Thanks Robyn. With all the conversations that happen here (especially in comment section) it begins to feel that way for sure. I'd even share my fancy imported coffee with you. lol
Thanks, Linda. I feel like I'm finally getting through the grief that's been hovering over me this year. Your mosquito dunk and neem comment made me smile - and it reminds me that I never shy away from a good conversation. I need to look at newsletters the same way.
My ADHD brain loves so many topics my Venn diagram looks more like Spirograph art. ;)
It's been a rough year, for sure. Glad to see you or I'd have had to come looking. I laughed (for real) about the spirograph. Me, too. I have to stifle myself on some topics. Everyone here would think I've lost my ever loving mind if I started sharing plant tips and telling people how to make food with flowers. Plus, sewing patterns, music, cats, coffee, chocolate, climate change, history, feminism, costuming, sculpture, photography, art... lol. I should have started a lifestyle blog or something.
Great article for this self-promote-aphobic to read! I made a living promoting others in the arts so I stayed well out of the limelight which was just fine w/ me. Guess I should take the time to start that email list! You can't BELIEVE the excuses I come up with - or I bet you can. Incidentally I LOVE yacking forever about books/philosophy/plants. What's a mosquito dunk? And why avoid Neem!?!
Oh man, I hear you. Most of my career has been promoting everyone else. I know ALL the excuses. And even though I've started, I'm still finding my way.
A mosquito dunk looks like a tiny donut, and they're normally used to drop in ponds to prevent mosquitos from breeding in there. But, they also kill fungus gnats in plants. I just break them in pieces and drop a chunk in my watering can. It seeps the stuff into the water, and over time - no fungus gnats. My house is a jungle, so it really helps.
And I don't use neem for 2 reasons. First, it stinks to high heaven. lol. But secondly, it's an oil and over time makes it harder for the leaves to breathe. There used to be a "plant shine" spray people used to make big leafed plant glossy. (ie monstera, rubber tree, etc) but they're mostly off the market for the same reason. They sealed the pores and eventually killed the plant. Once people learned that, they stopped buying them.
Thanks for the plant tips - I've had fungus gnats and they're no fun! I'm assuming if I google "mosquito dunk" it'll show up on Google? My house is a jungle too! Re the self promo - gotta work on that some more.
Thanks, Tree. Incidentally, your last post on Substack was just what I needed, too. I love when that happens. So thank you, too. Good to see you again and hope you're hanging in there okay. :)
Thanks Linda, I just had this same conversation about my newsletter with a close friend. I needed that message today. Conversations...I can do that. With gratitude, again...
You're very welcome. When I was learning the ropes editing a publication, you helped me so much. Happy to be able to return the favor. You do conversation great!
Hi Linda! Spot on. Everybody here has already said everything I wanted to say. But I will add one more thing. I've been battling a great deal with self-promotion since my book came out. I needed to find a balance between introducing myself and my book and not "standing in the middle of the circle" shouting it. I'm still not sure I found the balance yet. But I think that I was able to glean something from your words. And that is to take my passion and share it with others. Talk with. And not ....Talk To. Thank you!
Thanks, Henya. The best part for me was that I started this before I have a book, so I never had to figure out that line. I think once I do, I'll continue on the same and maybe just add a link to it in the footer. Not sure, but for now it makes sense. :)
Kerry, that's the nicest comment, ever. Made my entire day! The word "book" terrifies me a little, but I think I can work with the word tutorial. lol. This group has made me want to create some (tutorials) to share some of the experience I've had promoting everyone else for 20 years. We will both get there. You, too. I believe in you!
You are once again, spot on. I've been surprised/shocked at the number of people who've commented that they look forward to reading my newsletter about setting up a sailboat to go around the world. Some have told me they find my dream and struggles to overcome setbacks inspiring which also shocked me. I try to write as if I'm sitting across the table talking with a friend. I've been told by some that they look forward to updates even though they don't post replies telling me that. They even ask about details so they must be reading them! For me, it's more about keeping that conversation going you mentioned and having faith that people find value in reading what I write - even if it's a limited audience. If I brighten just one persons day with my stories I've made the world just a little better. That's not self-promotion, it's an expression of friendship and love which is important no matter the size of the audience. Have a great weekend!
