I hear you. I'm also two months in and feel that the honeymoon stage is over and the real work is just starting. It's exciting and scary at the same time. Will I be able to keep doing without the initial adrenaline rush of starting this new adventure? I hope I will.
This free write is heartfelt and clarifying. I appreciate Remy’s comments too. In both of my Substacks, I don’t have many subscribers--25 and 150--even after two+ years. I have few unsubscribes, few likes, and few comments. What I like is the data on “opens” and number of times one post was reopened. One post was reopened 122 times. My best posts are those with at least half of my subscribers opening a post 3+ times. That means I’m doing what I intend--to provoke deep thinking about schooling or to evoke a feeling. I have no financial interest in writing at all. I did for about six years at one point. Freelancing for paper publishing in pop magazines like Weight Watchers. I wrote things like roller skate your way to thin or whatever. I lost interest as recovered the relationship with writing I started having around fourth grade, innocent, fun, really hard. Notes is a bit of a disappointment because I didn’t see it as Social Media. I do not have Facebook or Twitter or X and escaped that part of the world. I respect Dusty Hope for persisting, but I am a bit disgusted with the audience for not engaging with her. She is a true magician with words.
Thank you so much Terry for showing up with such honest reflections and insights! 122 times that is truly remarkable!!
The roller skate to thin made me laugh haha feels like a very weight watcher thing to say.
I appreciate Notes for allowing new writers to spread their word “in house” but I also recognize the need to set some boundaries as to how when and why one uses it.
Thank you so much. I think the guy must have sent the link to his students or colleagues. I routinely get 15-20 who open a post 5-10 times over a few days. I find the push push push quick quick quick strategy a bit unnerving, probably because I don’t understand the norms of social media. It feels to me a lot like when I taught fourth grade and the kids would be popping up everywhere “Pick me! Pick me!” I need to acknowledge it for what it is, not what I wish it would be. I feel stabs to my heart when I see writers like Dusty putting her heart out there with very little reciprocation. And Brock Eldon as well, a gifted writer. Such is life. But you—you are the real deal. Remy, too. And others. We’re gonna have to give it some time. I’m gonna keep my eye on it for opportunities to spread the word about poetry and schooling:)
I love this! It is all about evoking a feeling and creating a place where people can come together and think in new ways. The responses we're starting to get from our substack from people in our community is really interesting - the people who we haven't caught up with in years are finding ways back to us through our writing and share how much they appreciate what we have to say. If they're the only ones reading it, it still means so much.
I really appreciate this post, Elin. I connected to so much of what you describe. I've been here for a little over seven months and overall its been magic. This weekend I found myself staring down the beast of comparison. And I saw myself falling short to the people around me. And then I felt such sadness at the thought of stumbling off this emotional peak I've been on...It's a lot to think about.
Thank you Caroline for sharing to vulnerably about your experience! It’s a true rollercoaster isn’t it and just because a place feels magical in general doesn’t mean it will everyday... and that’s ok!! Loving what you do ❤️
Haha thanks Mika that’s very sweet of you and indeed a point that is difficult to say about oneself but easier to recognize in others ❣️
Thanks, I probably had the toughest night in motherhood so far... my youngest took over the fever from my eldest and it was really bad but it’s starting to calm down. She just fell asleep so I’m gonna take advantage of a nap today too... got a whopping 30 min sleep this night 😅
I’m really feeling this! I joined Substack two months ago to be a part of a community and to have a place to post my amateur writings for feedback and conversation. It certainly scratches this itch!
But lately, I've also been feeling the end of the honeymoon phase. I've been thinking a lot about how previous honeymoon phases ended for me--specifically, my relationship with the guitar. I studied guitar at Berklee College of Music, and that experience soured my relationship with the instrument. It had nothing to do with the institution; it had to do with the fact that I allowed the guitar to become my identity, my means of judging self-worth. It was unfair of me to ask the guitar to bear the burden of my identity and to entwine my self-worth with how I played on a particular gig. Once a playground, the practice room had become a drab cubicle complete with self-imposed bureaucratic rules, smarmy brand expectations, and hollow rote.
