Hemingway and Stein were an odd couple- he the rugged masculine individualist realist, she the forever experimental artist. But opposite can attract...
Those of us who read you are damn lucky you feel the way you do about uplifting other writers. I see I've been kind of faffing about with Substack, and I need to do better -- or follow the "fish or cut bait" principle. Looking forward to your further wisdom, as always.
I hesitate to write a newsletter when I know my sister-in-law will read it. Maybe I need to delete her from my subscribers? My other family members? I often feel compelled to share my emotions, my worries, my opinions, but not with family members.
I didn't hesitate on Medium. Maybe now I know why.
I do the same as you and have the same problem. And I'll add neighbors to the list. I didn't think about it when I started marketing my work. I really want to let loose but I know the consequences. I live in a small town. I loved writing on Medium because I shared with no one I knew (or know). But I had to give up that platform. It doesn't work for me like Substack. So for now I'll keep myself in check. No guarantee for how long, though.
"To move people and connect heart to heart, I think, is the highest aspiration of a writer." I'm trying to do that. My inner critic says I'm not. But the eternal optimist says I have more subscribers now than before. Hopefully, some are reading what I write. Thanks for the information.
I’m on Medium and Substack posting the same material on both. I guess I’m still learning Substack. Either one, I don’t feel I’m connecting with my audience. Or maybe that’s the point. I am. It’s only little.
I did venture into paid subscription with my Stories Behind The Stories series. I haven’t seen the difference. Exploring these sites to hone my craft. I’ll keep learning. It is my outlet.
“I can’t earn a dollar writing anymore.” One complained.
“ I wrote an article that told them what happened to me when I crashed my car.”
Another added.
“I like to write about anything I believe it doesn’t matter what science says I know what I know”.” A third chipped in.
Three people talking around issues instead of in present tense, concise, short sentences.
Test out my replies:
Focusing on the dollar is not the goal. Feed the horse -it’s alive.Attach the cart before the horse it will die from lack of water before loneliness.The horse is your living story.
Maybe too metaphorical for most people, so even though true, it won’t appeal widely.
Second person:
Did you see, hear, smell, tell.?
If you tell readers, it is a report not a story.
“The white line was blurry on her left side.Was it supposed to be there? Blink still blurry, pressing her brakes hard,as white light fills her wind screen.”
Do you notice the difference?
Third person:
“I don’t believe in dinosaurs or the assassination of JFK. I mean the government staged the Apollo Lunar landing and of course Trump won the 2020 election.Everybody knows that!”
Why should people believe you?
Linda these are the most important lessons I learned about readers and what interests them.
Honestly I wouldn’t read any of them unless they had some overarching principle that applies to me too that others aren’t already saying, or they are super funny writers. There is so much content. So so much. God needs to give us 30 hour days now to keep up.
That’s honest. I have the same issue with many things I have to set aside if I want to write. Some of it is luck, but readability is going to be an issue only after something catches your interest 🌹
Excellent advice about honing your craft to attract readers. I know that I get tired of some of the "tricks" I see in some articles, such as only write one sentence per line to presumably capture the reader's attention. Or clickbait titles. Or only telling one's personal story (unless, of course, it is well written!). Thanks for your helpful ideas!
Thank you for some valuable insight. I didn't know about the mentor relationship between Stein and Hemingway. Interesting. A nice reminder about who began using short sentences in their writing. When used effectively, I love how they can drive the reader through a story.
Your article was beneficial. Short. Concise. Sentences. CONTENT IS KING or QUEEN if you like. Heart to heart, writing that is compelling is what I'm hearing. Correct? Thank you. I'll be checking in. Joe
Hemingway and Stein were an odd couple- he the rugged masculine individualist realist, she the forever experimental artist. But opposite can attract...
Love that bit of Hemingway and Stein Lore I did not know. Great advice, Linda.
Thanks Kyrie, good to see you here!
Thanks for clarifying as I have just moved to Substack and am fumbling around
You're very welcome
I’ve been here over a year and still fumbling 😆 Don’t worry, you’re not alone
Tell me about it!
