Thanks for inviting me to write here at The Author Stack! Would love to talk more to anyone who’s super interested in expansive craft and joyful growth here! ✨
I didn’t realise your husband had long covid Claire, me too. Mine is much better than it was but it’s a journey (3 years) It is so confusing and debilitating. Even more so with small children. Hats off to you both 🙌🏻 💛
Ah Kate yes so we are over 3 years in now but there's been lots of light (and cracking open) along the way - have you found a way to manage the symptoms?
Yes it makes you reflect for sure! Most of my symptoms have gone, as long as I pace myself and take antihistamines. I didn’t pace myself at Christmas and I’m still suffering with massive fatigue. Perimenopause not helping but this is life and I’m happy and grateful for all that I have! 💛✨
So beautiful (and there's the cracking open I see in us too)... So Dave did a histamine reset diet last Jan and steers clear all of histamine inducing foods which for the most part keeps things on an even keel... he also meditates 40 mins x2 each day and consciously walks 5k steps... the anchors to routine are something in a world of 'not being able' - we're lucky that my work has exploded and I'm so conscious to keep my self 'sustainable' in that...the vulnerability bringing up my baby and toddler has crushed me but also given me much to write about...
I also eat low histamine and do a 8 eating window most days for autophagy which isn’t as hard as it sounds! Plus turmeric and cod liver oil to reduce inflammation (I can send him my full supplement list if it helps, all from other sufferers anecdotal reports). I’m so glad your work is exploding, you offer so much value and I suspect it will explode more this year! ✨💛✨
Wow. This was so good! In Claire's writing, I feel warmth, friendship, hot apple cider with cinnamon and a cozy fireplace. Slow, intentional growth based on genuine connection feels possible and I feel so seen and so home.
This was such a valuable read, Russell, thanks for always providing so much value to us! Super exciting that you're working with Claire, I love her writing too :) Excited for your next stage of growth!!
What a fantastic post. It was really honest and happy, if that makes sense!? Being generous is definitely the key here, thanks for wording it the way you have. Inspirational :)
Yes! Generously reply to newsletters I read. And get into notes more! I have to admit I find it difficult to do. But I think it’s a hangover of feeling obliged to use social media a lot to grow followers. It feels better, more real here than it does on instagram say.
Right! Yes I always see a comment as the start of a conversation... here's my video on using Notes - it's a little old now but it's cheery - I like to see Notes as a 24/7 party where the conversations are infinite - so less of a billboard and more of a 'here are all my mates' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwPSuKihUrs&list=PLxH_TD-j6nOUOFxltrwW0-0dJ2lUxg7nJ&index=7
Thanks so much for your thoughtful, kind, loving advice for how to build a successful publication and community here on Substack. Really enjoyed reading this. Lots of helpful information and inspiration.
Aw Rey you're super welcome. I was just joking with Russell that it's SO long but actually it's a story, a part of mine and sometimes they are long aren't they... How's Substack going for you? ✨
Well I was really interested in your story so it didn't feel long to me!
Substack has been a really great place to get to know other writers and build community for me. I'm honored that a lot of the folks who read my newsletter are better and more successful writers than me. I've gotten more serious about treating it as a publication, at least one essay every single week, and while it's still small, it's growing which is exciting. And people leave the most thoughtful and interesting comments which feels like a conversation. Thanks for asking, Claire!
Ah thanks! I really love the word “publication” it’s such a unique creative map of soulful work. Yes it just feels like there’s alot of equality in being human here? The first “high profile” subscribe I got I nearly fell over and I don’t check who subs now so there’s growth there for me - like it’s lovely but also it wonderful that anyone wants to subscribe and connect - I’m truly grateful for every single person however long my work serves them. ✍️✨🤩
Yes, I've been leaning into "publication" instead of "blog" or "newsletter" - I think it better captures some of the effort and intention behind some of the well-polished, creative, useful work here.
That's such a great way of framing it—grateful for every single reader—I love that, thank you!
Right?! You’re welcome. It’s such a beautiful blend of mixed media here. I did a note last week asking how people describe SS outside of Substack... the replies were varied! ✨
Thanks for sharing your sparkles and tips, Clare! Earlier today, I shared a post on my own journey to Substack, and your comment on "messy and complex world" truly resonates with me.
Generosity is definitely the word I think of Claire, when I think of you. I've not been in your community for long but it shines out of you, the passion to see everyone grow and find joy around you... it's not something the world has enough of, so keep on being you please 💫
Interesting, generous, insightful and thoughtful - enjoyed reading even more and knowing more.
Generosity is intrinsic for me and it's so wonderful to see this is true for so many others too and that there are many, like yourself Claire, leading the charge here.