Thanks, Michael. It's delightful the first time someone tells you how much they enjoy what you're doing, isn't it! I think in a world that's constantly marketing at us, it's nice to find real conversations. I'm enjoying it, too. Sometimes I'm a little jealous of your weather, but summer will arrive sooner or later. Fridays are always good for my psyche. Glad to know you're finding the same. :)
Thanks, Robin. It is unnerving getting started. I still mess around with mine and probably will for a while until I feel like I've found the right direction. It's like my Venn circles aren't quite right yet. :)
Hope you have your book in the footer link of your newsletters, and your profile at Medium.
On promotion links -- that's actually a pretty good idea for a post, too. P.S. I haven't forgotten your email, just so you know. Just running behind a little. Tax week. Bleh. lol
I actually have to do an official Medium post announcing my book:/. (Cue, "Here I am" by Bryan Adams in Spirit:) I was so obsessed with getting it done and setting up other stuff, I've yet to write it up . Thanks for the tip! I don't think I've heard about Venn. Or it that an acronym?
Tax week:S lol. I imagine your taxes are a bit more complex than the usual standard return.
Your emails feel like I just heard from a friend who I wish lived next door so we could have a cup of coffee together.
Thanks Robyn. With all the conversations that happen here (especially in comment section) it begins to feel that way for sure. I'd even share my fancy imported coffee with you. lol
And I'll bring the donuts!
And I would eat them. (but I'll share)
Thanks, Linda. I feel like I'm finally getting through the grief that's been hovering over me this year. Your mosquito dunk and neem comment made me smile - and it reminds me that I never shy away from a good conversation. I need to look at newsletters the same way.
My ADHD brain loves so many topics my Venn diagram looks more like Spirograph art. ;)
It's been a rough year, for sure. Glad to see you or I'd have had to come looking. I laughed (for real) about the spirograph. Me, too. I have to stifle myself on some topics. Everyone here would think I've lost my ever loving mind if I started sharing plant tips and telling people how to make food with flowers. Plus, sewing patterns, music, cats, coffee, chocolate, climate change, history, feminism, costuming, sculpture, photography, art... lol. I should have started a lifestyle blog or something.
Never too late.... ;)
lol. True, that.
Great article for this self-promote-aphobic to read! I made a living promoting others in the arts so I stayed well out of the limelight which was just fine w/ me. Guess I should take the time to start that email list! You can't BELIEVE the excuses I come up with - or I bet you can. Incidentally I LOVE yacking forever about books/philosophy/plants. What's a mosquito dunk? And why avoid Neem!?!
Oh man, I hear you. Most of my career has been promoting everyone else. I know ALL the excuses. And even though I've started, I'm still finding my way.
A mosquito dunk looks like a tiny donut, and they're normally used to drop in ponds to prevent mosquitos from breeding in there. But, they also kill fungus gnats in plants. I just break them in pieces and drop a chunk in my watering can. It seeps the stuff into the water, and over time - no fungus gnats. My house is a jungle, so it really helps.
And I don't use neem for 2 reasons. First, it stinks to high heaven. lol. But secondly, it's an oil and over time makes it harder for the leaves to breathe. There used to be a "plant shine" spray people used to make big leafed plant glossy. (ie monstera, rubber tree, etc) but they're mostly off the market for the same reason. They sealed the pores and eventually killed the plant. Once people learned that, they stopped buying them.
Thanks for the plant tips - I've had fungus gnats and they're no fun! I'm assuming if I google "mosquito dunk" it'll show up on Google? My house is a jungle too! Re the self promo - gotta work on that some more.
Here's what they look like. Once garden centers are open, you'll find them everywhere. Just stock up so you have some when they go off the shelves in winter... https://www.amazon.com/Summit-responsible-solutions-Mosquito-102-12/dp/B07LGZBG8K/ref=sr_1_6
Once again, you are spot on, addressing the elephant in the room. I constantly struggle with the paradox of visibility. Thanks for your thoughts.
Thanks, Tree. Incidentally, your last post on Substack was just what I needed, too. I love when that happens. So thank you, too. Good to see you again and hope you're hanging in there okay. :)
thanks Linda, that's a great reminder to write another one. I haven't gotten into a groove with these yet.