Eight months now...not sure who I am here.
We’ll figure it out in our own time
Those of us who read you are damn lucky you feel the way you do about uplifting other writers. I see I've been kind of faffing about with Substack, and I need to do better -- or follow the "fish or cut bait" principle. Looking forward to your further wisdom, as always.
Thanks Jan.
So true . . . connect heart to heart. If I have a goal in writing, this is it. Thanks for the Hemingway/Stein bit of lore.
When I see your name, I read. Immediately.
I hesitate to write a newsletter when I know my sister-in-law will read it. Maybe I need to delete her from my subscribers? My other family members? I often feel compelled to share my emotions, my worries, my opinions, but not with family members.
I didn't hesitate on Medium. Maybe now I know why.
Hugs
Linda
I do the same as you and have the same problem. And I'll add neighbors to the list. I didn't think about it when I started marketing my work. I really want to let loose but I know the consequences. I live in a small town. I loved writing on Medium because I shared with no one I knew (or know). But I had to give up that platform. It doesn't work for me like Substack. So for now I'll keep myself in check. No guarantee for how long, though.
great guidance. thank you
"To move people and connect heart to heart, I think, is the highest aspiration of a writer." I'm trying to do that. My inner critic says I'm not. But the eternal optimist says I have more subscribers now than before. Hopefully, some are reading what I write. Thanks for the information.
I’m on Medium and Substack posting the same material on both. I guess I’m still learning Substack. Either one, I don’t feel I’m connecting with my audience. Or maybe that’s the point. I am. It’s only little.
I did venture into paid subscription with my Stories Behind The Stories series. I haven’t seen the difference. Exploring these sites to hone my craft. I’ll keep learning. It is my outlet.
“I can’t earn a dollar writing anymore.” One complained.
“ I wrote an article that told them what happened to me when I crashed my car.”
Another added.
“I like to write about anything I believe it doesn’t matter what science says I know what I know”.” A third chipped in.
Three people talking around issues instead of in present tense, concise, short sentences.
Test out my replies:
Focusing on the dollar is not the goal. Feed the horse -it’s alive.Attach the cart before the horse it will die from lack of water before loneliness.The horse is your living story.
Maybe too metaphorical for most people, so even though true, it won’t appeal widely.
Second person:
Did you see, hear, smell, tell.?
If you tell readers, it is a report not a story.
“The white line was blurry on her left side.Was it supposed to be there? Blink still blurry, pressing her brakes hard,as white light fills her wind screen.”
Do you notice the difference?
Third person:
“I don’t believe in dinosaurs or the assassination of JFK. I mean the government staged the Apollo Lunar landing and of course Trump won the 2020 election.Everybody knows that!”
Why should people believe you?
Linda these are the most important lessons I learned about readers and what interests them.
What does anyone think?
Honestly I wouldn’t read any of them unless they had some overarching principle that applies to me too that others aren’t already saying, or they are super funny writers. There is so much content. So so much. God needs to give us 30 hour days now to keep up.
That’s honest. I have the same issue with many things I have to set aside if I want to write. Some of it is luck, but readability is going to be an issue only after something catches your interest 🌹
Excellent advice about honing your craft to attract readers. I know that I get tired of some of the "tricks" I see in some articles, such as only write one sentence per line to presumably capture the reader's attention. Or clickbait titles. Or only telling one's personal story (unless, of course, it is well written!). Thanks for your helpful ideas!
This is the most interesting article I’ve read today.
Thanks
Usually every day Linda posts is like that.
Thank you for some valuable insight. I didn't know about the mentor relationship between Stein and Hemingway. Interesting. A nice reminder about who began using short sentences in their writing. When used effectively, I love how they can drive the reader through a story.
Superior post and strong advice, Linda. So well done, start to finish.
Helpful and entertaining as always, Linda.
You’re a great gift to other writers.
Your article was beneficial. Short. Concise. Sentences. CONTENT IS KING or QUEEN if you like. Heart to heart, writing that is compelling is what I'm hearing. Correct? Thank you. I'll be checking in. Joe