What really matters to you? Your creativity does not take a backseat to strategy, or to audience-pleasing. It’s a trap we can all fall into, as we gradually begin to create based on what our readers are responding to or asking for, not we are inspired to create...
It takes so much trust to believe in the words in your post. Trust in others, trust in the medium, trust in myself. Thank you for these words of affirmation.
Wonderful post and like so many who have commented just what I needed on a day when I am feeling the wobbles big time today. I know they will pass but ugh when you are in it, it feels gross. Will no doubt read this another 5 million times today❤️
Writing through the wobbles. (There’s a title for you. 🙈) But keep going, it’s how we find our balance. Even though it feels gross. Write through the wobble.❤️
Oh that is a brilliant title for a book I am sure we could all write. I’m calling it a growth spurt if I am honest. I’ve started a new creative course which means I am learning how to look at my photography work in a different way which I know will help me but ugh it also prompts a lot of questions about what I create and then I end up in a bit of a rabbit hole of self doubt. I know it will pass but it feel just like being a teenager and you don’t what is going on. Will keep on keeping on.❤️
Your work is beautiful! I know that feeling well and it usually means the comfort zone is being pushed which is horrible but wonderful all at once like you’ve said. Growth spurts come with growing pains I guess. But what you’re working on sounds really exciting. 🤍It’ll be worth it I’m sure.
HI there, This post speaks to me and is very encouraging. However- I'm having a heck of a time getting over the recent controversy regarding Substack's publicly policies and the many articles (the Atlantic, NYT and that open letter to the creators of substack from other substackers) about some of the users on the platform. It makes me so sad and horrified. I only just opened my substack in December 2023, and then after writing my first post, with REALLY high hopes,excitement and paid subscribers for my own presence on the platform, I found out about that!! YUCK!! I'm now quite frozen and search for another place to go- or battle with my own morals to stay or not. I'm not sure I can continue with this elephant in the room,dressed in the emperor's clothing, with his friend wolf in sheep's fleece(that poor sheep)... et al.... : ( ... I am aware Meta is no better......double ick! I was really inspired by yourselves and some other people I follow, to be here. You have asked , so I hope you don't mind me addressing this. Having a 'safe ' place to share myself and work really with my people matters to me.
Hey Jenny thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I so appreciate these words and totally agree creating and sharing in a safe space is paramount. I want to give more consideration to my thoughts here so if it’s ok I’ll circle back. 🤍
YES! By all means! Thank you for that. This isn't something that one can just 'reply on the fly' to. I, myself spent a long time to consider how I should be responding to this post, while this other issue lies heavily on my mind...like massive tons of stone and surprising sadness, as I thought Substack finally, would be different. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and consideration. : )
Haven't forgotten Jenny... I guess the truth is I don't have a nice wrapped up bow answer for this. I also feel like I don't have all the information because I haven't spoken to anyone at Substack directly. While I believe some of those accounts were shut down in the end, seeing people sharing hate-inspired work and profiting off it feels...unthinkable. But there's also SO many great people here and great work and I feel like if I were to throw in the towel here then that's just something else these people get to take away. It's not ok. It's not right. I think for now I just want to see how Substack continue to handle it as they have removed some accounts and I want to focus on the community of non-evil. Because they far outweigh the others. I don't know if that helps but I'm just fumbling my way through it too. I don't speak for Sara on this, she would have her own thoughts too. xx Happy to chat more if you ever want/need.
Hi there Keeley!! Thank you so very much for your thoughtful response here. I do hope that they reconsider their position on these things and their new tools will help to quell such hurtful , dangerous work. Mind you I'm not opposed to difference of opinions,but when it's harmful to others that' s where I draw the line. I left Facebook ages ago,and often want to leave Instagram too,but the Art market seems to dictate my presence there-if I want to be seen that is... I have just noticed the post below about some of it being removed-thankfully!). Meanwhile, I have decided to stay on Substack for at least the remainder of the year, and see how things go but if they don't come to (real and actionable) terms about this I may likely leave...I hope they come to a better conclusion for their community and take the responsibility they are charged with in this child they have borne. That said, I'm enjoying the Substack Soiree and really appreciate the work and enormous efforts of both yourself, and Sara! Blessings to you both! ~J
Appreciated the you do you boo. It’s all too easy to get caught up in trying to write to what I can only guess will make an impact with readers, especially after a lower “liked” post. But imagine thinking that I could possibly know or meet the expectations of all readers all the time!! Instead, I aim to meet my own expectations for my writing and just have to trust that it will resonate as the quality (and hopefully the response to it) grows.
