I like writing, and the few extra bucks supplements my Social Security. As an old guy with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, I have a lifetime of stories to tell. And it beats watching "Matlock" reruns. I write a Substack blog and stuff on Medium.
When Dad was alive, I bought him a cane with a retractable spike at the end. That thing was wicked. He had the greatest fun with it. He told me if anyone ever comes at him he'd have no problem sticking it in someone's leg. Thank god that never happened. Mostly, he used it to pick up things. It was pretty funny to watch. That would take care of that banana peel, though. lol
Yes! I have thought about this a great deal. First, I write for self expression and to ‘get it out of my head’, to deal with feelings in a healthy way. I also write for pleasure in the doing, which when I reach the ‘flow’ state, “in the poem-zone”, I call it, is sometimes sublime, and often the result is a ‘finished’ poem, which is possibly also shareable.
Sharing over the last few years has brought me enough strokes of pleasure, and inspiration to improve, that I share now as part of my personal growth. It’s like a self-indulgence that is also good for me, on myriad levels. I still have post-sharing remorse, but I fight it, as sharing shamelessly is part of the striving to improve my work.
I subscribe to two ‘for pay’ mentors here on Substack: Alison Acheson’s “The UnSchool”, and Maggie Smith, all my tiny budget allows at present, plus many who so generously share for free, and allow me to learn from reading their work - like you, Linda! Thank you.
AND, I might add, after a very productive day of writing - that your post, led not only to pleasurable self-examination and my comment above, but sparked a chain that led, through various other inputs, to a lovely most-of-a-day spent In the Poem-Zone. And in the next little while - a post, which will also work and strengthen my Substack Muscles. So many more thanks!
RE: “Do you know who you’re writing for? How important is earnings? Would you write free to build a list or is income part of why you’re writing. Do you think about any of that?
There are no wrong answers. But there should be answers.
Because it’s only when you know your objective that you can figure out the next right step for you…”
Great questions; great advice (knowing your objective).
Reminds me of Poe’s Philosophy of Composition essay…knowing the *effect* on your reader.
This is full of good points. I especially like the way you talk about Substack being a slow climb and Medium being a roller coaster -- I have the same experience. And yes, I did make TWENTY FREAKING GRAND one one story, but several I've written since then have made TWENTY BUCKS. And that is how it is. On Substack, sometimes I get a couple of paid subscribers from a new post. Once I got two new paid subscribers from a single Note. Some pieces do not persuade a single person to pay.
On the other hand ... because Untrickled is about income inequality and The Trailer Park Rules is about poor people in a trailer park trying to get ahead (and being screwed over by hedge funds etc. and literally screwed by the rich in one case) there is some overlap, which helps me out. And no, that was not an accident.
I had so far missed the On Reflection publication on Medium. I suppose I wasn’t ready for that level of honesty or introspection but I hope to be one day. Meanwhile, my stories are like arias: aimed at effect, sometimes touching, sometimes off-putting but usually loud. Having a large belly helps with the sound production and is otherwise a good thing to hide behind.
Why do I write? Because I can. Because it is a substitute for talking. Because it is a resonance chamber for thinking. Because I admire writers more than Formula 1 drivers. Because it justifies wearing these ridiculous glasses since I was five. Since… Forever
Linda, Thanks for the valuable tips in this piece. Like you, I have a post from my archive that is doing well this month. That was a pleasant surprise. That's one reason I keep writing on Medium despite current posts that make $5 or $10 and then the occasional boost. The most crucial point I take away from your post, which I've already been telling myself, is that it's not me. It's the way the system works right now. On the other hand, it is me too because, as you point out, I could put more effort into adjusting my writing based on research into what gets boosted more often rather than staying stuck in my comfortable niche. Thanks, as always!
Damn, wish Substack supported highlights from readers, Linda; I would have highlighted the crap out of this one! Nicely done! (You’re going to post this on Medium, also, aren’t you — few days, week or so, let your Substack subscribers get first crack. Cool, that way I can bookmark it with my other Reference posts. 😊)
You expressed my thoughts so perfectly there is no need for me to respond to Linda, as I know she will read this. Thank-you.
I do know what I'm writing. I only wish there were more ways for me to earn a living doing it.
I wish there were places for you, too. You are a beautiful writer.
Informative
I like writing, and the few extra bucks supplements my Social Security. As an old guy with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, I have a lifetime of stories to tell. And it beats watching "Matlock" reruns. I write a Substack blog and stuff on Medium.
