We're all feeling our way in the dark. It takes time. Life gets in the way of creating. Always. Take breaks whenever you need to. Plan, but plan loosely. Like a road trip, know your destination, but don't be super-picky on how you get there. You've got the authenticity thing down and some people go their whole careers without that.
I dabbled in writing for years. Then got serious for a minute and got a MFA. Wrote a couple of crime novels, both of which I released on Substack. One's published in physical form, the other one is in the process of being published. And now I'm working on a sprawling period piece that only ever seems to get bigger. I initially thought I was covering maybe a year of time, but my research found that the full story spans almost a decade.
Thank you for sharing this. I'm brand new at this, and still figuring out how to grow on Substack, but I know something: I can't force myself to show only a part of me anymore. So I'll build on everything I find interesting, if it helps someone and can be used inside the parameters I chose for my publication. If I want to talk about musicals or AI or tarot or fantasy or anything in between that can be used as a metaphor for the main topic I’m exploring, I’ll do it.
I would rather prefer reading publications led by real and rich and complex people. For the long run, I’m sure it beats every strategy.
We're all feeling our way in the dark. It takes time. Life gets in the way of creating. Always. Take breaks whenever you need to. Plan, but plan loosely. Like a road trip, know your destination, but don't be super-picky on how you get there. You've got the authenticity thing down and some people go their whole careers without that.
Good luck.
Thank you!
And you, where are you on the journey?
I dabbled in writing for years. Then got serious for a minute and got a MFA. Wrote a couple of crime novels, both of which I released on Substack. One's published in physical form, the other one is in the process of being published. And now I'm working on a sprawling period piece that only ever seems to get bigger. I initially thought I was covering maybe a year of time, but my research found that the full story spans almost a decade.
Ah, I can’t even imagine how to approach such a project.
Are you publishing it in installments on Substack?
Thank you for sharing this. I'm brand new at this, and still figuring out how to grow on Substack, but I know something: I can't force myself to show only a part of me anymore. So I'll build on everything I find interesting, if it helps someone and can be used inside the parameters I chose for my publication. If I want to talk about musicals or AI or tarot or fantasy or anything in between that can be used as a metaphor for the main topic I’m exploring, I’ll do it.
I would rather prefer reading publications led by real and rich and complex people. For the long run, I’m sure it beats every strategy.
Keep going, people will keep reading !
I hope so!
In real life, I rarely found someone resonating deeply with my interests, starting from my close family. So, it's hard to imagine this working 😮
I do too. But that's the point of Substack, I guess !
Self criticism can go too far. An unpredictable evolution to a project is standard for most people and pursuits. You are doing a fantastic job!
Well, thanks a lot!
Appreciate this transparent share! Totally relate to your struggles, and appreciate your work! Keep going!
Are you going through similar struggles?
in the sense of constantly working to experiment to see what works, and always wishing I had more time!