Winston, you’re genuine, supportive, reflective, intelligent and enterprising. You’re everything I hoped to find involved in fiction on Substack. Keep going bro. That graph line’s only headed one way. 👊🏻
You're doing some great things here at The Storyletter, Winston! I look forward to seeing your progress and achievements. I'm happy we connected, and I know I'll get an opportunity to congratulate you on a whole lot more this year.
I'm happy we connected as well, Brian. Thank you for the kind words. I can't wait for what lies ahead. Looking forward to seeing all of your achievements as well, as I'm sure there will be many. Thanks again!
"That can be the ultimate trap, fulfilling the desires of others over our own." I relate to that. Indeed. As I've mentioned before, we are able to control our writing, our publication schedule and other related pieces, but we cannot control the reaction of others. Or lack of reaction. Best is to keep at it, stick to your vision. Thanks for the article Winston. And I think I'll have an "unknown" before the deadline.
Thanks for the inspiring comment, Victor! We definitely can't control the reaction of others. Keep up the great work. Can't wait to read your prompt entry! :)
Great post! Always be true to yourself, keep the faith and follow your hearts desires. You are a terrific writer and fellow man. Positive thoughts bring prosperity in every area. 😊
You've built something special here both in your creative endeavors and in gathering an awesome community of fellow writers. I'd say you're doing something right :-) And you've done it on your terms, which is maybe the most important thing of all. Congratulations on your well-earned success!
Thank you, Jacquie! You’ve been a part of this community since the early days and have been such a positive influence on me and my writing. Your strength and honesty has helped me open up more about my own perspectives. I appreciate the kind words and support.
I know this feeling well. I only have my own experiences, but this is one thing that I truly believe: you're on the right path.
The only times I've felt this consistently were when I was living vulnerably. Pursuing something that really matters to me. I don't know if you've ever read The War of Art, but Steven Pressfield covers a myriad of challenges around being an artist that he dubs, "Resistance." I can't remember the exact line, but he says something to the effect of, "There isn't a lot of resistance if you want to be a mailman or work on an assembly line. But start writing the book you've always felt you had in you, and suddenly there's a million reasons not to do it." He takes a somewhat spiritual approach to writing in particular, and the forces in life that work against us. Since reading it, I always take that feeling of being an imposter, and assume I'm working on something really important to me. It doesn't mean I'm going to "succeed" at it in a way that gets a lot of attention. It just means that I want to do it. (Maybe that I'm meant to do it).
I think that you are doing something incredibly unique and beneficial. Your encouragement has kept me on Substack! I'm sure I'm not the only writer that feels this way. Keep going. I can't wait to see what you do!
Whoa, that’s such a beautiful way of looking at it. The idea that because we want something more, it becomes that much more terrifying to pursue. The fear of rejection comes to mind: What’s the worst that can happen? Someone tells you ‘no’, then you’re back at square one.
I’m so thankful that I have you, and everyone else on this platform, to talk with because there isn’t a ton of support elsewhere. In the last 2 years, this community has pushed me so much closer to my goals than the previous 10 years of writing COMBINED. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Very grateful for all the kind sentiments and the support you’ve provided. Looking forward to reading more of your work, Shaina! Keep up the great writing!
I was really gratified to hear that others are struggling with insecurities about how they are progressing on the platform. I only got started last year and I’m already going to go for paid subscriptions (even though I’m nowhere near your subscriber count). I think the attitude I’m developing is that I’m naturally going to screw something up, so I might as well just dive into it and learn by doing.
Hey Jason, I’m glad that you found the message helpful. It’s so nice to know we aren’t alone. I totally support your thought process. I’ve found that iterating on what works and what doesn’t has been integral in deciding how to move forward on here. The Storyletter today is so different than it was just 6 months ago. Trust your instincts!
Winston, you’re genuine, supportive, reflective, intelligent and enterprising. You’re everything I hoped to find involved in fiction on Substack. Keep going bro. That graph line’s only headed one way. 👊🏻
Thank you so much for your continued support, Adrian! Hearing those kind words means a lot. I like your attitude regarding the graph! *fistbump*
You're doing some great things here at The Storyletter, Winston! I look forward to seeing your progress and achievements. I'm happy we connected, and I know I'll get an opportunity to congratulate you on a whole lot more this year.
