A lot of people don't realize that at the end of the day writing is creative. Regurgitated bullshit will always sink to the bottom over time. Also success is something I've been struggling to figure out because I see so many people who are doing well, and I tell myself I'm another voice that will get lost. One line in this stuck out to me: nothing extraordinary was produced following someone else's manual. It's absolutely correct. Thank you for another great post
You're spot on, Veronica. Some writers have made 6 or 7 figures online because they found something that worked for them. Yes, some of their tactics can be taught. They can show us what the essential ingredients are for their cake, but we need to add our own topping. Otherwise, we just sound like copycat, wannabe writers.
My take on writing advice is as follows:
Take it, twist it, break it, and mould it into something that resembles you.
The amount of “do this and get this result” information on the internet and social media geared towards creators is insane. It’s enough to drive a person crazy and feel very overwhelmed.
And we wonder why 70% of the world suffers from imposter syndrome. With all this overload of information claiming a million different ways to get the same result, we start to drift more and more from faith and trust in ourselves and our own capabilities as valid and worthy.
That's such a good point to mention the correlation between false promises and imposter syndrome.
There are too many Ferraris without an engine out there and sadly, many people believe these shortcults (yes, intended) and end up buying expensive courses that don't get results.
I like the "Ferarris without engine" 😁 I agree... there are indeed great tools and resources out there, but I think people need to learn how to trust their own capabilities more first. In their own research and doing they might be impressed at what they can accomplish on their own.
What? 'You' didn't obey the gurus? 😮 🤭 That slightest twinkle in your eye... it communicates to some us that you are, without a doubt, a nonconformist. And what a good thing it is for us, your readers, that you are. I loved this piece, V. 💛🍋
I love the reflection you offer between “being” successful because you look and follow others’ rules, but still, you don’t feel successful because you are very far away from your heart and soul. If we don’t do what fulfills us, what moves us and brings our spark up, we are going to be dead, surrounded by numbers and rewards that serve for nothing but social validation. Thank you Veronica for sharing your journey and encouraging others to keep their voices up, especially when we don’t fit into any box.
Success is something very personal and it evolves too. I'm in a phase now where it's much more about inner purpose and fulfilment than external validation.
Also, it's great to figure things out along the way rather than applying a formula someone else created.
Every guru has a formula - it may be perfect for them and have gotten great results. However, it's not always the best fit for everyone. Today, I prefer to storytelling and adding lessons within the copy. Rather than static, listicles and definitives like "this is the only way to achieve XYZ" or "you don't take yourself and your work seriously enough if you don't do XYZ".
I agree with you re storytelling. It's beautiful when you are able to share a story about you/ your experience that can have an impact on someone else.
I am a prof. Been one for 30 years. I, too, came to Substack because of a book and regularly avoid the regurgitated advice of finance writers…I’ve caught the fever…subscriptions are building…working to find relatability with every post
I'm a marketing professional, so unfortunately I got used to following those gurus and templates. And while they've been effective for the brands I worked with, I'm starting to see that they might not be effective for my brand. I'm going to try it your way and see how it works out for me. Thank you for the inspiration!
I would be happy to support you with your strategy.
In the meantime, you can take a look at all the free Posts. I just launched a mini-webinar on collaboration and Guest Posts (14 minutes) and you might find it useful:
A lot of people don't realize that at the end of the day writing is creative. Regurgitated bullshit will always sink to the bottom over time. Also success is something I've been struggling to figure out because I see so many people who are doing well, and I tell myself I'm another voice that will get lost. One line in this stuck out to me: nothing extraordinary was produced following someone else's manual. It's absolutely correct. Thank you for another great post
Thank you, that's the line that summarizes everything.
We have to make the magic with creativity, using our own thinking and personality.
That's why copying others doesn't work on the long term, although it might get you quick wins.
I'm here for creating my own magic ✨
#DoWhatYouWant
works every time :)
Hahaha, I could have shortened the article 😉
You're spot on, Veronica. Some writers have made 6 or 7 figures online because they found something that worked for them. Yes, some of their tactics can be taught. They can show us what the essential ingredients are for their cake, but we need to add our own topping. Otherwise, we just sound like copycat, wannabe writers.
My take on writing advice is as follows:
Take it, twist it, break it, and mould it into something that resembles you.
That's so true, Diane!
And many of these big creators are not able to replicate their own success either because what worked for them often doesn't work for others.