During that time, I found playing instruments I didn't identify with was freeing. Playing the piano as a "non-pianist" was a way to access creativity without fearing being seen as "bad." Likewise, writing as a "non-writer" was an enjoyable way to express my creativity. But I feel a mounting pressure to identify as a writer, post constantly, and grow my readership. The number of times I've stared at empty Word documents has increased these past few weeks, and I'm worried my motivations are shifting. For instance, I sincerely resonate with this post, but what are my intentions for writing this note? Am I participating in the conversation or just trying to get attention? It scares me that I can no longer tell...
I'm grateful for my experience with the guitar, even though it didn't work out, as it empowers me to understand what is going on here and where this fatigue and hesitation comes from. To counteract, I'm embracing Bukowski's "Don't try" and supplementing it with "Don't identify" (both of which are easier said than done!) I want writing to remain a creative refuge. I'm making a deal with myself to put the number of subscribers and likes out of my mind and come to the page when I'm inspired, not out of a sense of obligation.
Reading posts like yours provides inspiring ammunition in the never-ending fight against burnout!
You bring up such brilliant points here - thank you so much for sharing your experience!
To attach one’s identity to something external is always a slippery slope regardless of whether it’s to metrics on social media (which is the case for many), or with an external performance like playing the guitar.
I can relate very much to what you say when I think back at my “tennis career”. I competed for some years and worked as a coach all through my teenage years. The coaching took over towards the end and it somehow created this strong pressure that I had to always hit the ball perfectly and it got quite heavy to bear.
The fact that you’re already recognizing this fine line between intention and potential benefit is a big step in the awakening of the creative process. Because I think it’s really that; it’s simply non human to be a perfect utopian person who doesn’t inhibit some level of cynicism. Your thoughtful comment has brought attention, which is a small goal, but you’ve simultaneously contributed to the conversation at large which is of value too. One doesn’t have to exclude the other 🙏🏼
"it’s simply non human to be a perfect utopian person who doesn’t inhibit some level of cynicism"
Love this! Indeed, when it comes to sincerity and cynicism I keep coming back to David Foster Wallace's idea that sincerity in writing must involve "intent" but cannot involve "motive." The distinction between the two seems incredibly fraught and I find it something instructive to think about.
Again, thank you so very much for your work--it's been a wonderful journey diving through your posts!
Nice post, as always. I don't know how, but I can always tell writers/creatives who studied/have training in other fields. Their writing is versatile, less abstract, and more applicable. I studied economics in campus. While I don't practice in this discipline, it has nevertheless helped shape my thinking as a writer. Part of the reason why you are a good artist and creative is this background of studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Thanks once again for an insightful reflection.
Thanks Patrick as always for such thoughtful comment 🙏🏼 I appreciate your reflection and I dare to say that I agree that studies in various field definitely enhances your general culture, which naturally translates as an ability to grasp concepts in and out of your own regular “box”.
Though I’m not sure of how much value the “university life” brought me, I’m grateful to have had deep philosophical conversations and studied the founders of economics in majestic rooms in the centre of Paris.
Oh my, thank you for reading my post and understanding it, and mentioning me.
I’m also out of the honeymoon period and learning to rein in the enthusiasm is a way, I’m longing for a quiet brain day too. I just wish it would shut up after having been squashed for so long. Today I’m concerting (not folding in on myself but actually going to a concert) so am resolutely not writing other than comments. No drafts (17 waiting for me on line more in my head), no posts, only little notes and restacks.
Thank you Tamzin for popping in and I hope the concert gives you all the energy you need (and hopefully takes up some of the thoughtful space with musical melodies instead) ✨
A huge thank you to you too Elin! 🤍 Honestly your words have pushed me too over the last couple of days and inspired me to keep moving towards my dreams.. Despite the setbacks of lost followers/subscribers, lost accounts and a whole lot of writer's block in between. We've got this!
We’ve got this Jenna 🙌 the setbacks are a part of the journey (necessary even). Sometimes I ask myself: what if it was really easy, then everyone would make it right?
