Thanks for sharing this. You aren't the only one who is feeling frustrated with what Substack had become and what it is making people do to gain followers. Ever since that nasty kick in the face I received in March from those editors that I told you about, I've felt less interested in being on here. I'm currently on a 6-8 week hiatus since the end of June. Just dropping in to say that I agree.
One way to look at your Substack that might help is to imagine it as your own digital magazine. You can be as wild and free as possible (the Substack design template does prevent some of the wildness that would be fun to see on here) if you see that you're just running your own digital magazine publishing whatever you are interested in instead of publishing things to chase for subscribers. Notes as well should be seen as mini-posts as opposed to Tweets.
You go. Keep walking forward. You got this. We are similar in many ways, keep sending words here and to publishers. Small mags. Make compromises. Go easy on yourself.
Hey I would love reading your book. I'm tempted to say "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" and not just 'cause you're so darn cute haha. But I have my own working-class novel I'm trying to get published. It's been finished for awhile but I could use another opinion-I'm still editing here and there. I think I've mentioned it to you before, it's about a married Italian American couple on Long Island narrating the story of their life over fifty-odd years. The wife is a psychiatric RN and the husband is a NYC cop, two jobs I've had, so I drew on that experience to create what I feel is an engaging narrative, with everything from 911, an active shooting incident, visions of the Virgin Mary, and a daughter who has Down's Syndrome as part of the tapestry. Written entirely in authentic Brooklyn-ese fuggetaboutit voices-The Sopranos meet Dostoevsky. Plus there's a character based on me, a closeted gay alcoholic cop who's gradually losing his mind, the husband's patrol partner (I got better, though) My title is The Apotheosis of Levittown (my working title was The Transfiguration of Working Class Life) Let me know, thanks.
Thanks dude. Means a lot-I'm a working guy very much outside the literary world but extremely serious about my work-this may be the jumpstart I need. Let me know.
Yup, the highlighted part is the main point! Notes, tweets, posts, snaps or whatever the app of choice is can feel like a drug and mirage of connectivity.
Thanks for sharing this. You aren't the only one who is feeling frustrated with what Substack had become and what it is making people do to gain followers. Ever since that nasty kick in the face I received in March from those editors that I told you about, I've felt less interested in being on here. I'm currently on a 6-8 week hiatus since the end of June. Just dropping in to say that I agree.
One way to look at your Substack that might help is to imagine it as your own digital magazine. You can be as wild and free as possible (the Substack design template does prevent some of the wildness that would be fun to see on here) if you see that you're just running your own digital magazine publishing whatever you are interested in instead of publishing things to chase for subscribers. Notes as well should be seen as mini-posts as opposed to Tweets.
This might help. Maybe.
You go. Keep walking forward. You got this. We are similar in many ways, keep sending words here and to publishers. Small mags. Make compromises. Go easy on yourself.
Thanks, Bernie :) Appreciate it.
Great stuff bro ! Sending you some more high grade heroin, in the form of a restack.
Thanks man!!!
Hey I would love reading your book. I'm tempted to say "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" and not just 'cause you're so darn cute haha. But I have my own working-class novel I'm trying to get published. It's been finished for awhile but I could use another opinion-I'm still editing here and there. I think I've mentioned it to you before, it's about a married Italian American couple on Long Island narrating the story of their life over fifty-odd years. The wife is a psychiatric RN and the husband is a NYC cop, two jobs I've had, so I drew on that experience to create what I feel is an engaging narrative, with everything from 911, an active shooting incident, visions of the Virgin Mary, and a daughter who has Down's Syndrome as part of the tapestry. Written entirely in authentic Brooklyn-ese fuggetaboutit voices-The Sopranos meet Dostoevsky. Plus there's a character based on me, a closeted gay alcoholic cop who's gradually losing his mind, the husband's patrol partner (I got better, though) My title is The Apotheosis of Levittown (my working title was The Transfiguration of Working Class Life) Let me know, thanks.
Your book sounds fascinating. I am totally game for a future book read swap :)
Thanks dude. Means a lot-I'm a working guy very much outside the literary world but extremely serious about my work-this may be the jumpstart I need. Let me know.
Cathartic and honest.
Yes.
Thank you, David! :)
Yup, the highlighted part is the main point! Notes, tweets, posts, snaps or whatever the app of choice is can feel like a drug and mirage of connectivity.
"mirage of connectivity" is a great line :) Glad it resonated.
Opening statement is something I’ve been trying to put into words. There it is. Brilliant.
Thanks man!