I hear you, Stephanie, and wonder about relevance as an elder writer, too. I am pleased with the Substack platform with the books I have serialized here. It's demanding to keep up with the weekly posts, but it's great to find immediate feedback from readers' response and engagement. It all goes back to the purpose of writing: to publish, to make public, to reach readers.
Kate, is your serialization going well? I'm curious about that process. Do you get traction and good engagement? And I love this: " It all goes back to the purpose of writing: to publish, to make public, to reach readers." It's one of the reasons I write, but not the only reason. Also, love your kind but no-nonsense attitude. Big hugs.
I wrote my comment after my first cup of coffee this morning, Stephanie! I didn't intend to be "no-nonsense," but that must be my waking voice. :)
My book is non-fiction on the universal themes in fairy tales, so it can reach many different readers for a variety of reasons: writers, creatives, counselors, therapists, storytellers, etc. Right now, I have about 1800 subscribers/followers with about a 40% open rate per post; that means thousands of readers within a month or so. It's not up in the thousands as many are, but good enough for the material.
Kate, I only mentioned the no-nonsense thing, because I respect your forthrightness as well as your sweetness. I love hearing your numbers and that you're reaching so many readers. Great stuff! Thank you for sharing this here, I'm sure it will serve to inspire more than just myself. You've got me thinking . . . Biggest of hugs and write on.
I relate to this on so many levels, Stephanie. We're walking a similar path. I'm new to substack and mostly post notes as a way of finding my small community here. But I'm working on a longer piece I'll post in a bit, then start posting my novel (which isn't ready yet). I'd assumed I'd pursue the traditional publishing route. But as an older woman, I find I like the immediacy and freedom and sanity of keeping things quiet and under my control. I enjoy the fact that I connect here with other writers, too, as I live in a rural area with very few of us.
"I find I like the immediacy and freedom and sanity of keeping things quiet and under my control." This is a really good way to hold digital writing. I look forward to your Substack. Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience. Hugs.
Don't forget May Sarton, who wasn't even published until she was older! You're right though, about the state of traditional publishing, which is a mess right now, and very dependent on accountants, not editors, for evaluating books to publish. I think you've come to a good place though, recognizing that writing is the light and the practice you need, that it gives you gifts worth continuing to work for, even as you acknowledge that you still want to pursue traditional publishing. Keep writing, keep raising your voice, keep searching. We need you in this world! Big hugs from me.
Big hugs back to ya, Susan. As I look around the country, it feels like so many institutions are in an identity crisis, and that spills over onto us. We are living in a time of big changes, sometimes scary, but also an invitation to review what's really important. In the meantime, let's write on. Thanks for your encouragement and your goodwill. I appreciate you.
I think that "invitation to review what's really important" is the grace this tumultuous and troubled time offers us. And that's what we're doing with our writing, seems to me. Write on, Sister!
No idea how you define old but there’s never been a better time to write. You can publish almost for free, share on places like this, for free. Of course writing life isn’t dead and just as in any other era adaptation is what creativity is all about
It's the writing dream, the old school version of write a book, get an agent, have a publishing contract that some are thinking of as dead. I'm not sure that it is. I think that there will always be a need and a want for books -- but I agree that there are many more platforms to get one's message into the world other than traditional book publishing. And yes, adaptation is the key. Thank yoy for sharing your thoughts.
The voices of our elders have never mattered more and I celebrate your work, your musings, your questions, and your answers. Thank you for writing, for asking, for wondering.
Like another reader commented, this line of yours really spoke to me too: "What feeds me is this: writing has become a doorway into the examined life." For me, this is the heart of it all.
Whatever format it takes (books made of paper, books on a Kindle, essays or notes on Substack, emails are texts to beloveds) ... it all matters. The examined life matters.❤❤❤
I’m straddling both worlds as a reader. I love LOVE love holding a book in my hand, turning pages, and I am enjoying the welcomed entry of the Substack written word. I am grateful for any and all words that inspire, bring joy, prompt reflection and tickle the funny bone. My thanks to all of you who write and share you work.
I love your beautiful writing, Stephanie, and this quote really struck a chord: "What feeds me is this: writing has become a doorway into the examined life. Because inner work, personal growth and reflection are important to me, and because stories reveal who and where we are as a people and as a culture." I know we've discussed the process of creating as being so important, and it is.
