Great article Winston. The journey you’ve been on here is really fascinating and inspiring for other writers.
What I’d say about this sentence is don’t do yourself a disservice on the fact you think you can’t talk about scalability yet.
“Clearly, I have not acquired the credibility to discuss this on Substack as yet because I have only a mere two thousand plus subscribers.”
Everything is relative. There are many Substacks who are simply dreaming of 2000 subscribers. They will see you have scaled already and would look up to you.
There will always be people who have more subscribers. Lose the imposter syndrome. You’re great!
Thank you so much Martin, for your kind words and encouragement! I truly appreciate your support and the time you took to read my article. It means a lot to me that you find my journey fascinating and inspiring for other writers.
Regarding the sentence about scalability, I want to express my gratitude for your perspective. You're absolutely right; everything is relative. Your insight reminds me that success comes in many forms, and there are writers who would love to have success I currently have.
I will take your advice to heart and try to let go of the imposter syndrome. It's essential to remember that growth is a continuous process, and we will continue to learn and evolve as a writer. Your encouragement gives me the confidence to keep sharing.
What I've noticed is that the Social Media Era has thrown off what we are able to claim as our own. 2000 subscribers, if these were all people in an auditorium, yeah that's a lot of people.
But when we compare (comparison being the thief of joy) our 2000, or 200, or 20 subscribers to the millions of subscribers that others have, say Kim Kardashian on Instagram, it's almost a bludgeon against our own selves, our own writing, our own experiences.
I've really been working on lately not being validated by likes / followers / comments, just writing for the experience and ability to share my thoughts to a global audience.
Thank you Joaquin. It's truly insightful how you've captured the impact of the Social Media Era on our perception of success and validation. You're right, comparing ourselves to others can indeed steal away the joy of our own achievements. The analogy of imagining subscribers as an auditorium audience really puts things into perspective.
The value of genuine engagement and authentic connection should always take precedence over the quantity of audience. It's a journey towards self-expression and growth that goes beyond the metrics of likes and followers.
Your commitment to focus on the intrinsic value of writing and the experience of sharing your thoughts with a global audience is commendable. Keep it up.
Goodness. Writing by formula. Trying to figure out the magic of success. I wish you luck but also feel great sympathy. What a troublesome path you tread. Sigh.
Thank you AC, I appreciate your perspective. I understand your sentiment about the challenges that come with this path. While I do believe in certain principles or techniques, I also share the sentiment that creativity thrives best when it's allowed to flow freely and authentically. Your sympathy is well-received, and I'll certainly keep your thoughts in mind as I navigate this journey. Thank you for your wishes of luck – they mean a lot.
Good Morning. Let me start by saying I enjoyed the article and your writing style is interesting to me, a healthy mix of commercial copywriting and self reflection.
I always find myself struggling with the balance between what would be interesting for my readers and what I like to write.
Sometimes I fall too far on one side of this dividing line and I may enjoy what I authentically wrote, but maybe others don't, and likewise when I try too hard for a 'commercial' success, I don't particularly enjoy this type of writing.
It sounds like you've got this part a bit dialed in, and congrats on your former success with Medium, I quite liked that platform and I'm still getting somewhat used to the substack platform after switching from Medium. Anyways, just subscribed and I look forward to reading more of your writing!
Thank you so much Joaquin for your thoughtful and kind comment! I truly appreciate your words and I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the article and my writing style. It means a lot to me that you see a healthy mix of commercial and personal-reflection in my work.
Balancing what resonates with readers and staying true to our own writing preferences is indeed a challenging endeavour. It's like walking a tightrope between authenticity and popular appeal. I completely relate to your struggle of finding that sweet spot.
Switching platforms can certainly be an adjustment, and I'm glad you're giving Substack a try. It's a journey, and I believe we learn and grow as writers with each new platform and experience.
Your decision to subscribe warms my heart, and I'm excited to have you join the community! I'm looking forward to sharing more of my writing with you and engaging in meaningful discussions.
Once again, thank you for your support, and I'm eager to connect further through our shared passion for writing and self-expression!
I completely agree with you Parul. Authenticity in writing is essential for creating a deep and meaningful connection with readers. When we share genuine experiences and emotions, our stories become relatable and relatability is what truly captures the hearts of our audience.
Great article. I feel less lonely now on this journey toward authenticity. I have also been dogged by the need to be commercially relevant. Social media has forced us to respond to the propensity for “Likes.”
Authenticity is about staying true to yourself and your values, even when external pressures push you to conform. It's essential to find a balance between being genuine and being conformal. The pursuit of authenticity may sometimes feel challenging, but it's a rewarding journey when we allow ourselves to connect with others on a deeper level.
Good thoughts. I look to write using truth and authenticity. With good writing skills. This is a great forum to do so. Thanks for good modeling writing skills and being real.
Thank you so much for your kind words Donald! It's great to hear that you value truth and authenticity in your writing too. Writing with these principles in mind not only enriches your work but also connects you with your readers on a deeper level.
