Following these links is going to keep me busy today - another great post. Your writing really is relatable and I realised some time ago that that’s what was holding me back on Instagram: my disbelief at the self-absorption of posts I would read, when what I really wanted to know was the reality. What’s great about Substack is that the reality is definitely present!
You're definitely right - it's one of the reasons why I reduced my presence on Instagram when I became a mother. I was no longer able to separate it from being just a tool and to not feel impacted by all the self-absorped "perfect mothering" posts that the algorithms suddenly decided to squash in my face (despite me having a very strict arts account). I think a little more humbleness and to look at the greater picture wouldn't do harm for anyone <2 Appreciate you being here with me! xx
I think positioning is helpful to understand. But it’s kind of like a muscle you have to train over time. Too much focus on this element of brand strategy and you’re in danger of appearing inauthentic. Too little focus and you’ll lack confidence and direction. I cover it in some detail on my These Are The Days journal, but you’ve inspired me to share more:
Thanks a lot for your input ❤️ It’s a fine balance isn’t it!
I’m not an expert at theory but always function on doing (and learning from a lot of mistakes). Not necessarily a strategy Id recommend, but to have the intention of where I’d like to be “positioned” in a space has helped me as guidance for how to communicate with the right audience (and ultimately carve out that space one step at the time).
I thought that was an inherent part of branding, but maybe I’ve got it all wrong from the start 😅
Forever learner it is 👏👏
Thanks for the link - gonna head over and have a read 🥰 xx
Intentionality is good! And approaching it all with a sense of curiosity and playfulness. I try not to take it too seriously and while I do like to have a rough strategy, I only really circle back to it and have a wee check-in once every few months or so. Just to keep me on the right path! It’s so easy for me to veer off track, otherwise 🙃
Such an informative article, thanks Elin! As a composer, much of what you said hits home. I feel like of modern classical music is over-academic and subscribes to your notion of "I did this, because I feel that or because that interests me." I'm fairly new to writing seriously so this is something I've been tackling and your insight and links are extremely helpful. Happy New Year!
This was excellent, Elin! I love the way you explained it. It made total sense to me and I was nodding along. I’ll be checking out the book you mentioned and the other Substackers you’ve linked.
LOVE. THIS. Yes, I find a huge part of creating engaging content is *polling* my audience. Often times, I am shocked by the posts that *they* are most interested in, but it is so helpful. Thanks for this great article (and the shoutout!)
You’re absolutely right to poll your audience - it makes them co-create with you!
And avoids us to lose too much time playing the guessing game... I think you’re a perfect example of how this reciprocity and openness have paid off thousand (!) fold!
Cheers 🥂 to 2024, thrilled to have discovered you 🥰
thank you Elin for the generous mention. What a lovely thing to read about your writing. I'm' sure you've brightened the lives of a bunch of miserable writers :)
I still haven’t worked out what I have to offer people both here and I guess in life. I love writing. I am a poet but I haven’t worked out how to adapt my writing for a Substack audience. But also when I write for an audience I overthink. When I write for joy or release or expression I usually end up finding something that connects with people.
You bring up a very valuable point of not overthinking. It’s the same for me and @remybazerque had the same experience with his post about his first three months on Substack. The less we “think” the more it will resonate
Thanks for the added song writing perspective! I’ve never considered song writing, so this is really intriguing (but also logic) that the resonance infiltrates there too.
Elin, I’m OBSESSED with this. I’ve always struggled with the idea of providing value to others and how I balance that with making art for myself/that I find meaningful. Your post is the first time it’s really clicked. Thank you for that!
I feel like the following group/problem is the best description of my work 😂
4. “Dreamers” who have a reality problem. You provide escapism.
David Mamet (ugh I know) said we don’t tell the story. The audience tells themselves the story; we just give them what they need to do that. I hate quoting him but keeping that principle in mind has really helped me.
Following these links is going to keep me busy today - another great post. Your writing really is relatable and I realised some time ago that that’s what was holding me back on Instagram: my disbelief at the self-absorption of posts I would read, when what I really wanted to know was the reality. What’s great about Substack is that the reality is definitely present!
Thanks a lot Jo!
You're definitely right - it's one of the reasons why I reduced my presence on Instagram when I became a mother. I was no longer able to separate it from being just a tool and to not feel impacted by all the self-absorped "perfect mothering" posts that the algorithms suddenly decided to squash in my face (despite me having a very strict arts account). I think a little more humbleness and to look at the greater picture wouldn't do harm for anyone <2 Appreciate you being here with me! xx
Thanks for tagging me, Elin.
I think positioning is helpful to understand. But it’s kind of like a muscle you have to train over time. Too much focus on this element of brand strategy and you’re in danger of appearing inauthentic. Too little focus and you’ll lack confidence and direction. I cover it in some detail on my These Are The Days journal, but you’ve inspired me to share more:
https://thesearethedays.co/journal/the-core-elements-of-a-brand-strategy/
Thanks a lot for your input ❤️ It’s a fine balance isn’t it!
I’m not an expert at theory but always function on doing (and learning from a lot of mistakes). Not necessarily a strategy Id recommend, but to have the intention of where I’d like to be “positioned” in a space has helped me as guidance for how to communicate with the right audience (and ultimately carve out that space one step at the time).