Perseverence is often times the deciding factor to become successful in anything, online and offline. Many people give up after having doing the routine for a while without significant result, not knowing that the breakthrough is just around the next corner.
Your honest reflections here are so refreshing, Elin. I tend to over subscribe (call me a giddy reader who just keeps finding treasures here on Substack). Your essays are ones that always move the needle with me. And I am a small business owner myself (run my own law practice) but I haven’t a clue how to be an entrepreneur online, especially as it relate to art and creativity. So I appreciate how willing you are to pull back the curtain for us.
You hustle, that is what I constantly see. And you share your energy in a way that continues to motivate me.
Honeymoon may be over but I think you have a good thing going here lady 💕
And thank you for the mention - truly appreciate that 🙏🏼
Thank you so much Allison for your support I really appreciate it and so excited to have you along! When I first started out I thought it would be more motherhood focused but I realise that I just truly love to write about creative and artistic entrepreneurship and the creative process at large... I know nothing about running a law firm but I can imagine there to be quite a few differences 🫶🏼 thrilled to be on the journey together 🥰
I am so grateful for this post, Elin - I've really been going at it on Substack for a couple of weeks and can already see huge results compared to when I wasn't taking it seriously - so I really do share your sentiments.
Thank you for your kind mention as well :)
Your advice will be a core part of my hero post when I get round to writing it in a couple of weeks :)
Haha it’s the best location in a newsletter anyhow as many tend to scroll through and just check at the announcements at the bottom (that’s why one should always include a quick summary of what the deal is at the end for the quick readers people 😂❣️)
Yes, staying grounded is the only way to sustainability in the long run!!
How are you finding your way now that it’s been some weeks for you too? 🥰
I am finding I’ve become distracted from my intention coming here with the chat and threads functionality if I’m honest.
I came here to support my writing journey so I can get a book about courage written. To get my last 10 years research out of my heart and soul so it exists in a physical world.
The idea was to have a quiet corner to practice and learn with the loyal followers and subscribers I arrived here with from my last 7 years work.
I do want to hear what readers think of my writing, but I think I’ve started to get distracted by the noise of ‘getting subscribers’ and ‘how to substack’.
More than anything, I want to write the book for me - to get the contents of it out of me.
I don’t actually know if I’ve just created more work and effectively created another barrier to my writing here.
So I’m not quite sure just yet...... long answer. Struggling to be succinct is clearly a development area!
Thank you for this honest share, Elin. I too had fell into that honeymoon stage, and now am trying my best to not allow another social media platform take over my life, while at the same time, being consistent and disciplined. I noticed when I took a break, my stats went significantly down, and there’s a part of me that just had to be ok with that because I needed the time and space to heal and just be.
Thank you for being vulnerable with me and sharing your experience! It’s all somehow a reflection of the online world where one needs to be stronger with the boundaries because no one else will (certainly not the platforms who thrive on you being connected at all times). Appreciate you, xx
Thanks JP! Always appreciate to have you here on board 🙏🏼 and you’re so right... the honeymoon phase is done, but it’s such a small part of the marriage that it’s truly just the beginning
I hear you. I'm also two months in and feel that the honeymoon stage is over and the real work is just starting. It's exciting and scary at the same time. Will I be able to keep doing without the initial adrenaline rush of starting this new adventure? I hope I will.
Yes. You. Will 👏👏 it’s where the community aspect will help to hold you accountable I think!
This free write is heartfelt and clarifying. I appreciate Remy’s comments too. In both of my Substacks, I don’t have many subscribers--25 and 150--even after two+ years. I have few unsubscribes, few likes, and few comments. What I like is the data on “opens” and number of times one post was reopened. One post was reopened 122 times. My best posts are those with at least half of my subscribers opening a post 3+ times. That means I’m doing what I intend--to provoke deep thinking about schooling or to evoke a feeling. I have no financial interest in writing at all. I did for about six years at one point. Freelancing for paper publishing in pop magazines like Weight Watchers. I wrote things like roller skate your way to thin or whatever. I lost interest as recovered the relationship with writing I started having around fourth grade, innocent, fun, really hard. Notes is a bit of a disappointment because I didn’t see it as Social Media. I do not have Facebook or Twitter or X and escaped that part of the world. I respect Dusty Hope for persisting, but I am a bit disgusted with the audience for not engaging with her. She is a true magician with words.