How you discussed the journey made me feel scared but it's very real. How this prompted a feeling of being scared somehow says that your writing is authentic.
I like how you differentiated sustainability and consistency.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I'm truly grateful for your feedback and glad to know that my portrayal of the journey evoked a strong emotional connection. Writing authentically is what I am trying to improve, and your comment reassures me that I'm moving towards that goal.
Regarding the differentiation between sustainability and consistency, I'm pleased you found it valuable. It's important to me to provide clear and distinct explanations, and I'm thrilled that it resonated with you.
I entirely understand what you say here. Each one of these elements are vital to great consistent writing. I know that I still need to improve on my sustainability and authenticity. In particular there is a definite need for me to relate more of what I write about to my personal experience.
It's wonderful to hear you have a good grasp of the essential elements for great writing Thomas! It's all about improvement, and acknowledging areas where you can grow is a crucial step. Regarding sustainability and authenticity, both are vital traits in writing. Sustainability ensures your writing remains engaging over time, while authenticity adds a personal touch to your work.
Incorporating more of your personal experiences into your writing can be a powerful way to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Sharing your own stories and perspectives adds a human touch, making your writing more relatable and impactful. Remember, writing is a journey, and there's always room for growth. Keep practicing. Your commitment will undoubtedly lead to even more exceptional and compelling writing in the future.
Thanks very much for your encouragement. I’ve been consistently writing for about the last five years. Prior to that it was an off and on process.
But I have found one truth consistent in all of this which is that no matter where I am along the development of my skills I will always need to improve, to challenge myself and be challenged by others and, as a result, become more integrated within myself.
Consistently writing for five years is a remarkable achievement, and it's evident that your dedication and passion have paid off. Your realisation about the continuous need for improvement and self-challenge is profound and reflective of a growth mindset.
Keep pushing your boundaries and explore new horizons in your writing. The journey of self-discovery is a lifelong process, and I have no doubt that you'll continue to achieve great things as you evolve as a writer.
Thank you so much for your kind words Robert! I appreciate your thoughtful response and am glad you enjoyed hearing my story. It's always heartwarming to know that my experiences resonated with you!
Great article Winston. The journey you’ve been on here is really fascinating and inspiring for other writers.
What I’d say about this sentence is don’t do yourself a disservice on the fact you think you can’t talk about scalability yet.
“Clearly, I have not acquired the credibility to discuss this on Substack as yet because I have only a mere two thousand plus subscribers.”
Everything is relative. There are many Substacks who are simply dreaming of 2000 subscribers. They will see you have scaled already and would look up to you.
There will always be people who have more subscribers. Lose the imposter syndrome. You’re great!
Thank you so much Martin, for your kind words and encouragement! I truly appreciate your support and the time you took to read my article. It means a lot to me that you find my journey fascinating and inspiring for other writers.
Regarding the sentence about scalability, I want to express my gratitude for your perspective. You're absolutely right; everything is relative. Your insight reminds me that success comes in many forms, and there are writers who would love to have success I currently have.
I will take your advice to heart and try to let go of the imposter syndrome. It's essential to remember that growth is a continuous process, and we will continue to learn and evolve as a writer. Your encouragement gives me the confidence to keep sharing.
Nice words of wisdom, Martin.
What I've noticed is that the Social Media Era has thrown off what we are able to claim as our own. 2000 subscribers, if these were all people in an auditorium, yeah that's a lot of people.
But when we compare (comparison being the thief of joy) our 2000, or 200, or 20 subscribers to the millions of subscribers that others have, say Kim Kardashian on Instagram, it's almost a bludgeon against our own selves, our own writing, our own experiences.
I've really been working on lately not being validated by likes / followers / comments, just writing for the experience and ability to share my thoughts to a global audience.
Thank you Joaquin. It's truly insightful how you've captured the impact of the Social Media Era on our perception of success and validation. You're right, comparing ourselves to others can indeed steal away the joy of our own achievements. The analogy of imagining subscribers as an auditorium audience really puts things into perspective.
The value of genuine engagement and authentic connection should always take precedence over the quantity of audience. It's a journey towards self-expression and growth that goes beyond the metrics of likes and followers.
Your commitment to focus on the intrinsic value of writing and the experience of sharing your thoughts with a global audience is commendable. Keep it up.
Goodness. Writing by formula. Trying to figure out the magic of success. I wish you luck but also feel great sympathy. What a troublesome path you tread. Sigh.
Thank you AC, I appreciate your perspective. I understand your sentiment about the challenges that come with this path. While I do believe in certain principles or techniques, I also share the sentiment that creativity thrives best when it's allowed to flow freely and authentically. Your sympathy is well-received, and I'll certainly keep your thoughts in mind as I navigate this journey. Thank you for your wishes of luck – they mean a lot.