Thanks Casper and for being here! Yes it’s a journey and it’s gone over quickly so next month I might perhaps share different parts. Writing in real time in this way is COMPLETELY new... and wholly exciting! ✨
That's very interesting, to me, as I feel like I write more 'live' as in things don't sit with me or stay with me for long if at all. I write, read, edit and hit publish all in one sitting - but perhaps that's the ADHD part of me and knowing if I sit on anything I might then second guess myself 🤷🏻♂️
I’m the same! When Russell scheduled this piece for WAY in my future I felt physically unwell. I do use the scheduling tool but I’ve been known to go back in and try to meet my own scheduling like it’s just never “done” if it’s scheduled?!
Funny isn't it - it technically will/can never be 'done' there is always edit too of course but somehow scheduling puts a clock on it...
My scheduling is usually 'this will be sent in 4/5/6 hours' as I hit publish at some ungodly hour between 2-5am 😬 but that's when the magic ✨ happens so I go with it!
This was absolutely wonderful Claire, thank you so much for being so open and insightful about your journey, and being a huge positive force here on Substack.
This was so good Russel & Claire! I'm just starting to stand up here on SS. I've been writing most of my life and now that I'm retired, I think I need a little direction and encouragement. Engagement seems to be my weak point. I'm kind of reclusive and contemplative so not exactly life of the party kind of guy. However, I have a lot to say after 55 yrs of study and contemplation (I'm 71). I have a lot of interests and write about them all. Fiction too. I started posting some of my older stuff, now I'm trying to organize my SS & post a lot of content I need to polish. I'm getting some of that reading your stuff. Thanks you! (open to advice)
You know T - conversation isn't everything here... if it's a particular goal for you that's great. BUT if you're happy writing and organising and allowing folks to pop in and read that's a beautiful thing. Some Substacks are beautifully curated magazines and books that have a much more passive interaction.... My top tip for this space feeling good and for publication growth is to really support other people; people whose writing you genuinely care about - write them recommendation blurbs and "restack" their work to Notes when you feel called to... Oh and if you're not already paying for Russell's work; do that! ✨
🌟 🌟- yes Engagement and Partnership work project to project was my job before I stated a Substack so I just naturally do that.
Important here to note that the ceiling on arts salaries in the North East of the UK in £45k ish and for that you are a CEO running a venue with a tonne of stress with a 6 day week! 😅
I’ve been self employed since 2008 but even with consultancy, the cultural sector work was drying up post pandemic and brexit so I have been working really hard to find a way to bring my work online. Not only to make my business viable as the funding pots dry up but also because I love creative people and I especially love creatuve people in other countries who aren’t moaning about the cultural sector like we all are here. 😅
My work is rooted in Engagement so I see that potential here on SS but Russell is so right it really depends what your personal goals are. There is so much scope to do things your way. ✨
🥰🥰🥰 so it’s an app based social media feed but now and again you’ll get an email from SS that says here are some Notes from x,y and z you might like! ✨💫
Wonderful share. It’s interesting to note which posts go viral or who has thousands of subscribers. This is what I’ve observed regarding the winners of the popularity contest:
1. Lessons on how to build your Substack.
2. Political posts.
3. Folks who already had a following on social media.
4. Celebrity authors.
5. There are many who touch on something that resonates and grow quickly.
It's fun - I like it; there are always surprises and I think in all honestly we can't know if it's fact or just fun it gives us an exchange and bigger than that it invites conversation in a small way and that's a beautiful thing.
Yes number 5 is where I started for sure... and it also unleashed the writer in me... before that I was a creative producer that sometimes wrote - through connecting to the words that needed to meet the page I found my story and my audience for it... I could keep writing that way over on Creatively Conscious but in this season I'm called to find the people who want to learn from me and hold space for creative projects over on CC... so lovely to connect CK. ✨
Thanks for inviting me to write here at The Author Stack! Would love to talk more to anyone who’s super interested in expansive craft and joyful growth here! ✨
I didn’t realise your husband had long covid Claire, me too. Mine is much better than it was but it’s a journey (3 years) It is so confusing and debilitating. Even more so with small children. Hats off to you both 🙌🏻 💛
Ah Kate yes so we are over 3 years in now but there's been lots of light (and cracking open) along the way - have you found a way to manage the symptoms?
Yes it makes you reflect for sure! Most of my symptoms have gone, as long as I pace myself and take antihistamines. I didn’t pace myself at Christmas and I’m still suffering with massive fatigue. Perimenopause not helping but this is life and I’m happy and grateful for all that I have! 💛✨
So beautiful (and there's the cracking open I see in us too)... So Dave did a histamine reset diet last Jan and steers clear all of histamine inducing foods which for the most part keeps things on an even keel... he also meditates 40 mins x2 each day and consciously walks 5k steps... the anchors to routine are something in a world of 'not being able' - we're lucky that my work has exploded and I'm so conscious to keep my self 'sustainable' in that...the vulnerability bringing up my baby and toddler has crushed me but also given me much to write about...
