I might just add: once you've created a system for writing online, or a habit, whatever you want to call it, I find you can grow quicker if you give yourself a very slim brief:
Can I say one thing here, deliver one little insight, that might be of value to my reader?
This helps you and everyone else who comes across your writing.
I wrote over 1,500 articles, in my blog (Happy Thoughts Travel Fast) but never monetized them. I served as CEO of an international company for 20 years and writing is my creative outlet. That blog now serves as a beautiful repository of my thoughts for friends and family, and for myself, when I go back to read what I wrote or thought about a given subject. Monetizing is important if writing is your day job but whether you earn millions, thousands, or nothing but personal satisfaction, writing soothes the soul. ✍️
"Make consistency feel good" - that's exactly the point. Taking it like a ritual for creativity. Some like to go to the gym with consistency. Derek likes to write with consistency. Me too.
I signed up for the Masterclass for two reasons: 1. I’m frustrated by not capturing attention to a wider audience even though the people I’m closest to encourage me by telling me consistently that I’m good at writing.
2. I’m subscribed to David McIlroy and I respect him and appreciate what he does on Substack. He recommended the Masterclass and so I decided to follow his recommendation. Hence I saw the link to your live today and watched it. The tips and experiences you shared struck a familiar cord with me. So I wanted to learn more.
About me I wrote a blog on WordPress for 10 years and have a Website www.bklynraised.com. Only had 64 subscribers in 10 years. I’m 72 years old, a retired public servant, married for 46 years have two married boys and 4 grandchildren. I discovered Substack through a Professor I worked with and decided I would try to write my memoir. After a few months I decided to stop writing it and removed it from my Substack publication, INNER SANCTUM OF BELIEF. I saved the posts I wrote but archived them. I tried to be present in my writing on Substack but found I have not grown past my 85 subscribers as of today. I feel like I am stuck in a foxhole not knowing whether to keep at it or surrender and give up. The Masterclass is my feeble attempt at seeing if I can learn to be paid writer or not. The live I watched encouraged me to try by subscribing to it and so I am taking the risk. Hope you forgive this long comment.
Another good one, Derek.
I might just add: once you've created a system for writing online, or a habit, whatever you want to call it, I find you can grow quicker if you give yourself a very slim brief:
Can I say one thing here, deliver one little insight, that might be of value to my reader?
This helps you and everyone else who comes across your writing.
This was so needed right now. thanks for this.
Secured a spot - Masterclass.
I wrote over 1,500 articles, in my blog (Happy Thoughts Travel Fast) but never monetized them. I served as CEO of an international company for 20 years and writing is my creative outlet. That blog now serves as a beautiful repository of my thoughts for friends and family, and for myself, when I go back to read what I wrote or thought about a given subject. Monetizing is important if writing is your day job but whether you earn millions, thousands, or nothing but personal satisfaction, writing soothes the soul. ✍️
"Make consistency feel good" - that's exactly the point. Taking it like a ritual for creativity. Some like to go to the gym with consistency. Derek likes to write with consistency. Me too.
Ha ha! Is that you?
I signed up for the Masterclass for two reasons: 1. I’m frustrated by not capturing attention to a wider audience even though the people I’m closest to encourage me by telling me consistently that I’m good at writing.
2. I’m subscribed to David McIlroy and I respect him and appreciate what he does on Substack. He recommended the Masterclass and so I decided to follow his recommendation. Hence I saw the link to your live today and watched it. The tips and experiences you shared struck a familiar cord with me. So I wanted to learn more.
About me I wrote a blog on WordPress for 10 years and have a Website www.bklynraised.com. Only had 64 subscribers in 10 years. I’m 72 years old, a retired public servant, married for 46 years have two married boys and 4 grandchildren. I discovered Substack through a Professor I worked with and decided I would try to write my memoir. After a few months I decided to stop writing it and removed it from my Substack publication, INNER SANCTUM OF BELIEF. I saved the posts I wrote but archived them. I tried to be present in my writing on Substack but found I have not grown past my 85 subscribers as of today. I feel like I am stuck in a foxhole not knowing whether to keep at it or surrender and give up. The Masterclass is my feeble attempt at seeing if I can learn to be paid writer or not. The live I watched encouraged me to try by subscribing to it and so I am taking the risk. Hope you forgive this long comment.