Substack Serendipity
Daily writing and unexpected connections
High five to me today!
I’ve been on Substack a while now, but I’ve reached a milestone of writing every single day for the past three months! It’s an achievement that might have seemed improbable at first, amidst the doubts and hesitations - those familiar excuses whirring around in my mind “What would I write about every day? I’m just too busy. Is this really worth it?” And the list goes on.
Yet here I am a quarter of the way through my commitment to Substack until my 50th birthday in August 2024. Reflecting on this journey, I’ve encountered the surprising cathartic feeling from the act of daily writing. There have been some “ah ha” moments, from the initial skepticism to the unexpected joy of connection with fellow Substack writers, I like to call them my ‘Substacker Buddies’.
I do think I’m not alone in this endeavour. I navigate the same questions many writers face “Why am I doing this? Who would want to read about my thoughts and ramblings every day?” But amid the uncertainties, I’ve found a heartwarming camaraderie among likeminded creators. What I’ve loved most over the past three months is the exchange of opinions, the sharing of ideas, which has formed an unexpected community that’s far exceeded initial expectations.
By writing daily it has evolved from a challenging commitment to a habit I seem to be embracing effortlessly. As I stand on the brink of a new year, the natural question I keep asking myself is “How will this journey continue?” I guess I have to go with the flow and keep showing up each and every day.
What about you? Do you manage to write consistently each day? If not, have you ever considered it? And do you have any writing challenges for 2024? I’d love to know what you have planned. I promise you, that there is more to gain than lose when you dedicate the time to a daily writing ritual. My top tip would be… write as though nobody is reading. I literally allow myself 20 minutes to plan and write my daily Substack ramblings and then press send. Of course, some days I think oh dear what was I going on about. Did I really need to rant or rage on the page? But yes I did, because I can only write was is true to me, how I feel and what I’m happy sharing. As I’ve come to learn that whomever is reading and liking my daily updates actually understands me and / or feels very similar to how I’m feeling each day. Isn’t that what connection is all about?!
On the subject of connection, I’m still riding on a huge high from the ease retreat I cohosted with
last Friday. It was a belter of a day! We were so lucky with the weather and the venue looked absolutely stunning in the autumn sunshine. Honestly, it was such a real privilege to meet so many wonderful creatives, some of whom have become dear Substacker friends. I was thrilled to hear that some of our guests have actually signed a book deal, which is super exciting and I can’t wait to read their debut novels. After such a wonderful day, Emma and I are hoping to host something similar and for a longer duration in another beautiful setting in 2024. So do let us know if you’d like to go on the waiting list, as we’d love for you to join us.Here are some of the Substackers that attended, you might like to read their updates from the retreat…
Until the next time
Take care & stay safe xx
This was a well-timed post for me, Tanya, as I'm struggling with the questions you mentioned in the first half of the piece. A reminder that I need to stop procrastinating and just get on with it. However, I have made a commitment with myself to get my Substack introduction up and another piece drafted, if not published, in the next three weeks.
The retreat sounds fabulous, and I would definitely be interested. A creative kickstart!
It was the best day Tanya thank you so much for making it so brilliant and looking after us all so well! I love the idea of writing daily on Substack - congrats! X