Elin, I'm constantly inspired by the way you show up as a creative and entrepreneur. I can feel the passion and the agency through your words and it makes me smile because it is so clear that you are an embodiment of going against the norm and doing things YOUR way. Soooooooo many people talk about doing it that way - but your actions are much louder than that.
You inspire me to really look at the way I approach my entrepreneurship and you bring up this motivation that you have, that I didn't even realize I also have, to have full agency over my work and not be mindless to the platforms or algorithms.
I love reading what you write because I know "follow your gut" is not just a name - it's a way of life and a practice and I am so encouraged by you! (literally had to look up synonym for inspired because I've said it a bunch already!)
I am cheering you on and cannot wait to buy the book. 💖
(p.s. this: "This is my digital forest, where my philosophies plant deep transformative roots." from your website - I am so jealous that I did not come up with that HAHA because oh my gosh I'm obsessed with that sentence.)
You're amazing! Thank you for being you and sharing with the world!
Thanks so much for sharing your process and journey! It's helpful and inspiring! I was going to start a Substack, but I realized my original idea would bog me down even more, even though I loved it. Thanks for confirming not to doubt myself!
Never doubt yourself 🌟 and never feel bad for the moments when you do, because we all do ❣️ I’m very curious to know what your idea was about if you want to share? ☺️
Thank you so much! Yes, I’ve been slowly listening to my body more and trusting my energy. Actually, my About Page on my account explains the idea in detail, but basically I wanted to write about my burnout and healing experience and share the art I’m creating through the process. But, I don’t feel like writing about it right now, nor do I feel pushed to share, so I’m just listening to that and not pushing it.
This is something I’ve been thinking about too - how I’m using Substack, how I’m showing up here, and why. I’m curious - is Substack your main marketing newsletter, or do you have another one? And how do you differentiate between the two?
I have another one for my visual art business that I’ve been running for 10yrs but for the writing side of the business this is the only one for now ☺️ i differentiate based on the different audience on the lists ❣️
This helps explain myself to me! I have nearly 6000 free subs and when I think about how I might find different income sources in addition to novel writing and MS editing, I sometimes think - turn on paid? Add a paid offering? Actually, I'm sometime tempted to turn it on, just to be eligible for the bestseller thing. I love writing about folklore, so it's super tempting to think this is a good option for me. BUT I know myself - I don't want to create to a schedule. I don't want to owe anyone anything with this newsletter, which I only write when I have the full energy to do so, and when I can really have fun with it.
I know deadlines and schedules. I wrote a column for newspapers for years and while it can be great for honing discipline and sure, you get the work done, there comes a time when you are just repeating yourself, the magic and spark has gone.
Other writers work different and it no doubt works very well for them - and good for them! But if there's one thing I've learned in my 20 years of freelance writing, it's that just because everyone is doing something, doesn't mean't mean it's the right choice for you! Some of us need to be instinctive, follow the flow, and let the money come how it will...
As someone who has got rid of her orange tick from view, changed her publishing schedule to make it all feel sustainable and patiently waits for some paid subscribers to leave so I can afford to stop paid subscriptions and refund, I feel your pain. I am much newer at this game than you but your article has helped me feel like it is an experience to learn from. Thank you.
can I also ask... are you still engaged in those other platforms? I've been away from Instagram for almost 3 years. I really don't think it's aligned and I frankly don't know how to engage with it with fun (as you mention here) anymore. Substack is my only platform now, exploring YouTube... videos feel fun because I can share and teach there. Depth is my thing.
Hey Elin. Thank you, needed this today. I'm a big fan of Seth and what he's doing. He is incredibly generous with his ideas and support in general. Wish I could attend the live and hope I can catch it after the fact. Schedule conflicts. It was great to here from you as a mother who is an artist and business owner. I'm starting to step out of my second postpartum nest and desire to put energy back into the work I do and am passionate about. Your note about going after what you love really resonates. I think I might be getting caught in those weeds of "will they like it?" and need to reorient to "Do I like it?"
Any ways thank you. Can feel your genuine spirit. Cheers!
Elin, I'm constantly inspired by the way you show up as a creative and entrepreneur. I can feel the passion and the agency through your words and it makes me smile because it is so clear that you are an embodiment of going against the norm and doing things YOUR way. Soooooooo many people talk about doing it that way - but your actions are much louder than that.