Thank you so much Terry for showing up with such honest reflections and insights! 122 times that is truly remarkable!!
The roller skate to thin made me laugh haha feels like a very weight watcher thing to say.
I appreciate Notes for allowing new writers to spread their word “in house” but I also recognize the need to set some boundaries as to how when and why one uses it.
As always, grateful to have you!
Thank you so much. I think the guy must have sent the link to his students or colleagues. I routinely get 15-20 who open a post 5-10 times over a few days. I find the push push push quick quick quick strategy a bit unnerving, probably because I don’t understand the norms of social media. It feels to me a lot like when I taught fourth grade and the kids would be popping up everywhere “Pick me! Pick me!” I need to acknowledge it for what it is, not what I wish it would be. I feel stabs to my heart when I see writers like Dusty putting her heart out there with very little reciprocation. And Brock Eldon as well, a gifted writer. Such is life. But you—you are the real deal. Remy, too. And others. We’re gonna have to give it some time. I’m gonna keep my eye on it for opportunities to spread the word about poetry and schooling:)
I love this! It is all about evoking a feeling and creating a place where people can come together and think in new ways. The responses we're starting to get from our substack from people in our community is really interesting - the people who we haven't caught up with in years are finding ways back to us through our writing and share how much they appreciate what we have to say. If they're the only ones reading it, it still means so much.
I really appreciate this post, Elin. I connected to so much of what you describe. I've been here for a little over seven months and overall its been magic. This weekend I found myself staring down the beast of comparison. And I saw myself falling short to the people around me. And then I felt such sadness at the thought of stumbling off this emotional peak I've been on...It's a lot to think about.
Thank you for the mention 🤍
Thank you Caroline for sharing to vulnerably about your experience! It’s a true rollercoaster isn’t it and just because a place feels magical in general doesn’t mean it will everyday... and that’s ok!! Loving what you do ❤️
What writers will never say in their growth posts, but I think Elin should add, “….and my writing was really really, I mean, really good.” 🤣🥰
😉
I’m being cheeky, but you write beautifully and you’re great at “networking” to get your work seen, so others can fall in love with it too.
You’re honest and relatable and are great at taking us on a journey.
I often scrap ideas and go in a different direction with my writing - that’s what happened with the hero post article.
I hope your child feels better and you’re able to avoid getting it yourself.
It’s been a wild ride and I hope you can continue to enjoy the twists and turns!
Haha thanks Mika that’s very sweet of you and indeed a point that is difficult to say about oneself but easier to recognize in others ❣️
Thanks, I probably had the toughest night in motherhood so far... my youngest took over the fever from my eldest and it was really bad but it’s starting to calm down. She just fell asleep so I’m gonna take advantage of a nap today too... got a whopping 30 min sleep this night 😅
Excited to follow each other on this journey 🫶🏼
Oh no! That sounds rough! It’s so hard to have our young ones so unwell.
Sending you lots of love and wishes for a speedy recovery (and some sleep!)
I’m really feeling this! I joined Substack two months ago to be a part of a community and to have a place to post my amateur writings for feedback and conversation. It certainly scratches this itch!
But lately, I've also been feeling the end of the honeymoon phase. I've been thinking a lot about how previous honeymoon phases ended for me--specifically, my relationship with the guitar. I studied guitar at Berklee College of Music, and that experience soured my relationship with the instrument. It had nothing to do with the institution; it had to do with the fact that I allowed the guitar to become my identity, my means of judging self-worth. It was unfair of me to ask the guitar to bear the burden of my identity and to entwine my self-worth with how I played on a particular gig. Once a playground, the practice room had become a drab cubicle complete with self-imposed bureaucratic rules, smarmy brand expectations, and hollow rote.