I also eat low histamine and do a 8 eating window most days for autophagy which isn’t as hard as it sounds! Plus turmeric and cod liver oil to reduce inflammation (I can send him my full supplement list if it helps, all from other sufferers anecdotal reports). I’m so glad your work is exploding, you offer so much value and I suspect it will explode more this year! ✨💛✨
Thanks Kate - I'll send this over... 💌
Wow. This was so good! In Claire's writing, I feel warmth, friendship, hot apple cider with cinnamon and a cozy fireplace. Slow, intentional growth based on genuine connection feels possible and I feel so seen and so home.
We are so home Kelsey... so so home... 🏡 ✨ 💌 - delighted to have met you via SS recently - excited to stay connected to your work and words...
This was such a valuable read, Russell, thanks for always providing so much value to us! Super exciting that you're working with Claire, I love her writing too :) Excited for your next stage of growth!!
What a fantastic post. It was really honest and happy, if that makes sense!? Being generous is definitely the key here, thanks for wording it the way you have. Inspirational :)
Aw Gareth - that means a lot - I'm so glad you find it inspirational - what actions are you going to take - do you have some?
Yes! Generously reply to newsletters I read. And get into notes more! I have to admit I find it difficult to do. But I think it’s a hangover of feeling obliged to use social media a lot to grow followers. It feels better, more real here than it does on instagram say.
Right! Yes I always see a comment as the start of a conversation... here's my video on using Notes - it's a little old now but it's cheery - I like to see Notes as a 24/7 party where the conversations are infinite - so less of a billboard and more of a 'here are all my mates' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwPSuKihUrs&list=PLxH_TD-j6nOUOFxltrwW0-0dJ2lUxg7nJ&index=7
Thanks so much for your thoughtful, kind, loving advice for how to build a successful publication and community here on Substack. Really enjoyed reading this. Lots of helpful information and inspiration.
Aw Rey you're super welcome. I was just joking with Russell that it's SO long but actually it's a story, a part of mine and sometimes they are long aren't they... How's Substack going for you? ✨
Well I was really interested in your story so it didn't feel long to me!
Substack has been a really great place to get to know other writers and build community for me. I'm honored that a lot of the folks who read my newsletter are better and more successful writers than me. I've gotten more serious about treating it as a publication, at least one essay every single week, and while it's still small, it's growing which is exciting. And people leave the most thoughtful and interesting comments which feels like a conversation. Thanks for asking, Claire!
Ah thanks! I really love the word “publication” it’s such a unique creative map of soulful work. Yes it just feels like there’s alot of equality in being human here? The first “high profile” subscribe I got I nearly fell over and I don’t check who subs now so there’s growth there for me - like it’s lovely but also it wonderful that anyone wants to subscribe and connect - I’m truly grateful for every single person however long my work serves them. ✍️✨🤩
Yes, I've been leaning into "publication" instead of "blog" or "newsletter" - I think it better captures some of the effort and intention behind some of the well-polished, creative, useful work here.
That's such a great way of framing it—grateful for every single reader—I love that, thank you!
Right?! You’re welcome. It’s such a beautiful blend of mixed media here. I did a note last week asking how people describe SS outside of Substack... the replies were varied! ✨
Thanks for sharing your sparkles and tips, Clare! Earlier today, I shared a post on my own journey to Substack, and your comment on "messy and complex world" truly resonates with me.
Right? That and knowing we can step away anytime we choose? What a trip! ✨
What a great post, thanks Claire!
I’ve included my first Poll in today’s post, does anyone know if Polls work in the emails or just in App?
Many thanks! 😘
A reader has to be subscribed and using the app or desktop version. Thanks for reading Kate!! ✨
Awesome, thanks for confirming, I thought that might be the case, so I put a link to the App after it. 👍
I hope you like the post Claire, it’s going out at 12.24 today... you get a mention! 😉
Ooo! All lovely things!!! ✨✨💎
Today’s post shows my progress so far after 3 months, I’m not sure if the headline is a bit cheeky! We’ll soon find out! 😂😂😂
Kate I’m intrigued!!!
🤞
Generosity is definitely the word I think of Claire, when I think of you. I've not been in your community for long but it shines out of you, the passion to see everyone grow and find joy around you... it's not something the world has enough of, so keep on being you please 💫
Interesting, generous, insightful and thoughtful - enjoyed reading even more and knowing more.
Generosity is intrinsic for me and it's so wonderful to see this is true for so many others too and that there are many, like yourself Claire, leading the charge here.