That's so great Barb, I totally agree. Lower liked posts are just data and over time it can help gives us an idea of what people enjoy hearing from us the most. But even then there's room for the unpredictable. I love what Sara says about the passion behind something when we post. If we're enjoying what we're making and sharing, not only is it more fun for us but people will feel that energy behind it too. Way better for us to focus on that as a priority rather than chasing what we think others want of us. We do that enough in life don't we? Lol.
I looooove, promoting your work is an act of kindness. What a beautiful reframing of an idea that can sometimes feel icky and daunting. Thank you for this wonderful post ❤️
Lots jumped out at me, especially the encouragement you gave about connection. Then how beautiful you write and space your work. When I first started I just want to write and learn how to get better as a writer. Now I recognise the value of connection and creating community, so am on that foothill. I look forward to listening to the “10 commandments. Thank You Both 💗
A very inspiring post. I've become very disillusioned with Instagram and tired of worrying about numbers of views and what I must have done wrong when the views go down. I love Substack for its directness and authenticity. Long may it continue! :)
Oh disillusioned is horrible. It can be SO hard to keep writing and sharing when it feels like you're just getting tumbleweeds. Your love of colour is joyful and inspiring, keep sharing it! x
I really appreciate the wisdom you share here, Keeley & Sara. Especially the way you bring beautiful emphasis to creativity without ignoring strategy. Strategy doesn’t come naturally to me & the way you both share insights on strategy makes it feel accessible rather than daunting. Thank you for that. I listened to the podcast episode with the 10 commandments for Substack while painting my cottage kitchen the other day & need to re listen with a pen rather than paintbrush in hand!
Love reading your words. Creativity is such an interesting and curious thing, and it's important to spread connection and authenticity in a world that is so divided. We live in a world that tells us to fit in a box and be someone we possibly are not, to succeed. I believe the future is more authentic storytelling, human connection, emotional writing and kindness.
Scribbling away in the quiet hours of the night, I relate to that! There’s something so alluring about those quiet hours, it feels like a portal to the magic. I know we’re meant to sleep but it’s a precious time isn’t it?
Also scribbling away in the quiet hours of the night over here! After a long work day, and eve of life admin/chores, still trying to make sure there's opportunity for that creativity and shoot for excellence (and consistency) rather than perfection ✨
Great reminders! Just last week I made the decision to prioritize my creativity by taking a week of work and go to a cabin in the woods by myself to just BE. I have no plans, no goals, no shoulds in mind. If I create nothing, so be it. But I'm betting at the end of the week my juices will be flowing again. Very much looking forward to it!
Honestly this was just the thing I needed to read today (clearly from the comments I am not alone).
Despite finishing the 1st substack soiree (was that October!?) I froze somewhere between busy/bad timing/life and have never pressed GO on a single post. I hang out on Substack and read lots, but have been in a what-was-i-thinking spiral regarding using it as a platform.
I'm still not sure, but this did feel like a light in the dark of it all. And maybe I WILL start that newsletter for real in fast-february ;-)
I didn't know I could do that!! That's a great idea. Do you mean write the posts, but just not press publish/send? Or is there some magic private setting?
I have had a handful of people subscribe, because it's up there as "coming soon" and to be honest that has made it feel more daunting. Like, STOP STARING AT ME. I mean, I know, I know, it is nice they subscribed! It's just my crazy head playing games.
Yep you can make it private in settings. And I 100% get that. You can then manually approve people until you’re ready to make it public. Any posts will only be seen by approved subscribers.
It takes so much trust to believe in the words in your post. Trust in others, trust in the medium, trust in myself. Thank you for these words of affirmation.
Love these thoughts Joan, 100% agree. 🤍
Wonderful post and like so many who have commented just what I needed on a day when I am feeling the wobbles big time today. I know they will pass but ugh when you are in it, it feels gross. Will no doubt read this another 5 million times today❤️
Writing through the wobbles. (There’s a title for you. 🙈) But keep going, it’s how we find our balance. Even though it feels gross. Write through the wobble.❤️
At least, that’s what I tell myself! 🙈
Oh that is a brilliant title for a book I am sure we could all write. I’m calling it a growth spurt if I am honest. I’ve started a new creative course which means I am learning how to look at my photography work in a different way which I know will help me but ugh it also prompts a lot of questions about what I create and then I end up in a bit of a rabbit hole of self doubt. I know it will pass but it feel just like being a teenager and you don’t what is going on. Will keep on keeping on.❤️
Your work is beautiful! I know that feeling well and it usually means the comfort zone is being pushed which is horrible but wonderful all at once like you’ve said. Growth spurts come with growing pains I guess. But what you’re working on sounds really exciting. 🤍It’ll be worth it I’m sure.