During that time, I found playing instruments I didn't identify with was freeing. Playing the piano as a "non-pianist" was a way to access creativity without fearing being seen as "bad." Likewise, writing as a "non-writer" was an enjoyable way to express my creativity. But I feel a mounting pressure to identify as a writer, post constantly, and grow my readership. The number of times I've stared at empty Word documents has increased these past few weeks, and I'm worried my motivations are shifting. For instance, I sincerely resonate with this post, but what are my intentions for writing this note? Am I participating in the conversation or just trying to get attention? It scares me that I can no longer tell...
I'm grateful for my experience with the guitar, even though it didn't work out, as it empowers me to understand what is going on here and where this fatigue and hesitation comes from. To counteract, I'm embracing Bukowski's "Don't try" and supplementing it with "Don't identify" (both of which are easier said than done!) I want writing to remain a creative refuge. I'm making a deal with myself to put the number of subscribers and likes out of my mind and come to the page when I'm inspired, not out of a sense of obligation.
Reading posts like yours provides inspiring ammunition in the never-ending fight against burnout!
You bring up such brilliant points here - thank you so much for sharing your experience!
To attach one’s identity to something external is always a slippery slope regardless of whether it’s to metrics on social media (which is the case for many), or with an external performance like playing the guitar.
I can relate very much to what you say when I think back at my “tennis career”. I competed for some years and worked as a coach all through my teenage years. The coaching took over towards the end and it somehow created this strong pressure that I had to always hit the ball perfectly and it got quite heavy to bear.
The fact that you’re already recognizing this fine line between intention and potential benefit is a big step in the awakening of the creative process. Because I think it’s really that; it’s simply non human to be a perfect utopian person who doesn’t inhibit some level of cynicism. Your thoughtful comment has brought attention, which is a small goal, but you’ve simultaneously contributed to the conversation at large which is of value too. One doesn’t have to exclude the other 🙏🏼
"it’s simply non human to be a perfect utopian person who doesn’t inhibit some level of cynicism"
Love this! Indeed, when it comes to sincerity and cynicism I keep coming back to David Foster Wallace's idea that sincerity in writing must involve "intent" but cannot involve "motive." The distinction between the two seems incredibly fraught and I find it something instructive to think about.
Again, thank you so very much for your work--it's been a wonderful journey diving through your posts!
Nice post, as always. I don't know how, but I can always tell writers/creatives who studied/have training in other fields. Their writing is versatile, less abstract, and more applicable. I studied economics in campus. While I don't practice in this discipline, it has nevertheless helped shape my thinking as a writer. Part of the reason why you are a good artist and creative is this background of studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Thanks once again for an insightful reflection.
Thanks Patrick as always for such thoughtful comment 🙏🏼 I appreciate your reflection and I dare to say that I agree that studies in various field definitely enhances your general culture, which naturally translates as an ability to grasp concepts in and out of your own regular “box”.
Though I’m not sure of how much value the “university life” brought me, I’m grateful to have had deep philosophical conversations and studied the founders of economics in majestic rooms in the centre of Paris.
Oh my, thank you for reading my post and understanding it, and mentioning me.
I’m also out of the honeymoon period and learning to rein in the enthusiasm is a way, I’m longing for a quiet brain day too. I just wish it would shut up after having been squashed for so long. Today I’m concerting (not folding in on myself but actually going to a concert) so am resolutely not writing other than comments. No drafts (17 waiting for me on line more in my head), no posts, only little notes and restacks.
Thank you Tamzin for popping in and I hope the concert gives you all the energy you need (and hopefully takes up some of the thoughtful space with musical melodies instead) ✨
Thanks for your honesty and encouragement. I empathise with so much of it
Thanks Nelly for your time to read and comment! It’s all a rollercoaster isn’t it! x
I, for one, am *so glad* you joined the Substack party, Elin. Your words & perspective MATTER.
Aw thanks Kate, really appreciate this!! Let's toast with a fresh-pressed juice shall we!? <3 xx
A huge thank you to you too Elin! 🤍 Honestly your words have pushed me too over the last couple of days and inspired me to keep moving towards my dreams.. Despite the setbacks of lost followers/subscribers, lost accounts and a whole lot of writer's block in between. We've got this!
