Hi Stephanie, it's a really interesting question and it's been great reading your post and the comments it's generated.
I think when you're clear about why you're here on Substack, it makes it easier to understand what you should do.
If you're here to write what you want, above attracting an audience and getting paid, then that's fine. You don't need to feel conflicted, you can literally do what you feel, and see which way the wind blows you.
But if you have ambitions to grow a following and develop your writing into a business, then I think those writers absolutely have to look at the intersection of what they want to write about and what their readers are interested in. That should be the core offering.
I know this is why I'm here, and I'm feeling around, trying to find that intersection. I can still be authentic, I'm just meeting readers where they are.
To write about whatever I like and expecting people to pay to support that in numbers feels like too much of a hit and hope. I'm not prepared to leave that to chance when I have an opportunity to shape my future.
I've felt this a lot too...and it's almost like you convince yourself, because that's how you would grow your readership. But, I also struggle with it. I just...can't. The question I try to ask myself is, am I unwilling to change my writing because I just don't want to be restricted/told what to do? If I wasn't so stubborn, could I see that my writing could be more engaging/interesting/impactful?
It's still a question I haven't been able to answer. In your case though, it sounds like writing for you may be exactly what you need, since you already write in service of others with a voice that isn't yours.
I think you come across as a true sincere and real person. I see and try to relate to your experiences, highs and lows. I’m not a writer, per se, but am here for the therapeutic benefit of getting things out and telling a story when I can. It’s hard to stay away from the crap, it’s easy to get dragged into stuff sometimes. You have to do it for yourself. The challenge becomes having things be interesting enough to get people to read, comment and share. As you say, when that happens you feel pretty good. I think that is when you might stray and find yourself writing for the reader, trying to create an interest instead of just writing for yourself. One needs to have the confidence in their ability to be themself, express it and let the chips fall where they may.
You do a fine job. Keep up the good work ! You’ve become one of my faves and I’m looking forward to what evolves down the road.
Thanks Ken, I really value your message. These words from you are super encouraging. I will… I will keep going in MY direction. I appreciate your support!
This is a very timely reminder for me. I started writing on Substack for the creative freedom to just say what I wanted to say in the way that I wanted to say it. And then I became slightly disillusioned when I saw so many people selling their courses on how to build an audience on Substack, primarily through writing things that were for, exactly as you say, “The reader.” Producing content, headlines, and notes according to a formula, according to research into “what’s trending”. I got on Substack to get away from algorithms and marketing, then I found myself beleaguered by algorithms and marketing. 🤪 I managed to disentangle my own thought forms from that world and continue to write things that want to be said. One way I do this is just feeling into what feels like wants to come through me. Which is different to how I used to do things which is to plan some content, to make lists, have a scheduling plan. Now I simply notice what is alive in me and I share it when it feels like the right time for sharing. ❤️🙏🏻
This is a great piece....things I think about often....the trade off between authencity and also trying to make a living, it's not easy. I really like what you're doing here, your transparency and genuineness shine through in inspiration.
Oh wow I appreciate this Angela, thank you. Ya there’s a grey area when it comes to authenticity and client attraction in this work. I feel like that’s because we’ve been led to believe that “just being ourselves” will get us what we want and yes it does, but usually in a different form than what we expect. I also believe that this is because most of those leaders and gurus will be revealing their true colors very soon. Most true authentic people are not in the spotlight… for a reason. The matrix has been designed to keep truth and authenticity well hidden, and there is a LOT of deception being revealed right now. It’s why it’s very important to practice discernment when we see others, who appear to have done it so easily, in the spotlight.
I find that there is generally greater truth and value in a person's true experiences vs their persona or what is being sold. Great reminder to be true to ourselves and not worry about the amount of likes one gets to feel validated. I would have given up long ago if I found my worth is popularity.
I think that the advice to write 'for your reader' is not really relevant to those of us who are writing about really niche topics here. Especially topics that touch upon spirituality. Because readers interested in these topics embrace authenticity, and can spot anything less real.
The problem with niche topics is of course discoverability. There aren't categories our Substacks can fit well in, we don't pop up in many google searches. But, over time, our people find us. Someone shares what we write here in Notes, or on X, or Facebook, and that brings someone else. Over time more find us and we grow.
Sure, we could all write clickbait, divisive, angry, political nonsense and grow like wildfire. But, would that give meaning to what we are doing here?
Your post beautifully captures the essence of writing from the heart versus crafting for others. It’s refreshing to see someone embrace their true voice and passions in their work. Keep shining with authenticity, Stephanie!👍
Yes!!!🥰
Hi Stephanie, it's a really interesting question and it's been great reading your post and the comments it's generated.
I think when you're clear about why you're here on Substack, it makes it easier to understand what you should do.
If you're here to write what you want, above attracting an audience and getting paid, then that's fine. You don't need to feel conflicted, you can literally do what you feel, and see which way the wind blows you.
