Kate, I have really struggled of late with my relationship with Substack. I have pulled back a lot and am spending much less time online. I mostly only log on to publish my posts and read the few newsletters I still subscribe to. I try to avoid Notes at all costs. It is a challenging dilemma but I feel you.
Oh, thank you so much for saying this, Matthew. You have validated how I’ve been feeling here of late. I think your idea of distance and only using what you need is the way forward.
I feel this, too (both of you). Hoping to do some reading this evening in addition to this gorgeous post. I’ve had a tough year job wise and think my head is in a fog of the aftermath. The longer I’m away from publishing and Notes, the harder it also feels to jump back in, like I need to be braver, and perhaps this is also some of the shift you both mention. Be well :)
Thanks, Kate. I know it's been a tough year for you; hopefully the end of the tunnel is in sight! I get what you mean regarding finding it harder to jump back in. Whatever direction you go in once you are out from the 'fog', I'm sure readers will always want to hear from you : )
I also just finished a book I think you'd enjoy- The Wedding People by Alison Espach. It features a female American English academic (!) although it isn't set in a university. Darkly funny, uplifting and a page turner. Perfect!
I have a notebook where I jot down ideas, quotations, thoughts, lists etc - but am avoiding calling it a Journal as for some reason this word suggests an obligation to write daily which would seem a chore, even though I do end up writing in it almost every day! But I can absolutely attest to feeling better for getting those thoughts out of my head and onto the page!
Exactly! I think you've nailed it: calling it a "Journal" makes it appear something grander than it is. I think maybe it reminds me of somebody like Sylvia Plath, who wrote copious journals that are filled with profound thoughts and poetry!
These "social writing platforms" are a tricky business, Kate. I used to write on Medium, and ultimately left because the culture of the place no longer suited me. I like Substack a lot better. I wrote a few essays about how to get the most out of the online writing experience in case you and your readers might interested. ⬇️
I have kept a journal for over 15 years and have allowed the format of my journal to flow over time through my writing and development. I currently like to have my to do list at the top of my journal entry and then I write 2-3 ish pages of reflection, and bi-monthly full moon and new moon journal prompts with specific questions. Even so, I enjoyed reading this reminder on the benefits of journaling. 💗
Ah, thank you for sharing your practice, Sophia! That is amazing to have kept that up for 15 years. I like the idea of your format; I am gathering all these ideas to try to build a practice as I'm convinced it would help my overthinking mind.
I think the best recent addition of the last few years that I love is— I love having the to do list at the top and checking things off as I go through my day! Gives me peace to write it down, makes me feel good to check it off, and has the dual benefit of looking back I can see what I did each day. 🌞
I know how you feel about the fear of journaling! I also keep a notebook handy when I’m reading or writing, though. It’s not necessarily sitting down to write your feelings if that’s not your thing, but you can still note down anything that comes to mind when you want. The internet can be a horrible place sometimes - I think spending time in the “real world” to remind yourself that being online isn’t the be all and end all can do wonders :)
Yes! I think letting go of thinking you have to “journal” in a certain way is the way to start. And yes…the Internet can be so toxic, it’s important to step away and into the real world 🌎
I think the challenge of Substack is finding your voice. And the challenge of keeping going is to figure out how to find your voice and make your writing better.
Here is a Substack that deals with this and may spark some good ideas.
To me a journal is just another job but I think it is good because it gives you your own platform. Your own personal publishing press just for you. As far as negative comments, that is what block is for. I read a Mother's Day post from Hillary Clinton and I am not a huge Hillary Clinton fan but what she wrote was positive, helpful and encouraging. So I wrote a small thank you comment. So there was a troll reply that implied I was a fool to believe her and called her an expletive and I had no trouble at all quickly blocking that person. I have a personal rule that if someone says or does something nice not matter they have previously said or done, that I must acknowledge them. And if someone makes you feel uncomfortable because of that, block them. If everyone blocks the trolls there won't be anyone left for the trolls to troll. I have found Substack writers to be much more sensitive and thoughtful than on any other social platform. Another thing is figuring out what your purpose is in writing your particular Substack. I write about India because India's culture is amazing to me and has sustained it for thousands of years and has helped keep me going in life up to the age of 74. Will I get 1,000 subscribers easily, probably not. But the subscribers I do get are amazing. And then there are the people who read your writing that you will never know about. So maybe pick out what you most want to write about and what sort of engagement you would like to have that will make all the writing, rewriting and research worth doing. If I'm stuck and overwhelmed I watch Hindi films or it could be Japanese or Korean films or Latino telenovellas or anything with a lot of drama concerning what I most care to be writing about. [Could be old British movies]. Also look at the happiest times you enjoyed writing your Substack. Also maybe look at what you wrote that got the highest number of views. Maybe look at other people's substacks that may give you ideas of something you would really enjoy writing about or like to write about. Apologize this is a little long. The challenge in writing is recreate your best moments and your best writing over and over again because continually writing will gradually improve your writing. It will get better and gradually you'll be read by more people. Thanks for your post because it is easy to get discouraged and difficult to be able to encourage yourself enough to keep going. But to get anywhere you have to keep going and some people actually reach where they want to go. It is still doable if really difficult sometimes.
