how do I make it worth it for my readers? How do I provide the best produce that truly values their time and generosity.
And then there's the possibility that I think about this too much. That maybe I need to just write. Just do what I do, whatever that is. And see who shows up!
Thank you- wow. Not sure if this is wanted, but these days I'm trying to write just for me, regardless of who reads it. Naturally, it's a lot better when people respond or engage. But regardless of responses there's still a catharsis for me, and I try to center it.
I read your stuff because it's interesting! Dunno what else to say ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thank you, Julia. I appreciate that.
I would love to connect with you in a deeper way. zoom would be awesome,Substack chat could be good too. I am drawn to your posts and themes since have a long standing set of emotions regarding the concept of home. When you spend 15 years as a caretaker who has lived in an out of a hospital and then afterwards - experienced the displacement of home- felt by my deep primary loss. I think myself & others in similar situations could benefit from your wisdom. I have been working on a chapter related to home in my own work/memoir.
Thank you, Susan. Displacement of home... in and out of hospitals ... the loss of your daughter. There is certainly a lot to process there, well beyond the structure and place of home. I suspect it also has to do with you as a mother, a wife, and as a person and then the space where you find comfort, where you rest, are protected, and heal. Thank you for responding. If there is something in particular you would like me to touch on, please let me know. And we WILL find a way to connect more deeply. I like the idea of a Zoom before chat, that way we have an opportunity to see each other, hear the voices, which I think may deepen chats later. Stay posted. You've given me something to think about.
By phone, because I want to hear your voice. Jan write about your ability to connect and make people laugh.
Thank you Renae. I’m going to mark that in the zoom category then everyone can hear my voice. But I’m not sure if I can make everyone laugh!
The numbers game is a dead end. A lot of viral content is deliberately divisive or sensational. Stick to your craft and to the puzzles that you need to write your way through. I used to tell students that we write to discover. We don’t write to simply record what we already know. And if we start out writing our way into what we don’t know or understand, and if that question is a universal one, we’ll speak to others. My two cents 😊
Thanks, Josh, I appreciate that POV. Writing is absolutely valuable in that way and I highly recommend folks use writing for these purposes. However, I don't write on Substack to process. I have a different writing practice for that, and other methods. Nor do I typically financially support that kind of writing, as that's not what I'm looking to read. I make this distinction not only because you mention it but also as it refers back to the two compliments I referenced. I am highly intuitive and adept at sensing what is not spoken. And, I stay present to my connections. For me, the kind of writing you are referring to, requires me to "hold space" for the writer, to "bear witness," if you know what I mean. And I don't take that lightly. And for my own wellness, I must be deliberate about this and judicious in my choices of what to read. So personally, I lean toward writing that informs. Which is then not a stretch as to why I write to inform more than to discover or process my own stuff. Again, at least in regards to what I publish on Substack.
But even this is a bit different than what I was trying to get at with this post. I have a high rate of readership, but low engagement (clicking the heart or commenting). And maybe that alone is the answer. Maybe the majority of my readers don't want to engage more than reading. If so, okay, great. But if there are readers who do want more engagement, who would like a larger experience than just reading, I'm hoping they will tell me. Meanwhile, it's not lost on me that at least a solid 80% of comments on my posts come from other writers... In which case, I'm probably more interested in participating in a writer's group than I am in moderating a Finding Home chat that will only be attended by writers.
I will think about your question. In a few weeks (after my school series) I will do some writing related to my relationship with home. Things usually become clearer after I write. Keep up your awesome work!
Thank you, Susan. And yes, I agree, writing always helps produce clarity. 🔆
There's too much noise right now, and I was annoyed about the Chat feature because I'm already mentally overwhelmed (hence, finally reading this newsletter 2 weeks later. And it's not as though anything you've written is out of date at this point, so why do we all have to listen to that voice in our head telling us to feel guilty about being "so late"??). I am not planning on utilizing Chat at this time. I don't need to feel like I'm always on.
Ugh, but then what's after that??
Your newsletter (like mine) is quiet but engaging. We need more of that in the world. Do what YOU want to do (YouTube if you want, don't if you don't!) and try not to feel pressured otherwise. What if social media collapses next year? (I have no idea either way, but I've seen this proposed somewhere, what with all the changes to Twitter and the constant negative output of Meta). If it ever does, those of us who took a quieter path will be in better shape on the other side.
Ah, Ashleigh, such a calm and reasoned response. Thank you. I so appreciate the reference to a "quieter path." Yes. And thank you for your kind words. In life, and in general, I trust that things happen when the time is right. I didn't get to see a friend when they came to town? I will see them when the time is right. I didn't get a post out on Friday? That's okay. When the time is right - or ripe, we might say - the post will come. We never know anything except the present. It is hubris to think otherwise. For me, the lesson is to stay present. Be present. Enjoy the present. One step, one breath, one conversation at a time.
I miss conversations too .. I don’t want too many features .. I like Substack because it reminded me of good old days of blogging . I started travel blogging in 2005 and we were a small community across the world and we would be in touch all the time , connecting with each other and chatting over comments . And that’s the vibe I get here too
I'm new to blogging. Knowing that you've been doing it quite a while makes me feel better. It's all about community and connection. And we don't necessarily need another feature for that. :)
I really enjoy your posts. They feel warm and welcoming, which is why I choose to read them. What draws any of us to a blog, podcast etc. may be simply a need for info or entertainment, but it may also be something completely personal and difficult to pin down. The little windows into your world are fun to look through. Thanks for letting us peep :) I'm looking forward to seeing you transform your home in Italy.
Aww, K.D., thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words!