Thank you for your super kind words and understanding❤️
HI there, This post speaks to me and is very encouraging. However- I'm having a heck of a time getting over the recent controversy regarding Substack's publicly policies and the many articles (the Atlantic, NYT and that open letter to the creators of substack from other substackers) about some of the users on the platform. It makes me so sad and horrified. I only just opened my substack in December 2023, and then after writing my first post, with REALLY high hopes,excitement and paid subscribers for my own presence on the platform, I found out about that!! YUCK!! I'm now quite frozen and search for another place to go- or battle with my own morals to stay or not. I'm not sure I can continue with this elephant in the room,dressed in the emperor's clothing, with his friend wolf in sheep's fleece(that poor sheep)... et al.... : ( ... I am aware Meta is no better......double ick! I was really inspired by yourselves and some other people I follow, to be here. You have asked , so I hope you don't mind me addressing this. Having a 'safe ' place to share myself and work really with my people matters to me.
Hey Jenny thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I so appreciate these words and totally agree creating and sharing in a safe space is paramount. I want to give more consideration to my thoughts here so if it’s ok I’ll circle back. 🤍
YES! By all means! Thank you for that. This isn't something that one can just 'reply on the fly' to. I, myself spent a long time to consider how I should be responding to this post, while this other issue lies heavily on my mind...like massive tons of stone and surprising sadness, as I thought Substack finally, would be different. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and consideration. : )
Haven't forgotten Jenny... I guess the truth is I don't have a nice wrapped up bow answer for this. I also feel like I don't have all the information because I haven't spoken to anyone at Substack directly. While I believe some of those accounts were shut down in the end, seeing people sharing hate-inspired work and profiting off it feels...unthinkable. But there's also SO many great people here and great work and I feel like if I were to throw in the towel here then that's just something else these people get to take away. It's not ok. It's not right. I think for now I just want to see how Substack continue to handle it as they have removed some accounts and I want to focus on the community of non-evil. Because they far outweigh the others. I don't know if that helps but I'm just fumbling my way through it too. I don't speak for Sara on this, she would have her own thoughts too. xx Happy to chat more if you ever want/need.
It also seems like they're working on tools that will flag that content quickly and thoroughly?
Hi there Keeley!! Thank you so very much for your thoughtful response here. I do hope that they reconsider their position on these things and their new tools will help to quell such hurtful , dangerous work. Mind you I'm not opposed to difference of opinions,but when it's harmful to others that' s where I draw the line. I left Facebook ages ago,and often want to leave Instagram too,but the Art market seems to dictate my presence there-if I want to be seen that is... I have just noticed the post below about some of it being removed-thankfully!). Meanwhile, I have decided to stay on Substack for at least the remainder of the year, and see how things go but if they don't come to (real and actionable) terms about this I may likely leave...I hope they come to a better conclusion for their community and take the responsibility they are charged with in this child they have borne. That said, I'm enjoying the Substack Soiree and really appreciate the work and enormous efforts of both yourself, and Sara! Blessings to you both! ~J
What is this all about? I'm curious to know as I really want to find platforms that nurture positivity and good things in the world. Thanks
Hey Madeline, there were a few hate-filled accounts (Nazi, horrific) that I believe have since been removed from Substack. https://www.platformer.news/substack-says-it-will-remove-nazi/
Good to hear they've been removed!
Appreciated the you do you boo. It’s all too easy to get caught up in trying to write to what I can only guess will make an impact with readers, especially after a lower “liked” post. But imagine thinking that I could possibly know or meet the expectations of all readers all the time!! Instead, I aim to meet my own expectations for my writing and just have to trust that it will resonate as the quality (and hopefully the response to it) grows.
That's so great Barb, I totally agree. Lower liked posts are just data and over time it can help gives us an idea of what people enjoy hearing from us the most. But even then there's room for the unpredictable. I love what Sara says about the passion behind something when we post. If we're enjoying what we're making and sharing, not only is it more fun for us but people will feel that energy behind it too. Way better for us to focus on that as a priority rather than chasing what we think others want of us. We do that enough in life don't we? Lol.