Thank you for your considered response, Larry. It can be a tricky time to be a writer or to be online, especially as a highly sensitive person! I'm glad you have found a platform to share your love of India. The good thing about Substack is the diversity of the topics you can read about.
I deleted the Substack app off my phone for about five weeks, only came to Substack intentionally on the computer, read very few of the things I subscribe to, and almost never went on Notes ... and I found a way back to myself in writing that felt really good.
I've since returned more actively to the platform, and it's only been a couple of weeks, and I'm noticing that I really don't like the social media part of it. But I do like the moments of deeper engagement. I have made some beautiful connections here and enjoyed wonderful online and offline exchanges. Still figuring it out. Always.
As for journaling, I consider myself a life long journaler but it's taken a million different forms over the years. Right now, more often than not, it's a one page recap of my day in a list format. It's often just literally a list of what I did (watched, listened to) and then maybe a note or two about my thoughts or feelings.
For what it's worth, although it's certainly not the important part, yours is always one of the newsletters I get excited to see in my inbox.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kathryn. Your words mean a lot to hear 💕 I shall go and read your piece as I am genuinely trying to figure this whole space out. As you say, I too have found some wonderful connections here, which far outweigh the negatives. I think it's just a case of finding the right balance.
As for your journaling, I like the idea of a simple list format, with space to expand into thoughts. I shall be trying that out. Thank you.
I hope what I’ve offered is helpful in some way. The link I sent also has links at the bottom to other people’s perspectives here. I don’t have answers but I do think there’s some way to find a balance here that works. Either way I would love to stay in touch over time so if your newsletter / platform / whatever ever moves do keep me on the email list!
Kate, I have really struggled of late with my relationship with Substack. I have pulled back a lot and am spending much less time online. I mostly only log on to publish my posts and read the few newsletters I still subscribe to. I try to avoid Notes at all costs. It is a challenging dilemma but I feel you.
Oh, thank you so much for saying this, Matthew. You have validated how I’ve been feeling here of late. I think your idea of distance and only using what you need is the way forward.
I feel this, too (both of you). Hoping to do some reading this evening in addition to this gorgeous post. I’ve had a tough year job wise and think my head is in a fog of the aftermath. The longer I’m away from publishing and Notes, the harder it also feels to jump back in, like I need to be braver, and perhaps this is also some of the shift you both mention. Be well :)
Thanks, Kate. I know it's been a tough year for you; hopefully the end of the tunnel is in sight! I get what you mean regarding finding it harder to jump back in. Whatever direction you go in once you are out from the 'fog', I'm sure readers will always want to hear from you : )
I also just finished a book I think you'd enjoy- The Wedding People by Alison Espach. It features a female American English academic (!) although it isn't set in a university. Darkly funny, uplifting and a page turner. Perfect!
Thanks Kate, that's very kind :)
The book sounds perfect! I'll check it out.
Have been coming alive again!! The page turn is near. Will be in touch.
I have a notebook where I jot down ideas, quotations, thoughts, lists etc - but am avoiding calling it a Journal as for some reason this word suggests an obligation to write daily which would seem a chore, even though I do end up writing in it almost every day! But I can absolutely attest to feeling better for getting those thoughts out of my head and onto the page!
Exactly! I think you've nailed it: calling it a "Journal" makes it appear something grander than it is. I think maybe it reminds me of somebody like Sylvia Plath, who wrote copious journals that are filled with profound thoughts and poetry!
These "social writing platforms" are a tricky business, Kate. I used to write on Medium, and ultimately left because the culture of the place no longer suited me. I like Substack a lot better. I wrote a few essays about how to get the most out of the online writing experience in case you and your readers might interested. ⬇️
https://medium.com/@bairdbrightman/you-can-be-happy-here-on-medium-b82d25a25ec3
Thank you, Baird, I will take a look! :)
Substack has certainly changed a lot (I've been here 18 mths) and not for the better.... but I hope you stay, Kate!!!!
Ah, thank you so much, Laura 💕
I have kept a journal for over 15 years and have allowed the format of my journal to flow over time through my writing and development. I currently like to have my to do list at the top of my journal entry and then I write 2-3 ish pages of reflection, and bi-monthly full moon and new moon journal prompts with specific questions. Even so, I enjoyed reading this reminder on the benefits of journaling. 💗
Ah, thank you for sharing your practice, Sophia! That is amazing to have kept that up for 15 years. I like the idea of your format; I am gathering all these ideas to try to build a practice as I'm convinced it would help my overthinking mind.