We need to create our own recipe - there's no way around it.
And I'm happy to do something that is truly mine too!
The amount of “do this and get this result” information on the internet and social media geared towards creators is insane. It’s enough to drive a person crazy and feel very overwhelmed.
And we wonder why 70% of the world suffers from imposter syndrome. With all this overload of information claiming a million different ways to get the same result, we start to drift more and more from faith and trust in ourselves and our own capabilities as valid and worthy.
That's such a good point to mention the correlation between false promises and imposter syndrome.
There are too many Ferraris without an engine out there and sadly, many people believe these shortcults (yes, intended) and end up buying expensive courses that don't get results.
I like the "Ferarris without engine" 😁 I agree... there are indeed great tools and resources out there, but I think people need to learn how to trust their own capabilities more first. In their own research and doing they might be impressed at what they can accomplish on their own.
What? 'You' didn't obey the gurus? 😮 🤭 That slightest twinkle in your eye... it communicates to some us that you are, without a doubt, a nonconformist. And what a good thing it is for us, your readers, that you are. I loved this piece, V. 💛🍋
I think templates work only for a limited amount of time, soon they become overused, and for extreme beginners.
Yep, they work until you realize that everybody else is using the same stuff and it doesn’t work anymore.
❤️
I love the reflection you offer between “being” successful because you look and follow others’ rules, but still, you don’t feel successful because you are very far away from your heart and soul. If we don’t do what fulfills us, what moves us and brings our spark up, we are going to be dead, surrounded by numbers and rewards that serve for nothing but social validation. Thank you Veronica for sharing your journey and encouraging others to keep their voices up, especially when we don’t fit into any box.
Thank you, Jen.
Success is something very personal and it evolves too. I'm in a phase now where it's much more about inner purpose and fulfilment than external validation.
Also, it's great to figure things out along the way rather than applying a formula someone else created.
Cheers
Brilliant 🤩 as ever. And so refreshing. The last thing we need is to be cookie cutters.
I got lost in my writing when I started trying to write the right way! Instead of mining my depth of experience and helping people from what I know.
As an author I’d already learned about finding my own voice. But I got convinced there was a right way :(
I’m so happy to have found Substack and amazing creators like you to free myself again.
Thank you, Jacqueline.
I went through the same thing and I'm so happy to have ditched the rules so that I can write freely and make my own mistakes to learn.
It's great to have you here and I feel the same way about Substack.
Every guru has a formula - it may be perfect for them and have gotten great results. However, it's not always the best fit for everyone. Today, I prefer to storytelling and adding lessons within the copy. Rather than static, listicles and definitives like "this is the only way to achieve XYZ" or "you don't take yourself and your work seriously enough if you don't do XYZ".
Absolutely.
I agree with you re storytelling. It's beautiful when you are able to share a story about you/ your experience that can have an impact on someone else.
Writing for people, not for algorithms! Yes, much more fulfilling. 🤗 Connection.
What a relief! 😅
That's right. We have to carve out our own path.
It's harder because it's uncharted territory but it makes it more exciting too.
That’s true.
I am a prof. Been one for 30 years. I, too, came to Substack because of a book and regularly avoid the regurgitated advice of finance writers…I’ve caught the fever…subscriptions are building…working to find relatability with every post
Finding relatability is what writing is about.
With your 30 years of professional teaching plus your life experience, you have an amazing combo to build something unique.
Good luck!
I'm a marketing professional, so unfortunately I got used to following those gurus and templates. And while they've been effective for the brands I worked with, I'm starting to see that they might not be effective for my brand. I'm going to try it your way and see how it works out for me. Thank you for the inspiration!
Definitely, Ramonelle!
Especially if you are trying to build your own brand, finding your style and voice will be the way to connect with your readers.
Good luck!
Great read.
I share the exact same opinion and belief for my newsletter.
I’ll look to you for coaching in the future
-Jon
Thank you, Jonathan.
I would be happy to support you with your strategy.
In the meantime, you can take a look at all the free Posts. I just launched a mini-webinar on collaboration and Guest Posts (14 minutes) and you might find it useful:
https://veronicallorcasmith.substack.com/p/the-magic-of-guest-posts-on-substack
Agreed. The right people will gravitate to my posts. Do what feels right for YOU. 🥰 Follow your 💗
Absolutely - authentic writing attracts authentic connections.