I have been writing ever since I can remember and I believe in being brutally honest when I write. After I quit my full time decent paying job, I decided to switch to writing. And I have been exploring different approaches of writing. One day it is the traditional where I stick to my rules, the other day it is experimental where I am trying out various AI tools to enhance my piece of work. And yesterday it was different when I stumbled upon substack and decided to try my hand writing here.
Although I am not sure about what I have to write here, I will definitely write something that matters to me.
In the beginning on Substack I saw articles emphasizing how to make money through writing. Someone said they are here to make money. I was a bit put off by that. I understand that to be paid is to add value to our writing. I am also aware that we need money and good writing, ( it means helping someone to go forward by what I write ) will be paid off by either a life changed or being paid. One thing I know is that if we are totally selfish we will manipulate, steal and there is not going to be soul but only skill.
I like and believe in your mind set, focussing on individual, their needs, generosity and abundant mentality.
My focus is going to be that one person who is looking for a solution in their lives.
Thank you, Anima and that's exactly the way I see it.
I moved from a shame mindset when it comes to monetizing my writing to an abundance mindset: I genuinely want to help people and if I'm able to make a living out of it, I will be able to help more people.
Focusing on helping is the key because that means you are adding value and anything that has a value for someone else can be monetized.
Valuable tips here! I am struggling a bit with this and have been reflecting over the last few days/weeks about who I am now vs who I was and how I can connect the dots to not only connect with other people, but also provide value while staying authentic. I don’t want to be another “how to” publication (not that those aren’t great too).
I think my avatar is the following: A child-free woman approaching 40, navigating things like aging parents, unconventional life choices (like moving abroad, having a multicultural relationship, having a freelance writing career, being divorced and not wanting to marry ever again, etc.), and reevaluating what’s important in life. Hint: It’s less and less about career and money and more and more about slowing down, enjoying life, and reducing stress.
I've never been a fan of the avatar - it's artificial and not helpful for my clients. I use your suggested method instead - far easier to talk to someone you KNOW, YOU!!
This has made a huge difference for them and me - my clients are me in the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey!!
Veronica this is such a smart post! I love that you are focused on having empathy for your readers, this is so key. Your idea of making your ideal reader be the person you were 2 years ago is brilliant. It helps you tell your story more effectively, but also focus on what you have learned the last two years AND the impact it has had on your life. Wonderful advice, have a great week!
I remember the time when I wrote my first newsletters. It really felt like talking to myself :) and I was excited to get my own newsletters into my inbox! The biggest struggle is to keep this excitement and not to get into the trap to just write to have more from all, whether it´s subscribers or money.
Vey insightful. The idea of reaching out to connect from where you've been, and showing empathy through shared experiences, is such an effective way to connect with others.
Just yesterday, I had a similar experience at my swimming lessons. I met a woman who had started at the same time as I did but was still struggling with the fear of gliding. After my class, I spent over 30 minutes talking to her, helping her release some of her self-doubts by letting her know I had been there and faced the same fears she did. She was finally able to get into the water and face her fears, even if it was for a brief moment. The distance she covered was small, but the victory felt enormous. I was literally dancing inside of me.
She was able to do something that the Instructor had been struggling with for weeks. What was the magic? My own experience became the push she needed.
There is enormous power in sharing what we’ve gone through to help someone else take that next step.
Similarly, speaking to the person you once were truly opens doors for others.
Thank you, Veronica, for always. 😊. So true. I saw first-hand how my connecting with her on a personal level made an impact. No matter how little. And yes, thank you for that. I should definitely use this as a future post!
I have been writing ever since I can remember and I believe in being brutally honest when I write. After I quit my full time decent paying job, I decided to switch to writing. And I have been exploring different approaches of writing. One day it is the traditional where I stick to my rules, the other day it is experimental where I am trying out various AI tools to enhance my piece of work. And yesterday it was different when I stumbled upon substack and decided to try my hand writing here.
Although I am not sure about what I have to write here, I will definitely write something that matters to me.
Will keep seeing you around here.
Welcome, Shilpa!
I love your approach about testing and experimenting. That’s the way!
Have fun, it’s an awesome community and the key rules is what you said: write about things that matter to you.
I enjoy free writing and do not write words I dislike just to please everyone. I believe I will always meet readers who appreciate my work.
In the beginning on Substack I saw articles emphasizing how to make money through writing. Someone said they are here to make money. I was a bit put off by that. I understand that to be paid is to add value to our writing. I am also aware that we need money and good writing, ( it means helping someone to go forward by what I write ) will be paid off by either a life changed or being paid. One thing I know is that if we are totally selfish we will manipulate, steal and there is not going to be soul but only skill.
I like and believe in your mind set, focussing on individual, their needs, generosity and abundant mentality.
My focus is going to be that one person who is looking for a solution in their lives.
Great mindset.