I think the best recent addition of the last few years that I love is— I love having the to do list at the top and checking things off as I go through my day! Gives me peace to write it down, makes me feel good to check it off, and has the dual benefit of looking back I can see what I did each day. 🌞
A satisfying sense of achievement! I love that 💕
I know how you feel about the fear of journaling! I also keep a notebook handy when I’m reading or writing, though. It’s not necessarily sitting down to write your feelings if that’s not your thing, but you can still note down anything that comes to mind when you want. The internet can be a horrible place sometimes - I think spending time in the “real world” to remind yourself that being online isn’t the be all and end all can do wonders :)
Yes! I think letting go of thinking you have to “journal” in a certain way is the way to start. And yes…the Internet can be so toxic, it’s important to step away and into the real world 🌎
I think the challenge of Substack is finding your voice. And the challenge of keeping going is to figure out how to find your voice and make your writing better.
Here is a Substack that deals with this and may spark some good ideas.
https://open.substack.com/pub/lindac/p/keep-going?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1nv21u
Guess who supports writers against AI?
The new Pope!
Pope Leo XIV was entirely right in his warning Saturday: The rise of AI poses “new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor.”
Writing is labor? Right? Writer's Guild?
Thank you for sharing!
To me a journal is just another job but I think it is good because it gives you your own platform. Your own personal publishing press just for you. As far as negative comments, that is what block is for. I read a Mother's Day post from Hillary Clinton and I am not a huge Hillary Clinton fan but what she wrote was positive, helpful and encouraging. So I wrote a small thank you comment. So there was a troll reply that implied I was a fool to believe her and called her an expletive and I had no trouble at all quickly blocking that person. I have a personal rule that if someone says or does something nice not matter they have previously said or done, that I must acknowledge them. And if someone makes you feel uncomfortable because of that, block them. If everyone blocks the trolls there won't be anyone left for the trolls to troll. I have found Substack writers to be much more sensitive and thoughtful than on any other social platform. Another thing is figuring out what your purpose is in writing your particular Substack. I write about India because India's culture is amazing to me and has sustained it for thousands of years and has helped keep me going in life up to the age of 74. Will I get 1,000 subscribers easily, probably not. But the subscribers I do get are amazing. And then there are the people who read your writing that you will never know about. So maybe pick out what you most want to write about and what sort of engagement you would like to have that will make all the writing, rewriting and research worth doing. If I'm stuck and overwhelmed I watch Hindi films or it could be Japanese or Korean films or Latino telenovellas or anything with a lot of drama concerning what I most care to be writing about. [Could be old British movies]. Also look at the happiest times you enjoyed writing your Substack. Also maybe look at what you wrote that got the highest number of views. Maybe look at other people's substacks that may give you ideas of something you would really enjoy writing about or like to write about. Apologize this is a little long. The challenge in writing is recreate your best moments and your best writing over and over again because continually writing will gradually improve your writing. It will get better and gradually you'll be read by more people. Thanks for your post because it is easy to get discouraged and difficult to be able to encourage yourself enough to keep going. But to get anywhere you have to keep going and some people actually reach where they want to go. It is still doable if really difficult sometimes.
Thank you for your considered response, Larry. It can be a tricky time to be a writer or to be online, especially as a highly sensitive person! I'm glad you have found a platform to share your love of India. The good thing about Substack is the diversity of the topics you can read about.
Definitely agree about the diversity of what one can read and learn from on Substack.
This is quality. I too have struggled to journal and find myself in that negative loop. I am going to try a more flexible approach, thank you.
I think flexibility is key 😀
I deleted the Substack app off my phone for about five weeks, only came to Substack intentionally on the computer, read very few of the things I subscribe to, and almost never went on Notes ... and I found a way back to myself in writing that felt really good.
I've since returned more actively to the platform, and it's only been a couple of weeks, and I'm noticing that I really don't like the social media part of it. But I do like the moments of deeper engagement. I have made some beautiful connections here and enjoyed wonderful online and offline exchanges. Still figuring it out. Always.
I wrote this a year ago and some still resonates and some has shifted: https://createmefree.substack.com/p/is-substack-really-for-paid-newsletters
As for journaling, I consider myself a life long journaler but it's taken a million different forms over the years. Right now, more often than not, it's a one page recap of my day in a list format. It's often just literally a list of what I did (watched, listened to) and then maybe a note or two about my thoughts or feelings.
For what it's worth, although it's certainly not the important part, yours is always one of the newsletters I get excited to see in my inbox.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kathryn. Your words mean a lot to hear 💕 I shall go and read your piece as I am genuinely trying to figure this whole space out. As you say, I too have found some wonderful connections here, which far outweigh the negatives. I think it's just a case of finding the right balance.
As for your journaling, I like the idea of a simple list format, with space to expand into thoughts. I shall be trying that out. Thank you.
I hope what I’ve offered is helpful in some way. The link I sent also has links at the bottom to other people’s perspectives here. I don’t have answers but I do think there’s some way to find a balance here that works. Either way I would love to stay in touch over time so if your newsletter / platform / whatever ever moves do keep me on the email list!
Absolutely! 💕