When Dad was alive, I bought him a cane with a retractable spike at the end. That thing was wicked. He had the greatest fun with it. He told me if anyone ever comes at him he'd have no problem sticking it in someone's leg. Thank god that never happened. Mostly, he used it to pick up things. It was pretty funny to watch. That would take care of that banana peel, though. lol
Reincarnation is my only hope.
How cool and funny. Your dad was lucky to have you.
Yes! I have thought about this a great deal. First, I write for self expression and to ‘get it out of my head’, to deal with feelings in a healthy way. I also write for pleasure in the doing, which when I reach the ‘flow’ state, “in the poem-zone”, I call it, is sometimes sublime, and often the result is a ‘finished’ poem, which is possibly also shareable.
Sharing over the last few years has brought me enough strokes of pleasure, and inspiration to improve, that I share now as part of my personal growth. It’s like a self-indulgence that is also good for me, on myriad levels. I still have post-sharing remorse, but I fight it, as sharing shamelessly is part of the striving to improve my work.
I subscribe to two ‘for pay’ mentors here on Substack: Alison Acheson’s “The UnSchool”, and Maggie Smith, all my tiny budget allows at present, plus many who so generously share for free, and allow me to learn from reading their work - like you, Linda! Thank you.
I will need to check out those two ladies out of curiosity. :)
AND, I might add, after a very productive day of writing - that your post, led not only to pleasurable self-examination and my comment above, but sparked a chain that led, through various other inputs, to a lovely most-of-a-day spent In the Poem-Zone. And in the next little while - a post, which will also work and strengthen my Substack Muscles. So many more thanks!
RE: “Do you know who you’re writing for? How important is earnings? Would you write free to build a list or is income part of why you’re writing. Do you think about any of that?
There are no wrong answers. But there should be answers.
Because it’s only when you know your objective that you can figure out the next right step for you…”
Great questions; great advice (knowing your objective).
Reminds me of Poe’s Philosophy of Composition essay…knowing the *effect* on your reader.
You know, I hadn't even thought of that. I should refresh my memory and then write about that.
I sure do know why :)
Not much I can even say to that. Cause I know you do.
This is full of good points. I especially like the way you talk about Substack being a slow climb and Medium being a roller coaster -- I have the same experience. And yes, I did make TWENTY FREAKING GRAND one one story, but several I've written since then have made TWENTY BUCKS. And that is how it is. On Substack, sometimes I get a couple of paid subscribers from a new post. Once I got two new paid subscribers from a single Note. Some pieces do not persuade a single person to pay.
On the other hand ... because Untrickled is about income inequality and The Trailer Park Rules is about poor people in a trailer park trying to get ahead (and being screwed over by hedge funds etc. and literally screwed by the rich in one case) there is some overlap, which helps me out. And no, that was not an accident.
Oh, this is a good answer.
I write because it helps me believe that my experiences mean something, and I find that comforting.
Excellent questions I’ve been asking myself and must answer before writing any more. Perfect timing.
For most of the writing I'm doing these days, my #1 objective is to reach (certain) other people and have them know they aren't alone.
I write because I don’t need more wisdom teeth pulled.
Bwahhhhhhh
I had so far missed the On Reflection publication on Medium. I suppose I wasn’t ready for that level of honesty or introspection but I hope to be one day. Meanwhile, my stories are like arias: aimed at effect, sometimes touching, sometimes off-putting but usually loud. Having a large belly helps with the sound production and is otherwise a good thing to hide behind.
Why do I write? Because I can. Because it is a substitute for talking. Because it is a resonance chamber for thinking. Because I admire writers more than Formula 1 drivers. Because it justifies wearing these ridiculous glasses since I was five. Since… Forever
"Because it's a substitute for talking..." ain't that the truth!!
I don't write anymore because it's a complete waste of time. What most media publish today is trash, and I have no desire to be in the junk business.
Linda, Thanks for the valuable tips in this piece. Like you, I have a post from my archive that is doing well this month. That was a pleasant surprise. That's one reason I keep writing on Medium despite current posts that make $5 or $10 and then the occasional boost. The most crucial point I take away from your post, which I've already been telling myself, is that it's not me. It's the way the system works right now. On the other hand, it is me too because, as you point out, I could put more effort into adjusting my writing based on research into what gets boosted more often rather than staying stuck in my comfortable niche. Thanks, as always!
Damn, wish Substack supported highlights from readers, Linda; I would have highlighted the crap out of this one! Nicely done! (You’re going to post this on Medium, also, aren’t you — few days, week or so, let your Substack subscribers get first crack. Cool, that way I can bookmark it with my other Reference posts. 😊)