The update Have you ever set an overly ambitious goal at the beginning of the year only to falter a few months in? Yeah, me neither. : ) Hi, my name’s Blake, and I was once the consistent author of the Substack newsletter called “Better Writing with Blake Atwood.”
Randomly discovered your newsletter (from the 10 tips to beat writers' block post) and I have to say, the writing experience on Substack feels fragmented, and still has a lot to desire – and without bringing an existing subscriber base of 100ks, community engagement is difficult. I think this is for a few reasons:
1- There is no instant-feedback loop on Substack. "Like" is the only metric by which one could measure whether something resonates or not, and people receiving emails don't have a habit of going out of their way to "Like" a post off-email app, especially if the platform requires them to authenticate for the Nth time ...
2- This leaves Substack core-users, using the app and different platform features, as the primary target for growing Subtacks. Basically, providing something for just-starting-out Substack writers themselves.
I think there is an enormous market for a writing expert like yourself to support these emerging writers by fostering a community focused on "the art of writing". I believe writing can graduate from a craft to something people enjoy doing (and playing) as a group, especially during a time where writing is facing the AI existential threat – community writing might surface to the forefront.
Substack might, in fact, become the platform for these emerging creators – and as such any other platform it'll have a pyramid-like structure where the value is captured by the top 1% that are providing the most platform-value for the bottom 99%.
You're doing great! Follow your sensibilities! I don't really know how your ideas will actualize until you present them, and so far I've enjoyed discovering what you leave in my inbox. The compilation quotes were fascinating, the writing tips have been helpful, and the encouragement has been encouraging. Feel free to find your rhythm with whatever motivates you to keep coming back to the keyboard.
I say keep doing what you’re doing. I enjoy the lists about how to write compelling copy and are you an expert or a guide on your topic. I’m also curious about the book you wrote!
I have loved the emails, so keep it up! Okay, I know this isnt necessarily writing tips, but I really love your book reviews. OH, okay maybe I do have a request on the writing front..what about tips on how to write a good book review? BUT also, would love you to share more about what you are reading, what made it good from a writing standpoint, what quotes really blew you away? Those are my thoughts.
Blake, I am in the midst of creating a newsletter to go along with my book launch, and I absolutely feel your pain about what to write! I'm always up for good craft tips, of course, but my favorite newsletters are always a bit of commentary that accompanies a link to more information if I want it. As far as that goes, I really loved your take on the quotes you chose in today's newsletter. I don't like all my news in soundbites, but really, I read SOOO much during the day (I work among 3 different industries), I like to get a little bit of most things and then save my deep dives for things that really catch my attention or are germane to what I'm currently working on. Big hugs for getting back into the groove. I hope it's contagious! :)
Randomly discovered your newsletter (from the 10 tips to beat writers' block post) and I have to say, the writing experience on Substack feels fragmented, and still has a lot to desire – and without bringing an existing subscriber base of 100ks, community engagement is difficult. I think this is for a few reasons:
1- There is no instant-feedback loop on Substack. "Like" is the only metric by which one could measure whether something resonates or not, and people receiving emails don't have a habit of going out of their way to "Like" a post off-email app, especially if the platform requires them to authenticate for the Nth time ...
2- This leaves Substack core-users, using the app and different platform features, as the primary target for growing Subtacks. Basically, providing something for just-starting-out Substack writers themselves.
I think there is an enormous market for a writing expert like yourself to support these emerging writers by fostering a community focused on "the art of writing". I believe writing can graduate from a craft to something people enjoy doing (and playing) as a group, especially during a time where writing is facing the AI existential threat – community writing might surface to the forefront.
Substack might, in fact, become the platform for these emerging creators – and as such any other platform it'll have a pyramid-like structure where the value is captured by the top 1% that are providing the most platform-value for the bottom 99%.
You're doing great! Follow your sensibilities! I don't really know how your ideas will actualize until you present them, and so far I've enjoyed discovering what you leave in my inbox. The compilation quotes were fascinating, the writing tips have been helpful, and the encouragement has been encouraging. Feel free to find your rhythm with whatever motivates you to keep coming back to the keyboard.
I say keep doing what you’re doing. I enjoy the lists about how to write compelling copy and are you an expert or a guide on your topic. I’m also curious about the book you wrote!
I have loved the emails, so keep it up! Okay, I know this isnt necessarily writing tips, but I really love your book reviews. OH, okay maybe I do have a request on the writing front..what about tips on how to write a good book review? BUT also, would love you to share more about what you are reading, what made it good from a writing standpoint, what quotes really blew you away? Those are my thoughts.
Blake, I am in the midst of creating a newsletter to go along with my book launch, and I absolutely feel your pain about what to write! I'm always up for good craft tips, of course, but my favorite newsletters are always a bit of commentary that accompanies a link to more information if I want it. As far as that goes, I really loved your take on the quotes you chose in today's newsletter. I don't like all my news in soundbites, but really, I read SOOO much during the day (I work among 3 different industries), I like to get a little bit of most things and then save my deep dives for things that really catch my attention or are germane to what I'm currently working on. Big hugs for getting back into the groove. I hope it's contagious! :)