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Hey there,
I've been sitting with that familiar, nagging feeling lately—the one where "not enough" follows me around like a shadow.
Not doing enough with my Substack.
Not helping enough people.
Not sending enough resumes or researching enough companies.
That relentless "enough" voice has been thunderous this month.
But here's what I know deep down: things always change.
The inner work matters, even when (especially when) it's messy. As February closes and March arrives, I'm still partly hibernating but gradually venturing out of my cozy den bit by bit.
This week, I'm stepping into two very different spaces that both require me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. First up is the Newsletter Marketing Summit organized by Matt McGarry, focused on scaling paid newsletters. Think Morning Brew, The Hustle, and other ad-supported newsletters operating at a scale that feels galaxies away from where I am now.
I'm going with open ears and a learning mindset. There aren't any Substack writers on the panels, so I'm especially curious to see who shows up in the audience. I'll be putting on my "big girl pants" to make connections while absorbing insights from people writing and building at an entirely different level.
After that two-day stretch, I'll be at The Warrior Way Summit here in Austin—a gathering for "modern-day warrior women ready to amplify their impact and unleash their power."
Yep, it sounds very millennial, and I'm here for it.
Sometimes you need to surround yourself with a different energy to shift your own. A friend is speaking, so I'll have at least one familiar face as I see what shenanigans I can get up to.
On a completely different note, I tumbled down a concerning rabbit hole this week. Did you know Pen International documented 10,046 books banned in U.S. schools in 2023-2024?
That number stopped me in my tracks. So I posted this Note to see who else was paying attention.
Would you be interested in a regular mention of classic titles you've heard of (possibly love) but might not realize are being banned in certain states like Florida, Iowa, and Texas? It's something I'm keeping an eye on this year, and I'm curious if it's worth sharing here.
Let me know in the comments below.
Now, onto what I've saved for later—and for you.
✍️ Writer's Inner Work
My Reasons for Writing Have Changed
The Transformative Power of Journaling
Last Night a Book Saved My Life
Writing Will Save You. It always does.
Becoming a Writer Later in Life
✍️ Publishing & Promotion
Selling e-books on Substack could change publishing forever: Storyletter XPress Publishing
Multi-level of US Book Bans "Unprecedented," say PEN America: The Guardian
Substack Swap: (Not So Secret Agent) and (Publishing Confidential) talk book publicity, the changing landscape of publishing, and digital surrogates (my favorite new term!) - Love this idea!
Read Sally’s questions for Kathleen here
Read Kathleen’s questions for Sally here
✍️ Women's Voices
The Essential Ingredient is Openness: Curtis Sittenfeld on the deep joy of Mid-Life Friendship: The Guardian
Auntiehood is the Real "Having it All": The Auntie Bulletin
My Flashback on The New Yorker's Birthday: Tina Brown
"If you feel like you're blowing up your life, ask yourself if the opposite is true. Maybe you're bringing your real life into being for the first time." & Martha Beck
If you’d rather listen to this, Sam Baker interviews Martha Beck, talking about her new book Beyond Anxiety in this latest podcast episode
✍️ Newsletter Know-How
Borrow Everything I Know About Growing a Newsletter: of Hype Yourself (spot on except for Notes—definitely be there regularly now, even Lucy would say so.)
What I Think About When I Think About Making Content: dips her toe into video promotion for her new book
✍️ Community Support: LA GoFundMe Campaigns
Rhythms of the Village: Lost musical instruments, handmade art, and a vital community hub
Side Pie: Pandemic pop-up turned neighborhood pizzeria known for great food and lively atmosphere
Oak Knoll Montessori Families and Staff: Supporting those who lost everything in the Eaton Fire
📚 Books Keeping Me Company
The Success Myth by Emma Gannon
I really appreciate Gannon’s point of view as she examines our unquestioned beliefs about success and ambition. It made me reconsider what I'm actually pursuing with certain goals and what success looks like when defined by my own internal compass rather than external metrics.
Wintering by Katherine May
I discovered Katherine through her Substack The Clearing. I’ve had my eye on Wintering, and this is the season. It explores the value in life's fallow periods and how to move through them with purpose. Her quiet observations about retreat and renewal are just the balm I need during this transitional season. Loving it.
👠 Small Luxuries I'm Eyeing
Rachel Mazza's Kentucky retreat offers something soothing and rare—actual rest. No networking, keynotes, or breakthroughs. Just the quiet space to remember what existing feels like when you're not constantly producing. The kind of reset that business-minded women rarely give themselves permission to take. For more details, you can email Rachel at support@thevalkyrieguild.com.
Papier Flora & Folklore journal: Just one of their gorgeous collection of planners and specialty journals
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie: Everyday luxury upgrade (a cashmere hoodie! 😍)
Rothy's Square Mary Jane's in red - The Ballet Mary Janes fits better but doesn’t come in red... yet 👠
Enjoy your week,
P.S. If you have any Substack writers you absolutely love, please drop them in the comments below. It helps me - and others - discover new people!
"Selling e-books on Substack could change publishing forever" - This was an interesting read. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for including The Auntie Bulletin, Jen!