Good Morning. Let me start by saying I enjoyed the article and your writing style is interesting to me, a healthy mix of commercial copywriting and self reflection.
I always find myself struggling with the balance between what would be interesting for my readers and what I like to write.
Sometimes I fall too far on one side of this dividing line and I may enjoy what I authentically wrote, but maybe others don't, and likewise when I try too hard for a 'commercial' success, I don't particularly enjoy this type of writing.
It sounds like you've got this part a bit dialed in, and congrats on your former success with Medium, I quite liked that platform and I'm still getting somewhat used to the substack platform after switching from Medium. Anyways, just subscribed and I look forward to reading more of your writing!
Thank you so much Joaquin for your thoughtful and kind comment! I truly appreciate your words and I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the article and my writing style. It means a lot to me that you see a healthy mix of commercial and personal-reflection in my work.
Balancing what resonates with readers and staying true to our own writing preferences is indeed a challenging endeavour. It's like walking a tightrope between authenticity and popular appeal. I completely relate to your struggle of finding that sweet spot.
Switching platforms can certainly be an adjustment, and I'm glad you're giving Substack a try. It's a journey, and I believe we learn and grow as writers with each new platform and experience.
Your decision to subscribe warms my heart, and I'm excited to have you join the community! I'm looking forward to sharing more of my writing with you and engaging in meaningful discussions.
Once again, thank you for your support, and I'm eager to connect further through our shared passion for writing and self-expression!
I think writing should be done in an honest manner as people are looking for authentic stories and not made up stuff
The more true we are the more our writing resonates with people
😃
I completely agree with you Parul. Authenticity in writing is essential for creating a deep and meaningful connection with readers. When we share genuine experiences and emotions, our stories become relatable and relatability is what truly captures the hearts of our audience.
Agreed 👍👍👍
Thank you for your kind support Hannah.
:) ;)
Great article. I feel less lonely now on this journey toward authenticity. I have also been dogged by the need to be commercially relevant. Social media has forced us to respond to the propensity for “Likes.”
Thank you for your thoughts Constance!
Authenticity is about staying true to yourself and your values, even when external pressures push you to conform. It's essential to find a balance between being genuine and being conformal. The pursuit of authenticity may sometimes feel challenging, but it's a rewarding journey when we allow ourselves to connect with others on a deeper level.
Good thoughts. I look to write using truth and authenticity. With good writing skills. This is a great forum to do so. Thanks for good modeling writing skills and being real.
Thank you so much for your kind words Donald! It's great to hear that you value truth and authenticity in your writing too. Writing with these principles in mind not only enriches your work but also connects you with your readers on a deeper level.
How you discussed the journey made me feel scared but it's very real. How this prompted a feeling of being scared somehow says that your writing is authentic.
I like how you differentiated sustainability and consistency.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I'm truly grateful for your feedback and glad to know that my portrayal of the journey evoked a strong emotional connection. Writing authentically is what I am trying to improve, and your comment reassures me that I'm moving towards that goal.
Regarding the differentiation between sustainability and consistency, I'm pleased you found it valuable. It's important to me to provide clear and distinct explanations, and I'm thrilled that it resonated with you.
I agree - the nuance you established between consistency and sustainability is important and struck me, Winston.
Thank you Bryce!
Winston. It is a long path. D
Thank you Dave, writing is a journey, and there's always room for growth. :)
I entirely understand what you say here. Each one of these elements are vital to great consistent writing. I know that I still need to improve on my sustainability and authenticity. In particular there is a definite need for me to relate more of what I write about to my personal experience.
It's wonderful to hear you have a good grasp of the essential elements for great writing Thomas! It's all about improvement, and acknowledging areas where you can grow is a crucial step. Regarding sustainability and authenticity, both are vital traits in writing. Sustainability ensures your writing remains engaging over time, while authenticity adds a personal touch to your work.
Incorporating more of your personal experiences into your writing can be a powerful way to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Sharing your own stories and perspectives adds a human touch, making your writing more relatable and impactful. Remember, writing is a journey, and there's always room for growth. Keep practicing. Your commitment will undoubtedly lead to even more exceptional and compelling writing in the future.
Thanks very much for your encouragement. I’ve been consistently writing for about the last five years. Prior to that it was an off and on process.
But I have found one truth consistent in all of this which is that no matter where I am along the development of my skills I will always need to improve, to challenge myself and be challenged by others and, as a result, become more integrated within myself.
Consistently writing for five years is a remarkable achievement, and it's evident that your dedication and passion have paid off. Your realisation about the continuous need for improvement and self-challenge is profound and reflective of a growth mindset.
Keep pushing your boundaries and explore new horizons in your writing. The journey of self-discovery is a lifelong process, and I have no doubt that you'll continue to achieve great things as you evolve as a writer.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. Your story is exquisite!
Thank you so much for your kind words Robert! I appreciate your thoughtful response and am glad you enjoyed hearing my story. It's always heartwarming to know that my experiences resonated with you!