Coffee Times Is Read Across 50 States and 92 Countries
Writing may not earn you riches, but it will make you a better person
I have always asked myself where I intend to bring my writing and if I would ever go freelance full-time. Somehow it has stayed as an unanswered question and never more. Being a full-time freelance writer means giving up many things, including a stable income. I took a break in 2021, hoping to try out writing as a career, and it scared the shit out of me. There is no way I could support myself and my family through writing. I have to work other jobs to support my love for writing. That is probably why I can’t go full-time anytime soon, no matter how much I love it, unless more subscribers are willing to upgrade to a paid subscription.
I enjoy writing, and starting Coffee Times was something I did out of the need to improve myself. Writing is my way to enjoy life and spread joy to other people. When I write about things, I will pay attention to those things, and that little extra attention makes me observe the details that most people won’t even notice and see the beauty that others tend to miss.
Life is only beautiful if we can pay attention to what we have taken for granted.
It has been more than a year since I started Coffee Times on Substack. One year and four months, to be exact. Sometimes I don’t feel good about this writing journey because while it is something I like, I cannot depend on it for a living. It is sad, and the feeling is getting more frequent than usual. Fortunately, each time I was able to remind myself of the great time I had been having.
The paid subscriber number for Coffee Times is like a roller coaster ride, and it can be demoralising. Still, each time I will disregard it and carry on writing. Today, I discovered new stats that Substack introduced, which almost lifted me to the moon.
I discovered a new sub-tab called “Audience Insights”. When I click on it, it says, “Coffee Times is read across 50 US states and 92 countries.”
Oh my God!!
I have absolutely no idea if it was telling the truth. But it sure is uplifting to know my newsletter has spread worldwide and is read in 92 countries. I was beyond jubilant. Most of my readers come from the United States, in all 50 States, accounting for 44%, while readers from India come in second with 15%. Readers from Singapore, where I am based, only account for 3%.
It sounds good, but in reality, I am still far from being able to write for a living. I guess the reason(s) for Substack to publish this stat is so that writer can tailor their content more for their target readers or adjust their usual publishing time to the desired target readers’ time zone. I am unsure and don’t intend to do anything about it. I am fine writing what I am writing now and am good staying with my current schedule.
But hey, I didn’t expect Coffee Times to be read across so many US states and countries. To a frolicking writer like me, this is BIG! I used to get frustrated and sink deep into the darkness of inferiority until I discovered writing and founded Coffee Times. For Coffee Times to be noticed amongst so many other publications competing against so many dedicated writers, there must be something I am doing right.
Takeaways
You may face serious doubts in your writing. Yet, if you can press on and focus on your own personal development, you will eventually find your way. It may not necessarily earn you riches, but you can be sure it will make you a better person.
Thank you for reading.
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Hi Winston,
I recommend reading Paul Millerd’s book, The Pathless Path.
He sets out how he left the normal career path and became a creator / writer. It’s really inspiring.
On the stats! I love stats anyway but these are incredible when you see how your readers are spread across the world.
As always, this game is about keeping going. Keeping the consistency as that big surge can be just round the corner.
Hey Winston,
Congratulations! Those are impressive numbers. I love reading your work and as a writer who's been at it for less than 8 months, I'm inspired by your journey.
Ps: I'm from Kenya.
I'm letting you know because it was pretty awesome knowing where are my readers are too.