I looooove, promoting your work is an act of kindness. What a beautiful reframing of an idea that can sometimes feel icky and daunting. Thank you for this wonderful post ❤️
I think we all need that reminder at times. We wholeheartedly believe it. ❤️
Love this idea too! The world needs beauty x
Love every word.
Lots jumped out at me, especially the encouragement you gave about connection. Then how beautiful you write and space your work. When I first started I just want to write and learn how to get better as a writer. Now I recognise the value of connection and creating community, so am on that foothill. I look forward to listening to the “10 commandments. Thank You Both 💗
Thank you Susan, what a lovely comment. Connection & community is the real magic isn’t it. 🤍
A very inspiring post. I've become very disillusioned with Instagram and tired of worrying about numbers of views and what I must have done wrong when the views go down. I love Substack for its directness and authenticity. Long may it continue! :)
Oh disillusioned is horrible. It can be SO hard to keep writing and sharing when it feels like you're just getting tumbleweeds. Your love of colour is joyful and inspiring, keep sharing it! x
Thankyou so much Keeley!💖
Yes, yes and yes. All of the above. (or below)
I really appreciate the wisdom you share here, Keeley & Sara. Especially the way you bring beautiful emphasis to creativity without ignoring strategy. Strategy doesn’t come naturally to me & the way you both share insights on strategy makes it feel accessible rather than daunting. Thank you for that. I listened to the podcast episode with the 10 commandments for Substack while painting my cottage kitchen the other day & need to re listen with a pen rather than paintbrush in hand!
Oh I love that! Listening with a pen rather than a paintbrush in hand. Love that we got to be there with you while you paint.
Love reading your words. Creativity is such an interesting and curious thing, and it's important to spread connection and authenticity in a world that is so divided. We live in a world that tells us to fit in a box and be someone we possibly are not, to succeed. I believe the future is more authentic storytelling, human connection, emotional writing and kindness.
Love this and I couldn't agree more! Especially as AI opportunities increase, human connection will become even more precious.
PS Big NO to the box.
Definitely a big NO to the box!
This. All this. Every point. Just the pep-talk I needed this week. Now. Off to my desk, to scribble some in the quiet hours of the night...
Scribbling away in the quiet hours of the night, I relate to that! There’s something so alluring about those quiet hours, it feels like a portal to the magic. I know we’re meant to sleep but it’s a precious time isn’t it?
Also scribbling away in the quiet hours of the night over here! After a long work day, and eve of life admin/chores, still trying to make sure there's opportunity for that creativity and shoot for excellence (and consistency) rather than perfection ✨
Thank you for these reminders of why i decided to forgo the chase of the algos on IG, and shifted to being here.
Great reminders! Just last week I made the decision to prioritize my creativity by taking a week of work and go to a cabin in the woods by myself to just BE. I have no plans, no goals, no shoulds in mind. If I create nothing, so be it. But I'm betting at the end of the week my juices will be flowing again. Very much looking forward to it!
Oh this sounds magical!! A creative getaway to a cabin in the woods. Divine. Enjoy!
Excellence over perfection is brilliant!
One of our faves too. 🤍
Honestly this was just the thing I needed to read today (clearly from the comments I am not alone).
Despite finishing the 1st substack soiree (was that October!?) I froze somewhere between busy/bad timing/life and have never pressed GO on a single post. I hang out on Substack and read lots, but have been in a what-was-i-thinking spiral regarding using it as a platform.
I'm still not sure, but this did feel like a light in the dark of it all. And maybe I WILL start that newsletter for real in fast-february ;-)
Please do start!! Maybe you could make it private to begin with? It might make you feel safer as you get used to hitting publish?
I didn't know I could do that!! That's a great idea. Do you mean write the posts, but just not press publish/send? Or is there some magic private setting?
I have had a handful of people subscribe, because it's up there as "coming soon" and to be honest that has made it feel more daunting. Like, STOP STARING AT ME. I mean, I know, I know, it is nice they subscribed! It's just my crazy head playing games.
Yep you can make it private in settings. And I 100% get that. You can then manually approve people until you’re ready to make it public. Any posts will only be seen by approved subscribers.
https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044389731-Can-I-make-a-private-Substack-publication#:~:text=To%20make%20your%20Substack%20private,able%20to%20see%20any%20posts.
thank you so much Keeley!!!