The Magic Of Substack

The perfect place to foster connection and creativity

Today I feel blessed for new connections, from so many likeminded creative souls, and it’s all thanks to Substack.

In an ever changing digital landscape, it’s not often that I find an online platform where the words “friendliest”, “warmest” and “supportive” genuinely apply.  However, Substack has emerged as a shining exception, redefining the way we connect and create in a virtual realm. Over the past few months, I’ve been privileged to witness the magic of this community as I’ve forged connections with numerous kindred spirits and creative souls.

The camaraderie I’ve experience on Substack has been nothing short of heartwarming.  It’s a place where I feel so at home.  Where writers of all backgrounds, genres and abilities come together.  I’ve been so magnetised to the fact that we all have one thing in common - that we are looking to unite under the banner of storytelling and self-expression. 

I’ve been writing or basically ‘rambling on’ here on Substack for over a year now. Spending far too many weeks chopping and changing my Substack topic and themes. In the end I gave up trying to be unique, interesting or a perfectionist, and decided to write ‘with ease’ whatever came to mind.  

Since my 49th birthday which was on the 20th August, I promised I would write daily right up to my 50th Birthday.  But why?  Well, firstly, to set myself a personal writing challenge and secondly, because I was fed up with the pace of life.  Worrying that somehow being 49 years old could quite easily pass me by.  Mainly due to societal pressures and the little voice in my head making me focus on the BIG 50. I didn’t want this to overshadow how I was living day to day.  So I thought by documenting a 'day in the life of being a 49’er' would be cool. Basically, I write short blogs about my midlife mayhem, tales of how I’m striving to live my life 'with ease', some therapeutic journaling advice scattered with a few prompts.  All the while, just hoping that my ‘ramblings on’ will bring a smile to a face in my community of readers and fellow writers.

As I navigate the vast landscape of this platform, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of optimism about the future. A future where writers can congregate, inspire and encourage one another to tell their stories and share their ideas.  The potential for growth, connection and creative collaboration is boundless. I dearly hope that the warmth and encouragement we’ve discovered here on Substack will be a guiding light for me and for you for many more years to come. Although, I’ve come to realise that today I need an extra day in the week, just so I can spend quality time reading and engaging with new Substack connections. Any quick fix tips are most welcomed.  

There are a few people I’d like to give a shout out to, those that have inspired me to write regardless of my ability…a huge high five goes out to lovely

Emma Gannon

for her inspirational, thought provoking and heartwarming advice on how to develop a Substack profile. Next Friday I have the pleasure of collaborating with Em, as we co-host a writing retreat in beautiful Oxfordshire, focusing on ‘Creative Unblocking with Ease’.

I highly recommend you follow, if you haven’t already,

sam baker

of The Shift Substack and super popular podcast. I adore everything Sam puts her name to, a wonderfully wise and witty media expert. One of THE best interviewers and bookclub hosts, an absolute legend in flying the flag for midlife women right now.

Thanks also to

Beth Kempton

for joining Substack at last! Such a talented wordsmith and all round delightful, beautiful soul of a woman.

Last but not least

Sara Tasker - Me & Orla

for always being ahead of the communication curve. Earlier today Sara started a thread which encouraged Substackers to engage and follow one another, so much love in one digital space. Here’s to us, to the happy, friendly creatives who take pleasure in connecting and growing as a community and enjoying a writer’s life with ease.

Until the next time

Take care & stay safe xx