You are absolutely the reason and inspiration behind me moving my work to Substack and I’m eternally grateful. Thank you for the work you do and the way you show up in the world!
Ooh I've just had a serendipitous glimmer! I have been thinking again lately about how I love writing and would love to get back into it, but that I have Zero interest in marketing myself, figuring out SEO and algorithms, or any of that. You've inspired me to just get started writing.
Question: as your passions change, how do you continue writing to the same niche of people and not lose your spark? I've gone from writing about car-free transportation to homeschooling and now have a lot of new passions including feminism; how do you continue writing about things *you* are passionate about without losing (or confusing 😅) your audience?
Once women recognize their value, they stop doing "charity work" which they're socially conditioned to accept. Reversing these socially conditioned beliefs is challenging, but exceptionally rewarding and liberating. It may result in sacrificing the 'patriarchy, but that's a small cost to pay, particularly in the 21st CENTURY, where that's a rather obsolete system.
Hey Zawn, this is great stuff! I am 100% here for the rage and for the change. Calling it out and stamping it out. My Substack has a very different focus, but I would love to dig deeper and chime in here on shit that we need to be so done with. I mean, how are men still holding so many cards? Anyway, keep up the great work. I will humbly ask for a comped sub, as I finally had it with the demeaning sexist corporate bullshit, and am on a shoestring so I can be independent and develop my publication. Thanks for the offer and the advice! -Kate
This is fken amazing. I feel like when I dull down my reaction and anger to try and make my opinion more palatable I can’t find the words — something I have been noticing lots lately as I try to be more accessible on substack. I love the reminder of not shifting and changing to please others in our writing ESPECIALLY about feminist topics
“But as of this writing, my little publication is the 10th most popular paid health and wellness newsletter.” Hooray!! I’m so happy to read this. Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing Zawn. I came across your post through Google search.
I have been struggling with the free trial issue as well and just decided to turn it off. Because of my paid content is not time-sensitive, I am seeing a lot of subs do exactly what you described.
I just turned it off. If a prospect is turned off because they must pay at least one month to see the original, hard work behind the paywall, so be it.
Substack should introduce a per-post pricing, allowing creators to set different prices for each post.
Not all content is created equal. Some posts may involve significant research, unique insights, or high-value information that warrants a premium, whereas others might be more casual or serve as updates. By enabling writers to price posts individually, Substack can empower creators to reflect the value of their work more accurately and fairly, ensuring that high-effort content is rewarded appropriately.
this is amazing and inspiring post. as I start my journey into writing, I 'm taking note of everything you wrote here. especially - not tryhing to please anyone , back to the basics of - writing from the heart. writing my soul out. putting here my first post, would love your feedback.
Thank you for sharing your experience re: networking! I'm always feeling like I'm not doing enough that way, but thoughtful engagement with other writers + creators demands a serious chunk of time when it isn't happening organically.
Excellent post! Taking note. My favorite line was about charging men for your labor!
You are absolutely the reason and inspiration behind me moving my work to Substack and I’m eternally grateful. Thank you for the work you do and the way you show up in the world!
I am SO glad you are here. Your voice is inimitable, and we desperately need it here (and everywhere).
Thank you so much! Your voice is just as needed.
Ooh I've just had a serendipitous glimmer! I have been thinking again lately about how I love writing and would love to get back into it, but that I have Zero interest in marketing myself, figuring out SEO and algorithms, or any of that. You've inspired me to just get started writing.
Question: as your passions change, how do you continue writing to the same niche of people and not lose your spark? I've gone from writing about car-free transportation to homeschooling and now have a lot of new passions including feminism; how do you continue writing about things *you* are passionate about without losing (or confusing 😅) your audience?
Congratulations Zawn!
Once women recognize their value, they stop doing "charity work" which they're socially conditioned to accept. Reversing these socially conditioned beliefs is challenging, but exceptionally rewarding and liberating. It may result in sacrificing the 'patriarchy, but that's a small cost to pay, particularly in the 21st CENTURY, where that's a rather obsolete system.
Congratulations on all your success!
Love this! I'm a newer reader and enjoyed learning more about you and your process.
Hey Zawn, this is great stuff! I am 100% here for the rage and for the change. Calling it out and stamping it out. My Substack has a very different focus, but I would love to dig deeper and chime in here on shit that we need to be so done with. I mean, how are men still holding so many cards? Anyway, keep up the great work. I will humbly ask for a comped sub, as I finally had it with the demeaning sexist corporate bullshit, and am on a shoestring so I can be independent and develop my publication. Thanks for the offer and the advice! -Kate
Great advice, especially for those of us just starting out and starting to figure out their voice!
This is fken amazing. I feel like when I dull down my reaction and anger to try and make my opinion more palatable I can’t find the words — something I have been noticing lots lately as I try to be more accessible on substack. I love the reminder of not shifting and changing to please others in our writing ESPECIALLY about feminist topics
“But as of this writing, my little publication is the 10th most popular paid health and wellness newsletter.” Hooray!! I’m so happy to read this. Congratulations!
This is such a useful read, thank you!
Thanks for sharing Zawn. I came across your post through Google search.
I have been struggling with the free trial issue as well and just decided to turn it off. Because of my paid content is not time-sensitive, I am seeing a lot of subs do exactly what you described.
I just turned it off. If a prospect is turned off because they must pay at least one month to see the original, hard work behind the paywall, so be it.
Substack should introduce a per-post pricing, allowing creators to set different prices for each post.
Not all content is created equal. Some posts may involve significant research, unique insights, or high-value information that warrants a premium, whereas others might be more casual or serve as updates. By enabling writers to price posts individually, Substack can empower creators to reflect the value of their work more accurately and fairly, ensuring that high-effort content is rewarded appropriately.
this is amazing and inspiring post. as I start my journey into writing, I 'm taking note of everything you wrote here. especially - not tryhing to please anyone , back to the basics of - writing from the heart. writing my soul out. putting here my first post, would love your feedback.
https://open.substack.com/pub/turning42/p/this-palestinian-jew?r=2pxrtl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Thank you for sharing your experience re: networking! I'm always feeling like I'm not doing enough that way, but thoughtful engagement with other writers + creators demands a serious chunk of time when it isn't happening organically.