You inspire me to really look at the way I approach my entrepreneurship and you bring up this motivation that you have, that I didn't even realize I also have, to have full agency over my work and not be mindless to the platforms or algorithms.
I love reading what you write because I know "follow your gut" is not just a name - it's a way of life and a practice and I am so encouraged by you! (literally had to look up synonym for inspired because I've said it a bunch already!)
I am cheering you on and cannot wait to buy the book. 💖
(p.s. this: "This is my digital forest, where my philosophies plant deep transformative roots." from your website - I am so jealous that I did not come up with that HAHA because oh my gosh I'm obsessed with that sentence.)
You're amazing! Thank you for being you and sharing with the world!
Bailey
Wow thank you Bailey for this magical feedback! It’s embodying exactly what I aspire to do; lead by example rather than theory.
Hah yes the digital forest bit felt pretty good when it landed within me too 😌
Brava for you reclaiming your artistic center!
And I’m glad you’re still here.💞
Thank you so much and love having you here 🥰
Thanks so much for sharing your process and journey! It's helpful and inspiring! I was going to start a Substack, but I realized my original idea would bog me down even more, even though I loved it. Thanks for confirming not to doubt myself!
Never doubt yourself 🌟 and never feel bad for the moments when you do, because we all do ❣️ I’m very curious to know what your idea was about if you want to share? ☺️
Thank you so much! Yes, I’ve been slowly listening to my body more and trusting my energy. Actually, my About Page on my account explains the idea in detail, but basically I wanted to write about my burnout and healing experience and share the art I’m creating through the process. But, I don’t feel like writing about it right now, nor do I feel pushed to share, so I’m just listening to that and not pushing it.
This is something I’ve been thinking about too - how I’m using Substack, how I’m showing up here, and why. I’m curious - is Substack your main marketing newsletter, or do you have another one? And how do you differentiate between the two?
I have another one for my visual art business that I’ve been running for 10yrs but for the writing side of the business this is the only one for now ☺️ i differentiate based on the different audience on the lists ❣️
Love this reminder that creativity comes from being authentic and following our own rhythms, not from a prescribed amount of posting!
This helps explain myself to me! I have nearly 6000 free subs and when I think about how I might find different income sources in addition to novel writing and MS editing, I sometimes think - turn on paid? Add a paid offering? Actually, I'm sometime tempted to turn it on, just to be eligible for the bestseller thing. I love writing about folklore, so it's super tempting to think this is a good option for me. BUT I know myself - I don't want to create to a schedule. I don't want to owe anyone anything with this newsletter, which I only write when I have the full energy to do so, and when I can really have fun with it.
I know deadlines and schedules. I wrote a column for newspapers for years and while it can be great for honing discipline and sure, you get the work done, there comes a time when you are just repeating yourself, the magic and spark has gone.
Other writers work different and it no doubt works very well for them - and good for them! But if there's one thing I've learned in my 20 years of freelance writing, it's that just because everyone is doing something, doesn't mean't mean it's the right choice for you! Some of us need to be instinctive, follow the flow, and let the money come how it will...
I think this is what I needed to read today. Thank you 🙏💗
Exciting! Something in this energy is where I'm landing.
As someone who has got rid of her orange tick from view, changed her publishing schedule to make it all feel sustainable and patiently waits for some paid subscribers to leave so I can afford to stop paid subscriptions and refund, I feel your pain. I am much newer at this game than you but your article has helped me feel like it is an experience to learn from. Thank you.
can I also ask... are you still engaged in those other platforms? I've been away from Instagram for almost 3 years. I really don't think it's aligned and I frankly don't know how to engage with it with fun (as you mention here) anymore. Substack is my only platform now, exploring YouTube... videos feel fun because I can share and teach there. Depth is my thing.
Hey Elin. Thank you, needed this today. I'm a big fan of Seth and what he's doing. He is incredibly generous with his ideas and support in general. Wish I could attend the live and hope I can catch it after the fact. Schedule conflicts. It was great to here from you as a mother who is an artist and business owner. I'm starting to step out of my second postpartum nest and desire to put energy back into the work I do and am passionate about. Your note about going after what you love really resonates. I think I might be getting caught in those weeds of "will they like it?" and need to reorient to "Do I like it?"
Any ways thank you. Can feel your genuine spirit. Cheers!