I love that you are a Renaissance woman! You seek knowledge about everything, and I love how you approach lifelong learning.
Years ago, I just wanted to publish my book on how to navigate the medical system. I had a decent platform at the time, I had been on Huffington Post Live twice, been in newspapers, podcasts, and on TV. I also had many public appearances. I didn't do all this to become famous, but to build a platform. It still wasn't enough.
Like you, I prefer reading print books. I try to read as much as possible.
Digital writing, however, has an advantage over print books. And mediums like Substack are great, in particular. When a book is published, one doesn't always have a sense of what the readers think, whereas bloggers get to hear from their readers. Substack, for example, invites conversation and is simply a wonderful medium to become exposed to writers who are new to us.
If it weren't for Substack, I wouldn't be aware of your marvelous writing. I am so grateful to have found you in this wonderful space.
Thank, Beth. You always touch my heart. It's those engagements, those conversations that we're not privy to from book readers that are a really important reason for having a platform -- and also, as you point out, the discovery of writers here has enriched my life, writers I might not have otherwise been exposed to. That's of great value. Here's to making art and to loving the community that art creates. Big hugs, dear woman.
I have to agree with you a lot of what you wrote. I too am getting old and the dream of getting published by the Big Five has changed. I changed my attitude recently. I had back surgery last year(yeah part of getting old) and I readjusted my dream. I am tired of waiting to be chosen and I decided I am just going to put out my writing in the digital world. I enjoy the process of writing and creating stories. I can try and push writing to the side, but it always rears its head back up and says, "remember me?" It was great to read your post. Thank you for writing it and putting it out there.
Kat, we are never to old to be curious, to learn and to adapt. Your comment speaks volumes about that. I cannot imagine a life without writing. Sending you big hugs.
Maybe your comment “the writing life is good“ is more than enough in the long haul”… It’s what’s gained on the inside in the end as I see it… A soulful life. Thanks for a wonderful essay🌟
Trude, I feel the same and that feeling of "enough" is a good state to be in. . . the soulful life, as you put it. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I really enjoyed reading your post. I also decided to go the self-publishing route and just published my first novel. Previously I self-published two anthologies. I have a small following so my own PR department is myself. But just like you said, I also love creating. I must write or I am not.
LOVE this: "I must write, or I am not!" Thank you. These days, it seems that we all must be more than writers, we must learn to create within publishing, marketing and PR. You have a great attitude, one worth emulating. Big hugs.
This made me smile: I don’t want AI to write for me, because why would I turn that over to a robot when the process of writing is what lights me up? A wonderful distinction. You decide, not AI. However, my bot says hi to your bot.
I feel like you've redefined the writing life and done so with great clarity. My writing life, and my life, for that matter, are under construction. It's easy to feel confused or troubled or less than. But this chapter is just beginning and, as long as curiosity has my ear, I get the pleasure of creating my writing life -- and my life -- as best I can. And for that, I am grateful.
You have such a joyful spirit and nimble, curious mind…nothing “old” about the way you show up for life, Stephanie. I went through the whole “please pick my book” with one of the Big 5 publishers a few years ago. I ultimately decided to self-publish so the cover and content spoke to the women who were struggling with menopause & beyond. Now, like you, I write on Substack to digest the mysteries of life with women who are creative & curious about the wonders all around us. Your mornings sound delicious!
Lee, I'm always so happy to see you here. Thank you for being a part of this community. Let's continue to write on, and share what's in our heart. I appreciate how you show up in the world. Thank you.
Brava! You've captured the struggle beautifully. I can't imagine you not writing - it would, I think feel like trying to stop breathing. I will continue to recommend your work - here and in your books - every chance I get. You are one of the people who keep me from giving up.
Susan, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you and each time we post on each other's stack I'm reminded of the year we spent together in study. Yes, I cannot imagine a life without writing, regardless of where the writing is seen. To that end, write on dear friend-- write on!
I hear you, Stephanie, and wonder about relevance as an elder writer, too. I am pleased with the Substack platform with the books I have serialized here. It's demanding to keep up with the weekly posts, but it's great to find immediate feedback from readers' response and engagement. It all goes back to the purpose of writing: to publish, to make public, to reach readers.
Kate, is your serialization going well? I'm curious about that process. Do you get traction and good engagement? And I love this: " It all goes back to the purpose of writing: to publish, to make public, to reach readers." It's one of the reasons I write, but not the only reason. Also, love your kind but no-nonsense attitude. Big hugs.
