This is fabulous, Jen. Because I'm a Libra, and we're notorious for being completely unable to make decisions, I feel like the smart choice for me is to ask for just the ONE option. But then the magpie part of my brain can't help wondering what the other options might be ...
Bottom line - I leave the choice in your very capable hands. ;)
As for LULL MODE - I'm so glad to hear it's not just me!
I've actually taken the last two weeks away from writing as I work through a slight pivot for my newsletter (or at least a reframe ... for me more than anyone else), so I've been a bit AWOL myself, BUT I have been lurking, and I agree - definitely feels a little slow. (Except for the news ... the awful, awful news.)
THAT (the news) is part of what's making newsletter writing more of a battle for me right now. It seems futile to write my little missives in the face of so much cruelty and tragedy. And yet, I know it's the right thing to do. It's just tough to muster the energy some days.
Thanks so much for all that (& for reposting) I feel like it's the conversations like this that help me get over the "insignificant"
feeling about my newsletter when I get caught up in how much the world is burning.
Also, asking a few questions to your readers while you work through your pivot might give you a little "pep in your step." I know your writing makes me feel better -- kinda like you just said this did.
Have you been thinking about getting some input? 🤔
I’ve been getting sort of passive feedback by reading through comments on pieces I’ve already written. It’s been very helpful to see patterns in what people respond to and how they respond.
Jen! First, thanks for tagging me. Also, I'm so sad my comment that you included has a typo in it 😆 Stupid cell phone autocorrect not even working properly.
Your subtitle on this post is GOLD! I laughed out loud. Isn't that all of us at some point? I give advice every single week that I don't take myself.
I think the biggest thing standing in my way this summer is the massive LULL on Substack. I don't even feel like participating in my own newsletters with such slowness on the platform. But alas...I must.
Seriously, I think the typo just makes it so real. Isn't that what we're like these days??
Super helpful for people to see that lots of us are feeling like things are slow this summer. I was just helping someone because they were upset that their engagement had slowed down so much. And part of what I said is that it is the platform...we're all going through it.
And I'm so glad I made you laugh out loud! That's a win.
I like options to choose from. And my writing seems to be flowing quite well early in the summer. The heat will probably fry my brain shortly. Thanks to you getting me started the newsletter is up to 50 subscribers in 6 months. I’m on the slow growth track and loving it.
Hey Julie! The slow growth track is the theme for this summer...so you're right where you need to be! Glad you're enjoying it. And yes, the heat will fry our brains!
Sure, Jen. I’m sticking to non-fiction essay posts. For me, research comes easy (I love it). So I find a topic on Mexico, the Maya culture or archaeology, the Yucatán , and dig in.
Hi Jen, I like your opening a lot. I choose option 2, just give me your tip. Because I'm so new to Substack, I'm still in a "honeymoon" phase with writing my newsletters. I'm loving the freedom, and for now, I'm not worrying how many subscribers I have or comments I receive. I like the fact that I have each essay available to send to people for whom it might be relevant. I'm enjoying the format, and I appreciate your help in teaching me how to use the platform!
Hey, thanks so much for all that great feedback Caroline. And I'm so excited to hear you say you're in the honeymoon phase with Substack. It wasn't that long ago you were a bit overwhelmed. So glad you're enjoying the format. It sounds like you're finding your groove with it...is that right?
Hi Jen. Technically, I think it's going fine. The content is in development--the tone, the voice, the topics. I'm experimenting because this type of writing falls somewhere in between writing to the requirements of a magazine or newspaper personal essay and writing on social media. I'm finding my footing, to echo my most recent post!
I’d take all of the options. Because probably only a couple would apply to me but that’s better than getting an email with one topic that doesn’t help at all.
Also, I’d much rather subscribe to someone like you that is actually honest than some bullshit artist that says they have all the answers.
This is fabulous, Jen. Because I'm a Libra, and we're notorious for being completely unable to make decisions, I feel like the smart choice for me is to ask for just the ONE option. But then the magpie part of my brain can't help wondering what the other options might be ...
