"Time and time again I’ve pushed the 'publish' button, sure that I was going to break the internet with my poetic genius, only to receive nothing in reply. In fact, some of my favorite things I’ve ever written have the worst reception to the public."
Thank you for sharing! I empathize with this so much. Sometimes I feel like I am doing something 'wrong' by growing so slowly, but it's given me the time to figure out what I want my substack to be and I am so grateful for the people who read and engage when I post my writing.
Thank you for this. I've been posting weekly for just over a month and I can already feel that tiny little voice in the back of my head telling me I'm doing something wrong because I haven't had a huge growth spurt in subscribers yet. I'm trying my very best to not get caught up in the numbers as I love writing on this platform and I really enjoy the community aspect!
Really appreciate this! Every time I hesitate to hit publish I remind myself I’m learning and that feeling that comes from writing is worth the discomfort.
Agreed. I’ve been thinking a lot about this as my life + writing evolves. As I pivot away from grief and loss, I lose subscribers with every post, which twinges each time. I would feel freer trying new things if I were just writing for my handful of friends. And also: who cares? Trying to get back to a place of writing as a process for exploration and play.
I was just talking to my partner about this last night. After posting something I sunk into a state of “what the f am I even doing? No one cares but me.” It’s hard not to receive validation or signs of success and still believe that you’re on the right path. I try to remember, as you said, that all of the time building your craft and experimenting is not wasted. It’s necessary. and it’s what gets you to the next step, whatever that might me. Thanks for the reminder 💕
Love this. Love the part about it giving you the opportunity to write about different topics and develop the skills of being a write. I can definitely relate to that!
This is so true. I’m 5 subscribers away from 600 subscribers, a milestone I hoped I’d reach by the end of March, and probably won’t. That milestone doesn’t matter at all, of course. It’s easy to waste time and energy on stats and growth, but it’s so much better spent on developing writing for all those lovely beautiful people who already signed up, writing the best I can for them is what matters most to me!
When growing slowly, you aren't obsessed with bigger numbers. You create your community that supports you, deeply connects to you, and understand who you're.
Yes, this describes me also. I love the quote - “Create the environment that holds your vision”. Thanks for sharing that. I'm from California and I'd love to visit San Diego again but it's been years since I've been to CA as everyone but one brother have moved away.
This entire article is a very important keeper for me. Were this to have been hard copy, I would have underlined the whole thing. At just the right time, you inspired me to keep going in just the right way. Thank you!
Just found this post mentioned in Notes and it caught my eye, as I am also growing s-l-o-w-l-y, finding joy in the rhythm of the consistent weekly post, swooning over heartfelt comments, and also living an off-beat life--leaving the American Dream behind to live as full-time nomads. Thanks for the encouragement, Brenna. I needed it today.
"Time and time again I’ve pushed the 'publish' button, sure that I was going to break the internet with my poetic genius, only to receive nothing in reply. In fact, some of my favorite things I’ve ever written have the worst reception to the public."
Same, same. Here's to keeping on keeping on!
Thank you for sharing! I empathize with this so much. Sometimes I feel like I am doing something 'wrong' by growing so slowly, but it's given me the time to figure out what I want my substack to be and I am so grateful for the people who read and engage when I post my writing.
Thank you for this. I've been posting weekly for just over a month and I can already feel that tiny little voice in the back of my head telling me I'm doing something wrong because I haven't had a huge growth spurt in subscribers yet. I'm trying my very best to not get caught up in the numbers as I love writing on this platform and I really enjoy the community aspect!
Really appreciate this! Every time I hesitate to hit publish I remind myself I’m learning and that feeling that comes from writing is worth the discomfort.
Agreed. I’ve been thinking a lot about this as my life + writing evolves. As I pivot away from grief and loss, I lose subscribers with every post, which twinges each time. I would feel freer trying new things if I were just writing for my handful of friends. And also: who cares? Trying to get back to a place of writing as a process for exploration and play.
I was just talking to my partner about this last night. After posting something I sunk into a state of “what the f am I even doing? No one cares but me.” It’s hard not to receive validation or signs of success and still believe that you’re on the right path. I try to remember, as you said, that all of the time building your craft and experimenting is not wasted. It’s necessary. and it’s what gets you to the next step, whatever that might me. Thanks for the reminder 💕
This was really encouraging to read as someone who is trying to grow and hardly gets any engagement. Celebrating the small wins is where its at 👏
Love this, Brenna! You make a great point - the writing journey itself is the treasure
I LOVE this! Thanks for some encouragement and honest perspective for the writer that's just getting started on here. <3
Love this. Love the part about it giving you the opportunity to write about different topics and develop the skills of being a write. I can definitely relate to that!
This is so true. I’m 5 subscribers away from 600 subscribers, a milestone I hoped I’d reach by the end of March, and probably won’t. That milestone doesn’t matter at all, of course. It’s easy to waste time and energy on stats and growth, but it’s so much better spent on developing writing for all those lovely beautiful people who already signed up, writing the best I can for them is what matters most to me!
When growing slowly, you aren't obsessed with bigger numbers. You create your community that supports you, deeply connects to you, and understand who you're.
Yes, this describes me also. I love the quote - “Create the environment that holds your vision”. Thanks for sharing that. I'm from California and I'd love to visit San Diego again but it's been years since I've been to CA as everyone but one brother have moved away.
This entire article is a very important keeper for me. Were this to have been hard copy, I would have underlined the whole thing. At just the right time, you inspired me to keep going in just the right way. Thank you!
Just found this post mentioned in Notes and it caught my eye, as I am also growing s-l-o-w-l-y, finding joy in the rhythm of the consistent weekly post, swooning over heartfelt comments, and also living an off-beat life--leaving the American Dream behind to live as full-time nomads. Thanks for the encouragement, Brenna. I needed it today.
This is a brilliant read Brenna, true and encouraging!