I wrote my comment after my first cup of coffee this morning, Stephanie! I didn't intend to be "no-nonsense," but that must be my waking voice. :)
My book is non-fiction on the universal themes in fairy tales, so it can reach many different readers for a variety of reasons: writers, creatives, counselors, therapists, storytellers, etc. Right now, I have about 1800 subscribers/followers with about a 40% open rate per post; that means thousands of readers within a month or so. It's not up in the thousands as many are, but good enough for the material.
Big hugs to you!
Kate, I only mentioned the no-nonsense thing, because I respect your forthrightness as well as your sweetness. I love hearing your numbers and that you're reaching so many readers. Great stuff! Thank you for sharing this here, I'm sure it will serve to inspire more than just myself. You've got me thinking . . . Biggest of hugs and write on.
Stephanie, sounds like your creative, inventive mind is onto something! xo
I relate to this on so many levels, Stephanie. We're walking a similar path. I'm new to substack and mostly post notes as a way of finding my small community here. But I'm working on a longer piece I'll post in a bit, then start posting my novel (which isn't ready yet). I'd assumed I'd pursue the traditional publishing route. But as an older woman, I find I like the immediacy and freedom and sanity of keeping things quiet and under my control. I enjoy the fact that I connect here with other writers, too, as I live in a rural area with very few of us.
"I find I like the immediacy and freedom and sanity of keeping things quiet and under my control." This is a really good way to hold digital writing. I look forward to your Substack. Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience. Hugs.
Don't forget May Sarton, who wasn't even published until she was older! You're right though, about the state of traditional publishing, which is a mess right now, and very dependent on accountants, not editors, for evaluating books to publish. I think you've come to a good place though, recognizing that writing is the light and the practice you need, that it gives you gifts worth continuing to work for, even as you acknowledge that you still want to pursue traditional publishing. Keep writing, keep raising your voice, keep searching. We need you in this world! Big hugs from me.
Big hugs back to ya, Susan. As I look around the country, it feels like so many institutions are in an identity crisis, and that spills over onto us. We are living in a time of big changes, sometimes scary, but also an invitation to review what's really important. In the meantime, let's write on. Thanks for your encouragement and your goodwill. I appreciate you.
I think that "invitation to review what's really important" is the grace this tumultuous and troubled time offers us. And that's what we're doing with our writing, seems to me. Write on, Sister!
Agreed. And that invitation is the grace. Write on, back to ya!
No idea how you define old but there’s never been a better time to write. You can publish almost for free, share on places like this, for free. Of course writing life isn’t dead and just as in any other era adaptation is what creativity is all about
It's the writing dream, the old school version of write a book, get an agent, have a publishing contract that some are thinking of as dead. I'm not sure that it is. I think that there will always be a need and a want for books -- but I agree that there are many more platforms to get one's message into the world other than traditional book publishing. And yes, adaptation is the key. Thank yoy for sharing your thoughts.
The voices of our elders have never mattered more and I celebrate your work, your musings, your questions, and your answers. Thank you for writing, for asking, for wondering.
Like another reader commented, this line of yours really spoke to me too: "What feeds me is this: writing has become a doorway into the examined life." For me, this is the heart of it all.
Whatever format it takes (books made of paper, books on a Kindle, essays or notes on Substack, emails are texts to beloveds) ... it all matters. The examined life matters.❤❤❤
We matter, Stephanie. May we keep digging, keep planting and keep growing. Thank you for being here.
I’m straddling both worlds as a reader. I love LOVE love holding a book in my hand, turning pages, and I am enjoying the welcomed entry of the Substack written word. I am grateful for any and all words that inspire, bring joy, prompt reflection and tickle the funny bone. My thanks to all of you who write and share you work.
A whole lot of sweet goodness, RM. Thank you.
I love your beautiful writing, Stephanie, and this quote really struck a chord: "What feeds me is this: writing has become a doorway into the examined life. Because inner work, personal growth and reflection are important to me, and because stories reveal who and where we are as a people and as a culture." I know we've discussed the process of creating as being so important, and it is.
I love that you are a Renaissance woman! You seek knowledge about everything, and I love how you approach lifelong learning.
