Thank you for this list. The question has come up in several workshops about how to build a "writing platform" without feeling like you are just constantly selling yourself. And I am much more interested in building a community and being a contributing part of it.
I agree with every point! And I will add that it feels good to be a literary citizen. It just feels good to support other writers. And much easier to brag about their work than my own…
Esmé, though twitter has turned into a hell scape, I will always be grateful because it first brought your writing to my attention. So, I still find worth it to root around the muck there from time to time.
I really appreciate your analysis here and am delighted that we're aligned. I often find myself frustrated with Substack the brand -- I get emails encouraging me to check out Jake Tapper's latest newsletter. No shade towards Jake but he already has so much support, I don't know that he needs Substack to go that hard for him. But then I start scrolling through notes and become filled with joy seeing "big names" supporting and sharing the works of us "small names."
All of that to say, I'm thankful for your work and thoughtful presence.
Thank you for this list. The question has come up in several workshops about how to build a "writing platform" without feeling like you are just constantly selling yourself. And I am much more interested in building a community and being a contributing part of it.
Your bird postcards are so mesmerizing <3
I love this list and so touched to have been a part of the conversation! Saving this article to refer back to later ✨✨✨
I agree with every point! And I will add that it feels good to be a literary citizen. It just feels good to support other writers. And much easier to brag about their work than my own…
Thank you for putting this together and for mentioning me 😍
Thank you for pulling the conversation together into this clear and full-hearted post! Literary kinship. Yes, oh yes.
Thanks for your list and mentioning me
Grateful that we were able to connect through Substack, and I love that you're discussing this-- and I love your sweet birb art :)
Esmé, though twitter has turned into a hell scape, I will always be grateful because it first brought your writing to my attention. So, I still find worth it to root around the muck there from time to time.
I really appreciate your analysis here and am delighted that we're aligned. I often find myself frustrated with Substack the brand -- I get emails encouraging me to check out Jake Tapper's latest newsletter. No shade towards Jake but he already has so much support, I don't know that he needs Substack to go that hard for him. But then I start scrolling through notes and become filled with joy seeing "big names" supporting and sharing the works of us "small names."
All of that to say, I'm thankful for your work and thoughtful presence.
The bird drawings are spectacularly beautiful
This is a gorgeous, gorgeous essay. I appreciate the quote from Michael Todd Cohen, and the birds were a wonderful bonus.