Feels great reading your posts. Kinda love the way they sparkle. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Idumu. I will do my best!
Thanks Linda, I just had this same conversation about my newsletter with a close friend. I needed that message today. Conversations...I can do that. With gratitude, again...
You're very welcome. When I was learning the ropes editing a publication, you helped me so much. Happy to be able to return the favor. You do conversation great!
As always, that's a great way of putting it.
Thanks, Carole. Nice to see you again and hope you are well.
Hi Linda! Spot on. Everybody here has already said everything I wanted to say. But I will add one more thing. I've been battling a great deal with self-promotion since my book came out. I needed to find a balance between introducing myself and my book and not "standing in the middle of the circle" shouting it. I'm still not sure I found the balance yet. But I think that I was able to glean something from your words. And that is to take my passion and share it with others. Talk with. And not ....Talk To. Thank you!
Thanks, Henya. The best part for me was that I started this before I have a book, so I never had to figure out that line. I think once I do, I'll continue on the same and maybe just add a link to it in the footer. Not sure, but for now it makes sense. :)
You are been my inspiration. This is the only newsletter I read. The rest are blah.
You’ve helped me to grow as a writer while coming to know you. This newsletter feels like our weekly cup of coffee together.
Thank you for this connection. Yes, I want my readers to feel the same. I’m working to get there. ❤️
Kerry, that's the nicest comment, ever. Made my entire day! The word "book" terrifies me a little, but I think I can work with the word tutorial. lol. This group has made me want to create some (tutorials) to share some of the experience I've had promoting everyone else for 20 years. We will both get there. You, too. I believe in you!
Oh thank you!! Yes we will. I still want to interview you! I haven’t forgotten.
Yes, I’ve become one of your super fans. :)
You are once again, spot on. I've been surprised/shocked at the number of people who've commented that they look forward to reading my newsletter about setting up a sailboat to go around the world. Some have told me they find my dream and struggles to overcome setbacks inspiring which also shocked me. I try to write as if I'm sitting across the table talking with a friend. I've been told by some that they look forward to updates even though they don't post replies telling me that. They even ask about details so they must be reading them! For me, it's more about keeping that conversation going you mentioned and having faith that people find value in reading what I write - even if it's a limited audience. If I brighten just one persons day with my stories I've made the world just a little better. That's not self-promotion, it's an expression of friendship and love which is important no matter the size of the audience. Have a great weekend!
Thanks, Michael. It's delightful the first time someone tells you how much they enjoy what you're doing, isn't it! I think in a world that's constantly marketing at us, it's nice to find real conversations. I'm enjoying it, too. Sometimes I'm a little jealous of your weather, but summer will arrive sooner or later. Fridays are always good for my psyche. Glad to know you're finding the same. :)
Hi,
Always love your newsletters!
I just started my own substsck account and finding my way around.
It's a bit unnerving in the beginning to ask for signups, but like Medium,start with who you know, and work from there:).
I also just published my first book! Very exciting and part of me feels a tad queasy lol.
If you could do a newsletter where you put a few links about promotion, that'd be great and much appreciated. :)
Thanks in advance.
Thanks, Robin. It is unnerving getting started. I still mess around with mine and probably will for a while until I feel like I've found the right direction. It's like my Venn circles aren't quite right yet. :)
Hope you have your book in the footer link of your newsletters, and your profile at Medium.
On promotion links -- that's actually a pretty good idea for a post, too. P.S. I haven't forgotten your email, just so you know. Just running behind a little. Tax week. Bleh. lol
I actually have to do an official Medium post announcing my book:/. (Cue, "Here I am" by Bryan Adams in Spirit:) I was so obsessed with getting it done and setting up other stuff, I've yet to write it up . Thanks for the tip! I don't think I've heard about Venn. Or it that an acronym?
Tax week:S lol. I imagine your taxes are a bit more complex than the usual standard return.
Here's to sanity!
Greetings from Baghdad, IRAQ
Sam John
Hi Sam, good to see you again. Hope you are well out there!
Thanks, Linda
I hope one day we see you here in Baghdad, IRAQ
this is an invitation from my family.
Great article so many of us can identify with..thank you. loved the quote. too