Years ago, I just wanted to publish my book on how to navigate the medical system. I had a decent platform at the time, I had been on Huffington Post Live twice, been in newspapers, podcasts, and on TV. I also had many public appearances. I didn't do all this to become famous, but to build a platform. It still wasn't enough.
Like you, I prefer reading print books. I try to read as much as possible.
Digital writing, however, has an advantage over print books. And mediums like Substack are great, in particular. When a book is published, one doesn't always have a sense of what the readers think, whereas bloggers get to hear from their readers. Substack, for example, invites conversation and is simply a wonderful medium to become exposed to writers who are new to us.
If it weren't for Substack, I wouldn't be aware of your marvelous writing. I am so grateful to have found you in this wonderful space.
Thank, Beth. You always touch my heart. It's those engagements, those conversations that we're not privy to from book readers that are a really important reason for having a platform -- and also, as you point out, the discovery of writers here has enriched my life, writers I might not have otherwise been exposed to. That's of great value. Here's to making art and to loving the community that art creates. Big hugs, dear woman.
I have to agree with you a lot of what you wrote. I too am getting old and the dream of getting published by the Big Five has changed. I changed my attitude recently. I had back surgery last year(yeah part of getting old) and I readjusted my dream. I am tired of waiting to be chosen and I decided I am just going to put out my writing in the digital world. I enjoy the process of writing and creating stories. I can try and push writing to the side, but it always rears its head back up and says, "remember me?" It was great to read your post. Thank you for writing it and putting it out there.
Kat, we are never to old to be curious, to learn and to adapt. Your comment speaks volumes about that. I cannot imagine a life without writing. Sending you big hugs.
Maybe your comment “the writing life is good“ is more than enough in the long haul”… It’s what’s gained on the inside in the end as I see it… A soulful life. Thanks for a wonderful essay🌟
Trude, I feel the same and that feeling of "enough" is a good state to be in. . . the soulful life, as you put it. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and self-expression.
And thank you for reading. Big hugs.
Thank you for the kind words Stephanie!
Thank you for reading, Dan. Much appreciation. I love your Substack and learn a lot from you. Big hugs.
I really enjoyed reading your post. I also decided to go the self-publishing route and just published my first novel. Previously I self-published two anthologies. I have a small following so my own PR department is myself. But just like you said, I also love creating. I must write or I am not.
LOVE this: "I must write, or I am not!" Thank you. These days, it seems that we all must be more than writers, we must learn to create within publishing, marketing and PR. You have a great attitude, one worth emulating. Big hugs.
This made me smile: I don’t want AI to write for me, because why would I turn that over to a robot when the process of writing is what lights me up? A wonderful distinction. You decide, not AI. However, my bot says hi to your bot.
I feel like you've redefined the writing life and done so with great clarity. My writing life, and my life, for that matter, are under construction. It's easy to feel confused or troubled or less than. But this chapter is just beginning and, as long as curiosity has my ear, I get the pleasure of creating my writing life -- and my life -- as best I can. And for that, I am grateful.
Onward.
Creatives, create. And that's what we do and what we continue to learn. Here's to the writing life and to writing on . . .
Great essay and can relate to so much of what you wrote. I also enjoy writing my own substack and feel that it satisfies my desire to write.
I find Substack satisfying too, Nancy. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. Sending you the biggest of hugs.
You have such a joyful spirit and nimble, curious mind…nothing “old” about the way you show up for life, Stephanie. I went through the whole “please pick my book” with one of the Big 5 publishers a few years ago. I ultimately decided to self-publish so the cover and content spoke to the women who were struggling with menopause & beyond. Now, like you, I write on Substack to digest the mysteries of life with women who are creative & curious about the wonders all around us. Your mornings sound delicious!
Lee, I'm always so happy to see you here. Thank you for being a part of this community. Let's continue to write on, and share what's in our heart. I appreciate how you show up in the world. Thank you.
Write on...happy to be here! As Anne Lamott says, "Imagine the book you dream of finding, and then bring it to life."
That's a great quote! Thank you.
Brava! You've captured the struggle beautifully. I can't imagine you not writing - it would, I think feel like trying to stop breathing. I will continue to recommend your work - here and in your books - every chance I get. You are one of the people who keep me from giving up.
Susan, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you and each time we post on each other's stack I'm reminded of the year we spent together in study. Yes, I cannot imagine a life without writing, regardless of where the writing is seen. To that end, write on dear friend-- write on!