We’ve got this Jenna 🙌 the setbacks are a part of the journey (necessary even). Sometimes I ask myself: what if it was really easy, then everyone would make it right?
xx
That is so true! Your view of situations and motivation is so encouraging 🤍
Perseverence is often times the deciding factor to become successful in anything, online and offline. Many people give up after having doing the routine for a while without significant result, not knowing that the breakthrough is just around the next corner.
Let's keep the dream alive, forward and onward!
You’re so right! Forward and onward- there’s no big secret in “making it” more than not giving up 🥂
Your honest reflections here are so refreshing, Elin. I tend to over subscribe (call me a giddy reader who just keeps finding treasures here on Substack). Your essays are ones that always move the needle with me. And I am a small business owner myself (run my own law practice) but I haven’t a clue how to be an entrepreneur online, especially as it relate to art and creativity. So I appreciate how willing you are to pull back the curtain for us.
You hustle, that is what I constantly see. And you share your energy in a way that continues to motivate me.
Honeymoon may be over but I think you have a good thing going here lady 💕
And thank you for the mention - truly appreciate that 🙏🏼
Thank you so much Allison for your support I really appreciate it and so excited to have you along! When I first started out I thought it would be more motherhood focused but I realise that I just truly love to write about creative and artistic entrepreneurship and the creative process at large... I know nothing about running a law firm but I can imagine there to be quite a few differences 🫶🏼 thrilled to be on the journey together 🥰
I am so grateful for this post, Elin - I've really been going at it on Substack for a couple of weeks and can already see huge results compared to when I wasn't taking it seriously - so I really do share your sentiments.
Thank you for your kind mention as well :)
Your advice will be a core part of my hero post when I get round to writing it in a couple of weeks :)
There are always results when we’re committed 🙏🏼
Oh wonderful, be sure to tag me so I can check it out too 👏
Keep it up 🥂
One must always save the best til last? 🤣
A great piece.
We can get distracted by newness. I know I have veered away and been seduced by others noise here.
But staying grounded to what’s the purpose and intention in doing x/y/z is what matters most.
Everyone is on a different path with different challenges, barriers opportunities and so on.
Haha it’s the best location in a newsletter anyhow as many tend to scroll through and just check at the announcements at the bottom (that’s why one should always include a quick summary of what the deal is at the end for the quick readers people 😂❣️)
Yes, staying grounded is the only way to sustainability in the long run!!
How are you finding your way now that it’s been some weeks for you too? 🥰
I am finding I’ve become distracted from my intention coming here with the chat and threads functionality if I’m honest.
I came here to support my writing journey so I can get a book about courage written. To get my last 10 years research out of my heart and soul so it exists in a physical world.
The idea was to have a quiet corner to practice and learn with the loyal followers and subscribers I arrived here with from my last 7 years work.
I do want to hear what readers think of my writing, but I think I’ve started to get distracted by the noise of ‘getting subscribers’ and ‘how to substack’.
More than anything, I want to write the book for me - to get the contents of it out of me.
I don’t actually know if I’ve just created more work and effectively created another barrier to my writing here.
So I’m not quite sure just yet...... long answer. Struggling to be succinct is clearly a development area!
Thank you for this honest share, Elin. I too had fell into that honeymoon stage, and now am trying my best to not allow another social media platform take over my life, while at the same time, being consistent and disciplined. I noticed when I took a break, my stats went significantly down, and there’s a part of me that just had to be ok with that because I needed the time and space to heal and just be.
Thank you for being vulnerable with me and sharing your experience! It’s all somehow a reflection of the online world where one needs to be stronger with the boundaries because no one else will (certainly not the platforms who thrive on you being connected at all times). Appreciate you, xx
Hey Elin,
You are one of the few people that I always make time for, keep posting😁
Your honeymoon phase may be over, but your journey is just beginning.
Thanks JP! Always appreciate to have you here on board 🙏🏼 and you’re so right... the honeymoon phase is done, but it’s such a small part of the marriage that it’s truly just the beginning