But if you have ambitions to grow a following and develop your writing into a business, then I think those writers absolutely have to look at the intersection of what they want to write about and what their readers are interested in. That should be the core offering.
I know this is why I'm here, and I'm feeling around, trying to find that intersection. I can still be authentic, I'm just meeting readers where they are.
To write about whatever I like and expecting people to pay to support that in numbers feels like too much of a hit and hope. I'm not prepared to leave that to chance when I have an opportunity to shape my future.
I've felt this a lot too...and it's almost like you convince yourself, because that's how you would grow your readership. But, I also struggle with it. I just...can't. The question I try to ask myself is, am I unwilling to change my writing because I just don't want to be restricted/told what to do? If I wasn't so stubborn, could I see that my writing could be more engaging/interesting/impactful?
It's still a question I haven't been able to answer. In your case though, it sounds like writing for you may be exactly what you need, since you already write in service of others with a voice that isn't yours.
I think you come across as a true sincere and real person. I see and try to relate to your experiences, highs and lows. I’m not a writer, per se, but am here for the therapeutic benefit of getting things out and telling a story when I can. It’s hard to stay away from the crap, it’s easy to get dragged into stuff sometimes. You have to do it for yourself. The challenge becomes having things be interesting enough to get people to read, comment and share. As you say, when that happens you feel pretty good. I think that is when you might stray and find yourself writing for the reader, trying to create an interest instead of just writing for yourself. One needs to have the confidence in their ability to be themself, express it and let the chips fall where they may.
You do a fine job. Keep up the good work ! You’ve become one of my faves and I’m looking forward to what evolves down the road.
Thanks Ken, I really value your message. These words from you are super encouraging. I will… I will keep going in MY direction. I appreciate your support!
This is a very timely reminder for me. I started writing on Substack for the creative freedom to just say what I wanted to say in the way that I wanted to say it. And then I became slightly disillusioned when I saw so many people selling their courses on how to build an audience on Substack, primarily through writing things that were for, exactly as you say, “The reader.” Producing content, headlines, and notes according to a formula, according to research into “what’s trending”. I got on Substack to get away from algorithms and marketing, then I found myself beleaguered by algorithms and marketing. 🤪 I managed to disentangle my own thought forms from that world and continue to write things that want to be said. One way I do this is just feeling into what feels like wants to come through me. Which is different to how I used to do things which is to plan some content, to make lists, have a scheduling plan. Now I simply notice what is alive in me and I share it when it feels like the right time for sharing. ❤️🙏🏻
That is exactly how I like it here too!
This is a great piece....things I think about often....the trade off between authencity and also trying to make a living, it's not easy. I really like what you're doing here, your transparency and genuineness shine through in inspiration.
Oh wow I appreciate this Angela, thank you. Ya there’s a grey area when it comes to authenticity and client attraction in this work. I feel like that’s because we’ve been led to believe that “just being ourselves” will get us what we want and yes it does, but usually in a different form than what we expect. I also believe that this is because most of those leaders and gurus will be revealing their true colors very soon. Most true authentic people are not in the spotlight… for a reason. The matrix has been designed to keep truth and authenticity well hidden, and there is a LOT of deception being revealed right now. It’s why it’s very important to practice discernment when we see others, who appear to have done it so easily, in the spotlight.
That is the truth if I've ever read it!!! I agree completely.
I find that there is generally greater truth and value in a person's true experiences vs their persona or what is being sold. Great reminder to be true to ourselves and not worry about the amount of likes one gets to feel validated. I would have given up long ago if I found my worth is popularity.
I think that the advice to write 'for your reader' is not really relevant to those of us who are writing about really niche topics here. Especially topics that touch upon spirituality. Because readers interested in these topics embrace authenticity, and can spot anything less real.
The problem with niche topics is of course discoverability. There aren't categories our Substacks can fit well in, we don't pop up in many google searches. But, over time, our people find us. Someone shares what we write here in Notes, or on X, or Facebook, and that brings someone else. Over time more find us and we grow.
Sure, we could all write clickbait, divisive, angry, political nonsense and grow like wildfire. But, would that give meaning to what we are doing here?
Great insight and very true.
I can relate. You be you. Everyone else is already taken 😉
Your post beautifully captures the essence of writing from the heart versus crafting for others. It’s refreshing to see someone embrace their true voice and passions in their work. Keep shining with authenticity, Stephanie!👍
Thank you I really appreciate your comment. It was a matter on my mind for a while and finally this morning, found the courage to write about it.
Authenticity matters more. Keep writing for you. Those who need your words will find them - as I did. ✨💫
I can so much relate to this! And I feel I had a similar inner conflict but was not able to phrase it yet!
I love writing and documenting in my professional and academic life. And I am also decently good at it.
But here, I want to write differently. I want to be a human with a story to tell as it unfolds 🤍✨
love that, yes!