Thank you, Anima and that's exactly the way I see it.
I moved from a shame mindset when it comes to monetizing my writing to an abundance mindset: I genuinely want to help people and if I'm able to make a living out of it, I will be able to help more people.
Focusing on helping is the key because that means you are adding value and anything that has a value for someone else can be monetized.
Cheers!
Valuable tips here! I am struggling a bit with this and have been reflecting over the last few days/weeks about who I am now vs who I was and how I can connect the dots to not only connect with other people, but also provide value while staying authentic. I don’t want to be another “how to” publication (not that those aren’t great too).
I think my avatar is the following: A child-free woman approaching 40, navigating things like aging parents, unconventional life choices (like moving abroad, having a multicultural relationship, having a freelance writing career, being divorced and not wanting to marry ever again, etc.), and reevaluating what’s important in life. Hint: It’s less and less about career and money and more and more about slowing down, enjoying life, and reducing stress.
Love that Alexis and the authenticity shines through in your words.
It allows you to be yourself and share your fears, dreams and everything in between while connecting with people who might relate to your story.
Hint hint: same here re what's important in life ;)
Beautifully said. I just wrote about this yesterday... the struggle with authenticity and writing broadly. https://caitlinemyers.substack.com/p/why-being-myself-in-writing-workshops Growing on a platform feels awkward. Definitely having growing pains as I approach 100 subscribers.
Congrats on your growth, Caitlin, how exciting!
Yes, the struggle is real but that’s what makes this so so rewarding.
Insightful. Thank you.
Cheers, Sammy!
“The person I was two years ago angle” is powerful.
I think through these statements I learned from Jeff Moore when I write.
I understand you because I am you.
You’re already there, you just don’t know it.
I am your champion.
Weaving in your idea provides even more context. Thanks!
I loved this Veronica!
So happy to hear that, Holly 🌸
Yes, the person we were before!
So simple when we think about it but so hard to find that person.
I love the angle you've put it. Going back and looking at "yourself."
It’s a good formula to make sure you empathize with someone who is just starting and is a few steps behind.
Thank you, Miller!
It’s an effective way to show empathy and connect with the person who is a few steps behind.
"I feel you."
Empathy 🫶🏻
Loved the insight you shared, Veronica!
I've never been a fan of the avatar - it's artificial and not helpful for my clients. I use your suggested method instead - far easier to talk to someone you KNOW, YOU!!
This has made a huge difference for them and me - my clients are me in the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey!!
Thank you, Anna and yes, it keeps it real and authentic.
You know what struggles you are talking about and so you speak from a place of honesty and experience.
I'm glad to hear it works for you!
Thank you! :)
Veronica this is such a smart post! I love that you are focused on having empathy for your readers, this is so key. Your idea of making your ideal reader be the person you were 2 years ago is brilliant. It helps you tell your story more effectively, but also focus on what you have learned the last two years AND the impact it has had on your life. Wonderful advice, have a great week!
I remember the time when I wrote my first newsletters. It really felt like talking to myself :) and I was excited to get my own newsletters into my inbox! The biggest struggle is to keep this excitement and not to get into the trap to just write to have more from all, whether it´s subscribers or money.
Yes, I feel that same way too: I'm talking to myself, lol!
Keeping that excitement is key and sometimes it's hard when we don't get external engagement but we have to keep going.
Cheers!
Yes, we have 😀
Vey insightful. The idea of reaching out to connect from where you've been, and showing empathy through shared experiences, is such an effective way to connect with others.
Just yesterday, I had a similar experience at my swimming lessons. I met a woman who had started at the same time as I did but was still struggling with the fear of gliding. After my class, I spent over 30 minutes talking to her, helping her release some of her self-doubts by letting her know I had been there and faced the same fears she did. She was finally able to get into the water and face her fears, even if it was for a brief moment. The distance she covered was small, but the victory felt enormous. I was literally dancing inside of me.
She was able to do something that the Instructor had been struggling with for weeks. What was the magic? My own experience became the push she needed.
There is enormous power in sharing what we’ve gone through to help someone else take that next step.
Similarly, speaking to the person you once were truly opens doors for others.
What a lovely story, Stella, maybe you could use it for a future Post.
That's exactly what I'm talking about. Even if you are not the most advanced swimmer, your experience makes you relate and connect at a human level.
I love that you helped her get over her fears and achieve something.
Well done!
Thank you, Veronica, for always. 😊. So true. I saw first-hand how my connecting with her on a personal level made an impact. No matter how little. And yes, thank you for that. I should definitely use this as a future post!
It’s a powerful story, Stella and I would love to hear her version of it too ;)
Yes, invariably a good idea to narrow down your quest for readers to one person, makes it so much more manageable and, above all, personable.
Personable is the key.
You speak the same human language and that's what resonates.
There are too many dry "how to" nowadays and we need to fill them with human experiences to go beyond.