Bottom line - I leave the choice in your very capable hands. ;)
As for LULL MODE - I'm so glad to hear it's not just me!
I've actually taken the last two weeks away from writing as I work through a slight pivot for my newsletter (or at least a reframe ... for me more than anyone else), so I've been a bit AWOL myself, BUT I have been lurking, and I agree - definitely feels a little slow. (Except for the news ... the awful, awful news.)
THAT (the news) is part of what's making newsletter writing more of a battle for me right now. It seems futile to write my little missives in the face of so much cruelty and tragedy. And yet, I know it's the right thing to do. It's just tough to muster the energy some days.
Thanks for this post. Made me feel better. xo
Thanks so much for all that (& for reposting) I feel like it's the conversations like this that help me get over the "insignificant"
feeling about my newsletter when I get caught up in how much the world is burning.
Also, asking a few questions to your readers while you work through your pivot might give you a little "pep in your step." I know your writing makes me feel better -- kinda like you just said this did.
Have you been thinking about getting some input? 🤔
I’ve been getting sort of passive feedback by reading through comments on pieces I’ve already written. It’s been very helpful to see patterns in what people respond to and how they respond.
Jen! First, thanks for tagging me. Also, I'm so sad my comment that you included has a typo in it 😆 Stupid cell phone autocorrect not even working properly.
Your subtitle on this post is GOLD! I laughed out loud. Isn't that all of us at some point? I give advice every single week that I don't take myself.
I think the biggest thing standing in my way this summer is the massive LULL on Substack. I don't even feel like participating in my own newsletters with such slowness on the platform. But alas...I must.
Seriously, I think the typo just makes it so real. Isn't that what we're like these days??
Super helpful for people to see that lots of us are feeling like things are slow this summer. I was just helping someone because they were upset that their engagement had slowed down so much. And part of what I said is that it is the platform...we're all going through it.
And I'm so glad I made you laugh out loud! That's a win.
Yah I've heard from almost everyone that summer has been a total dud. Now, watch us all get slaugtered in September and regret these words 😆
That feels so much better for me & Jaime! You made two people's day a little lighter...✨
I like options to choose from. And my writing seems to be flowing quite well early in the summer. The heat will probably fry my brain shortly. Thanks to you getting me started the newsletter is up to 50 subscribers in 6 months. I’m on the slow growth track and loving it.
Hey Julie! The slow growth track is the theme for this summer...so you're right where you need to be! Glad you're enjoying it. And yes, the heat will fry our brains!
Just send the best one! Thanks!
Thanks for letting me know Jeanine - it seems everyone has very limited attention these days. How's your writing going this summer?
Sure, Jen. I’m sticking to non-fiction essay posts. For me, research comes easy (I love it). So I find a topic on Mexico, the Maya culture or archaeology, the Yucatán , and dig in.
Hi Jen, I like your opening a lot. I choose option 2, just give me your tip. Because I'm so new to Substack, I'm still in a "honeymoon" phase with writing my newsletters. I'm loving the freedom, and for now, I'm not worrying how many subscribers I have or comments I receive. I like the fact that I have each essay available to send to people for whom it might be relevant. I'm enjoying the format, and I appreciate your help in teaching me how to use the platform!
Hey, thanks so much for all that great feedback Caroline. And I'm so excited to hear you say you're in the honeymoon phase with Substack. It wasn't that long ago you were a bit overwhelmed. So glad you're enjoying the format. It sounds like you're finding your groove with it...is that right?
Hi Jen. Technically, I think it's going fine. The content is in development--the tone, the voice, the topics. I'm experimenting because this type of writing falls somewhere in between writing to the requirements of a magazine or newspaper personal essay and writing on social media. I'm finding my footing, to echo my most recent post!
I’d take all of the options. Because probably only a couple would apply to me but that’s better than getting an email with one topic that doesn’t help at all.
Also, I’d much rather subscribe to someone like you that is actually honest than some bullshit artist that says they have all the answers.