That was like a tour of the not so distant past we lived through. lol I'm reminded of everyone's preoccupation with dystopian futures. You almost expect that to make a come back soon...
Unfortunately self publishing is a giant trap, and it generally goes nowhere other than to massage egos. For so so many reasons. Maybe that will change. I truly wish writers cared as much about learning their craft as they did about expressing themselves.
Boy, that first one, fact checking… Substack writers could sure use a healthy dose of that. A lot of wonky armchair "psychology" here...
One of my personal triggers is from my own father and also the present administration… where someone thinks something sounds good to them, so it must be true right? Substack is rife with that. Oy.
But it's also full of warmth, support, encouragement, community.
Such a great list you have here, ways to engage and make a difference. 💕
I think you’re on the money with dystopian future books. As far as self publishing goes, I’ve known some folks who did various hybrid methods with success. To further your point on ego, they still need editors and humility. Not every project reaches best seller status (as it should be).
I’m worried about Substack being a bubble like everything else. I don’t want to fool myself but I also want to stay positive. It *is* still an algorithm.
Maybe it's OK that it's a bubble? Maybe people can center themselves in their bubbles, like an anchor, to help themselves get through the next four years. Maybe a bubble can be a tool.
I definitely think you're right, I see the bubble here. And I'm also using it to stay positive like you are. 😊
I guess the only harm is in believing that it’s not a bubble and it won’t blow up in your face. You actually just helped me figure out something I was struggling with - I was worried being positive was too Pollyanna-ish and not reality based. But I really like your reframing so thank you!
Yeah I worry about the same things. My brain is trying to protect me by preparing for the worst, but in doing that, it's indulging negativity bias about a future for which I don't have all the data. That is a constant reframing of narrative for me.
Thanks for this great article. It really helped refuel the fire of this aspiring writer to keep at it. I have been pitching my novel to agent for six months now. No bites yet but I won't give up. I have considered self-publishing but I can't get past the "Isn't that just an expensive ego trip" complex yet. In addition to Substack, I continue to work on another novel and short stories. On my worst days, I simply tell myself, "Someday after you're gone, someone will come across these manuscripts and revel at their brilliance". Again, thanks for the kick in the pants! Rick Rutherford
If you have the tenacity to FINISH a novel, query agents AND keep a Substack, it’s going to pay off. Maybe you haven’t found the agent you’re supposed to partner with or the universe wants you to publish at a certain time in the future. Culture is going through a paradigm shift and before long, self publishing will seem like no big deal. Once I’m ready for that step, I’ve got no problem with it (but I’d probably pay for the marketing part…).
That was like a tour of the not so distant past we lived through. lol I'm reminded of everyone's preoccupation with dystopian futures. You almost expect that to make a come back soon...
Unfortunately self publishing is a giant trap, and it generally goes nowhere other than to massage egos. For so so many reasons. Maybe that will change. I truly wish writers cared as much about learning their craft as they did about expressing themselves.
Boy, that first one, fact checking… Substack writers could sure use a healthy dose of that. A lot of wonky armchair "psychology" here...
One of my personal triggers is from my own father and also the present administration… where someone thinks something sounds good to them, so it must be true right? Substack is rife with that. Oy.
But it's also full of warmth, support, encouragement, community.
Such a great list you have here, ways to engage and make a difference. 💕
I think you’re on the money with dystopian future books. As far as self publishing goes, I’ve known some folks who did various hybrid methods with success. To further your point on ego, they still need editors and humility. Not every project reaches best seller status (as it should be).
I’m worried about Substack being a bubble like everything else. I don’t want to fool myself but I also want to stay positive. It *is* still an algorithm.
Maybe it's OK that it's a bubble? Maybe people can center themselves in their bubbles, like an anchor, to help themselves get through the next four years. Maybe a bubble can be a tool.
I definitely think you're right, I see the bubble here. And I'm also using it to stay positive like you are. 😊
I guess the only harm is in believing that it’s not a bubble and it won’t blow up in your face. You actually just helped me figure out something I was struggling with - I was worried being positive was too Pollyanna-ish and not reality based. But I really like your reframing so thank you!
Yeah I worry about the same things. My brain is trying to protect me by preparing for the worst, but in doing that, it's indulging negativity bias about a future for which I don't have all the data. That is a constant reframing of narrative for me.
We deserve joy!
Agreed. I’m choosing hopefulness.
Laura,
Thanks for this great article. It really helped refuel the fire of this aspiring writer to keep at it. I have been pitching my novel to agent for six months now. No bites yet but I won't give up. I have considered self-publishing but I can't get past the "Isn't that just an expensive ego trip" complex yet. In addition to Substack, I continue to work on another novel and short stories. On my worst days, I simply tell myself, "Someday after you're gone, someone will come across these manuscripts and revel at their brilliance". Again, thanks for the kick in the pants! Rick Rutherford
If you have the tenacity to FINISH a novel, query agents AND keep a Substack, it’s going to pay off. Maybe you haven’t found the agent you’re supposed to partner with or the universe wants you to publish at a certain time in the future. Culture is going through a paradigm shift and before long, self publishing will seem like no big deal. Once I’m ready for that step, I’ve got no problem with it (but I’d probably pay for the marketing part…).