I thought that was an inherent part of branding, but maybe I’ve got it all wrong from the start 😅
Forever learner it is 👏👏
Thanks for the link - gonna head over and have a read 🥰 xx
Intentionality is good! And approaching it all with a sense of curiosity and playfulness. I try not to take it too seriously and while I do like to have a rough strategy, I only really circle back to it and have a wee check-in once every few months or so. Just to keep me on the right path! It’s so easy for me to veer off track, otherwise 🙃
Such an informative article, thanks Elin! As a composer, much of what you said hits home. I feel like of modern classical music is over-academic and subscribes to your notion of "I did this, because I feel that or because that interests me." I'm fairly new to writing seriously so this is something I've been tackling and your insight and links are extremely helpful. Happy New Year!
So glad it resonated and thanks for your insights from the composer world! It’s out of my own reality so always super interesting to read!
Happy new year 🎊
This was excellent, Elin! I love the way you explained it. It made total sense to me and I was nodding along. I’ll be checking out the book you mentioned and the other Substackers you’ve linked.
Thanks a lot Sri! I’m really happy it resonated with you 🥰
LOVE. THIS. Yes, I find a huge part of creating engaging content is *polling* my audience. Often times, I am shocked by the posts that *they* are most interested in, but it is so helpful. Thanks for this great article (and the shoutout!)
Yay thanks Kate for having a read!
You’re absolutely right to poll your audience - it makes them co-create with you!
And avoids us to lose too much time playing the guessing game... I think you’re a perfect example of how this reciprocity and openness have paid off thousand (!) fold!
Cheers 🥂 to 2024, thrilled to have discovered you 🥰
Wonderful post. Thank you for this, I needed it and will help me shape my writing better. I just ordered Donald millers audiobook ☺️🩷
Thanks Kate! I’m excited to know what you think of the book - it really transformed my whole art business 🙏🏼✨
Just binging on Substack atm but I’ll listen later 🤓
Haha I don’t blame you 👏✨
thank you Elin for the generous mention. What a lovely thing to read about your writing. I'm' sure you've brightened the lives of a bunch of miserable writers :)
Haha the last thing one give up is hope, right 😮💨
Great work - thanks for making my day. Cheers
Thanks Zane! Cheers 🎉
Thanks so much for mentioning me! I’m honored!
Keep writing great pieces Laura 👏🙌✨
Largely, but probably not entirely, I am writing for myself. I am writing to figure something out, and to please myself.
As long as you’re clear with your purpose for writing you are more free to let that intention guide your magic 👏✨
I still haven’t worked out what I have to offer people both here and I guess in life. I love writing. I am a poet but I haven’t worked out how to adapt my writing for a Substack audience. But also when I write for an audience I overthink. When I write for joy or release or expression I usually end up finding something that connects with people.
You bring up a very valuable point of not overthinking. It’s the same for me and @remybazerque had the same experience with his post about his first three months on Substack. The less we “think” the more it will resonate
Oh, good no paywall.
Not all colors are the same shade.
As a songwriter I usually write in a conversational style. My characters are sometimes portrayed in a slightly humourus lyric.
Some are refections of pain.
The potential audience is vast and very individual so I try to write in different styles to make those individual connections.
Thanks for the added song writing perspective! I’ve never considered song writing, so this is really intriguing (but also logic) that the resonance infiltrates there too.
When a Star Dies
It's hard
On us
When a young star
Supernovas
We maybe missed the signs
Or couldn't see
The flash blasts us
with thousands of bits
Of the relationshps we had built
With them
Whether acknowledged or not
The life rays we received from them
Resonated in our souls
Only because our souls
Resonated at the same frequencies
So we all
Have the innate power
To self resonate.
Birds sing to one another
Because they already knew
Some of the melodies
And were able to return the songs,
Or new interpretations,
Breathing them back
Into the air
So become a bird
And sing your notes.
A Reflection on Kimbra's Substack
Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼
As writers, we are the stars in that metaphore.
Elin, I’m OBSESSED with this. I’ve always struggled with the idea of providing value to others and how I balance that with making art for myself/that I find meaningful. Your post is the first time it’s really clicked. Thank you for that!
I feel like the following group/problem is the best description of my work 😂
4. “Dreamers” who have a reality problem. You provide escapism.
Wow I’m so thankful that you shared this and that I could make that click! Isn’t it just the best feeling ever when it does that! 😍😍
Excited to see how you take it on 👏
David Mamet (ugh I know) said we don’t tell the story. The audience tells themselves the story; we just give them what they need to do that. I hate quoting him but keeping that principle in mind has really helped me.
It’s certainly a brilliant quote that I’ll bring with me from now on too regardless of who said it 👏 thanks for sharing!!
Thank you. This is really helpful as the entire point of my Substack is for people, like me, to feel less alone. I will study this.
Glad you found it valuable! I’m sure you’ll do amazing 👏
I really mean it. THANK YOU. Happy New Year!!
Happy new year 🎉🎉
Great piece, important points; do you mind if I share this with my creative writing students this weekend?
Thanks for the mention and the kind words. Meant enough for me to screenshot 🤓
I always tell both my dance students *and* my writing students: people don’t want to hear how cool you are; they want to hear how cool *they* are.
The artist who truly wishes to connect to their audience will make that audience feel seen, understood, and with any luck, a little less alone.
I don’t mind, appreciate that you ask 🙏🏼
Yes 🙌 it’s an art in and of itself to find a way to weave personality and experience with relatability and emotion from the reader 👏