I'm happy we connected as well, Brian. Thank you for the kind words. I can't wait for what lies ahead. Looking forward to seeing all of your achievements as well, as I'm sure there will be many. Thanks again!
"That can be the ultimate trap, fulfilling the desires of others over our own." I relate to that. Indeed. As I've mentioned before, we are able to control our writing, our publication schedule and other related pieces, but we cannot control the reaction of others. Or lack of reaction. Best is to keep at it, stick to your vision. Thanks for the article Winston. And I think I'll have an "unknown" before the deadline.
Thanks for the inspiring comment, Victor! We definitely can't control the reaction of others. Keep up the great work. Can't wait to read your prompt entry! :)
I love seeing your progress over the past year. This is a fun community. Happy to be a part of it. :-)
Thank you so much, John! Glad to have you. Here's to another year! :)
Great post! Always be true to yourself, keep the faith and follow your hearts desires. You are a terrific writer and fellow man. Positive thoughts bring prosperity in every area. 😊
Thank you so much, Sandra! You’ve supported me from the beginning. It means a lot to me. Positive vibes all around.
You've built something special here both in your creative endeavors and in gathering an awesome community of fellow writers. I'd say you're doing something right :-) And you've done it on your terms, which is maybe the most important thing of all. Congratulations on your well-earned success!
Thank you, Jacquie! You’ve been a part of this community since the early days and have been such a positive influence on me and my writing. Your strength and honesty has helped me open up more about my own perspectives. I appreciate the kind words and support.
I know this feeling well. I only have my own experiences, but this is one thing that I truly believe: you're on the right path.
The only times I've felt this consistently were when I was living vulnerably. Pursuing something that really matters to me. I don't know if you've ever read The War of Art, but Steven Pressfield covers a myriad of challenges around being an artist that he dubs, "Resistance." I can't remember the exact line, but he says something to the effect of, "There isn't a lot of resistance if you want to be a mailman or work on an assembly line. But start writing the book you've always felt you had in you, and suddenly there's a million reasons not to do it." He takes a somewhat spiritual approach to writing in particular, and the forces in life that work against us. Since reading it, I always take that feeling of being an imposter, and assume I'm working on something really important to me. It doesn't mean I'm going to "succeed" at it in a way that gets a lot of attention. It just means that I want to do it. (Maybe that I'm meant to do it).
I think that you are doing something incredibly unique and beneficial. Your encouragement has kept me on Substack! I'm sure I'm not the only writer that feels this way. Keep going. I can't wait to see what you do!
Whoa, that’s such a beautiful way of looking at it. The idea that because we want something more, it becomes that much more terrifying to pursue. The fear of rejection comes to mind: What’s the worst that can happen? Someone tells you ‘no’, then you’re back at square one.
I’m so thankful that I have you, and everyone else on this platform, to talk with because there isn’t a ton of support elsewhere. In the last 2 years, this community has pushed me so much closer to my goals than the previous 10 years of writing COMBINED. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Very grateful for all the kind sentiments and the support you’ve provided. Looking forward to reading more of your work, Shaina! Keep up the great writing!
Great post Winston. Definitely important to keep chugging along. You have a great community going, so keep it up.
Thank you, Victor. Your support means a lot.
Same.
This is really great and a fantastic reminder not to lose sight of the reason we’re all here. Keep plugging along, man.
Thank you, Seth! I appreciate it. Hope you’re doing well. The Substack Go (or was it Grow?) thing seems like a lifetime ago in Substack time 😆
I think it was technically only 6 decades ago in Substack years.
🤣
YES! Thank you ♡
I was really gratified to hear that others are struggling with insecurities about how they are progressing on the platform. I only got started last year and I’m already going to go for paid subscriptions (even though I’m nowhere near your subscriber count). I think the attitude I’m developing is that I’m naturally going to screw something up, so I might as well just dive into it and learn by doing.
Thanks for the post today; I think I needed it.
Hey Jason, I’m glad that you found the message helpful. It’s so nice to know we aren’t alone. I totally support your thought process. I’ve found that iterating on what works and what doesn’t has been integral in deciding how to move forward on here. The Storyletter today is so different than it was just 6 months ago. Trust your instincts!