Thanks Casper and for being here! Yes it’s a journey and it’s gone over quickly so next month I might perhaps share different parts. Writing in real time in this way is COMPLETELY new... and wholly exciting! ✨
That's very interesting, to me, as I feel like I write more 'live' as in things don't sit with me or stay with me for long if at all. I write, read, edit and hit publish all in one sitting - but perhaps that's the ADHD part of me and knowing if I sit on anything I might then second guess myself 🤷🏻♂️
I’m the same! When Russell scheduled this piece for WAY in my future I felt physically unwell. I do use the scheduling tool but I’ve been known to go back in and try to meet my own scheduling like it’s just never “done” if it’s scheduled?!
Funny isn't it - it technically will/can never be 'done' there is always edit too of course but somehow scheduling puts a clock on it...
My scheduling is usually 'this will be sent in 4/5/6 hours' as I hit publish at some ungodly hour between 2-5am 😬 but that's when the magic ✨ happens so I go with it!
This was absolutely wonderful Claire, thank you so much for being so open and insightful about your journey, and being a huge positive force here on Substack.
Smashing it!!
Ah thanks Zan! 💫✨
Loved reading this, and I love the picture you chose 🤣💍
That’s all Russell! ☺️✨ 💎
This was so good Russel & Claire! I'm just starting to stand up here on SS. I've been writing most of my life and now that I'm retired, I think I need a little direction and encouragement. Engagement seems to be my weak point. I'm kind of reclusive and contemplative so not exactly life of the party kind of guy. However, I have a lot to say after 55 yrs of study and contemplation (I'm 71). I have a lot of interests and write about them all. Fiction too. I started posting some of my older stuff, now I'm trying to organize my SS & post a lot of content I need to polish. I'm getting some of that reading your stuff. Thanks you! (open to advice)
Thanks so much.
You know T - conversation isn't everything here... if it's a particular goal for you that's great. BUT if you're happy writing and organising and allowing folks to pop in and read that's a beautiful thing. Some Substacks are beautifully curated magazines and books that have a much more passive interaction.... My top tip for this space feeling good and for publication growth is to really support other people; people whose writing you genuinely care about - write them recommendation blurbs and "restack" their work to Notes when you feel called to... Oh and if you're not already paying for Russell's work; do that! ✨
You can be very successful as a writer and be terrible at engagement. I am living proof of that
🌟 🌟- yes Engagement and Partnership work project to project was my job before I stated a Substack so I just naturally do that.
Important here to note that the ceiling on arts salaries in the North East of the UK in £45k ish and for that you are a CEO running a venue with a tonne of stress with a 6 day week! 😅
I’ve been self employed since 2008 but even with consultancy, the cultural sector work was drying up post pandemic and brexit so I have been working really hard to find a way to bring my work online. Not only to make my business viable as the funding pots dry up but also because I love creative people and I especially love creatuve people in other countries who aren’t moaning about the cultural sector like we all are here. 😅
My work is rooted in Engagement so I see that potential here on SS but Russell is so right it really depends what your personal goals are. There is so much scope to do things your way. ✨
Lovely post as always Claire. I’ve got a question about Notes. Does our notes show up in people’s inboxes or are they only visible on the app?
🥰🥰🥰 so it’s an app based social media feed but now and again you’ll get an email from SS that says here are some Notes from x,y and z you might like! ✨💫
Thank you Claire for that info. I am just cautious to add more stuff to people's inbox, because it is different if you are on the app.
Yes I understand that totally Linn. It’s not necessary to use it but it’s a nice friendly party. ✨💫💖
This is such a good post. Your story is inspiring.
Ah thanks C! ✨💖✍️
Thanks to Claire, great article.
You're so welcome Colin!
Wonderful share. It’s interesting to note which posts go viral or who has thousands of subscribers. This is what I’ve observed regarding the winners of the popularity contest:
1. Lessons on how to build your Substack.
2. Political posts.
3. Folks who already had a following on social media.
4. Celebrity authors.
5. There are many who touch on something that resonates and grow quickly.
Very insightful, I agree! I am trying for #5, personally - writing about topics that seem to resonate with my readers.
Right? Are you using the poll function here? It's interesting to do I think? Always a surprise or two...
I haven't used the poll function but maybe I should try it!
It's fun - I like it; there are always surprises and I think in all honestly we can't know if it's fact or just fun it gives us an exchange and bigger than that it invites conversation in a small way and that's a beautiful thing.
I love that, thank you! Will try it out.
Yes number 5 is where I started for sure... and it also unleashed the writer in me... before that I was a creative producer that sometimes wrote - through connecting to the words that needed to meet the page I found my story and my audience for it... I could keep writing that way over on Creatively Conscious but in this season I'm called to find the people who want to learn from me and hold space for creative projects over on CC... so lovely to connect CK. ✨