This month, Substack is going on a virtual tour to help connect writers exploring similar topics together.
The Substack category tour will act both as a meeting place for writers to connect directly over Zoom, and as a showcase for the wide variety of writing happening on Substack within a given category. Today, we are visiting stop #4: literature, fiction, philosophy, and history.
Participate in today’s thread:
Think of today’s thread as a roll call of all the writers in the room. We will use the thread during our live session to get to know one another and after the session, to stay in touch.
Introduce yourself! In one sentence what do you write about on Substack?
Respond to fellow writers. During the showcase, reply to writers’ comments.
No need to include a link to your publication. When you hover over any writer’s name in the thread, you will find their writer and reader profile.
When we finish today, it’s over to you to stay connected. Subscribe to fellow writers’ publications and reply to their welcome email with a note to keep in touch.
I'm Gwenda, a NYT bestselling author -- writing shaken & stirred, a newsletter about all things bookish (I LOVE recommending books) and life and writing/publishing from lovely, bourbon-soaked Lexington, Kentucky.
Just subscribed! Thanks for sharing your expert advice! Out of curiosity, at what point in your writing journey/career did you start writing on Substack? Was it mostly to promote the books you'd already published or to grow your readership prior to publishing?
I've only been here for a few weeks -- I ported over my old newsletter archives and subscribers, so it looks a little more robust. ;) I'd been having a truly abysmal time sending out regular updates. I came up in the early days of litblogging and I really miss that sense of community conversation. As much as I love/hate twitter, it's just a different vibe. As I subscribed to more and more substacks, I thought, something similar is happening here. There's just something about this format and a space that's more about thinking things through and sharing than just about promotion, if that makes sense. Anyway, I'm loving it here! Thanks for subscribing! Going to sub to yours now!
Thanks for subscribing! And I loved how you used the word, "abysmal" in everyday speak. :)
I have a website (www.katherineladnymitchell.com) with a blog which I've been maintaining for a few years. But I was so focused on writing my novels, I wasn't posting at all regularly. And to be honest, it felt lonely to be sending things off into the void when I would post.
Substack seems to have more of a community going. And I also appreciate its professional development aspect. I feel like these events and forums legitimize my imaginary wanderings as I type each night in my PJs. :)
Haha! Thank you! I have a book coming out in a couple of weeks and just got it refreshed yesterday. It’s the only part of book launch season within my control. 😹
Hi everyone! My name is Mathieu, I write about all four categories loosely, though I'd say philosophy best describes it. Find it at awriter.substack.com
For some reason I can't find the post where you were sharing every writer who was showcased in the beginning... could you post their names, or direct me to that entrance (in this thread)? Thx
Aw, thanks Courtney! Believe it or not, I recycled it (and the logo) from a former scone business I ran back in 2018. I was wanted to grow a customer base for a future literary-themed tea room but soon discovered I far preferred writing to baking. :) I actually wrote my first Substack post on the subject if you'd like to check it out! https://katherineladnymitchell.substack.com/p/waste-not-want-not?s=w
I have been writing seriously since about 2012ish, but I literally started on Substack just last week. I already had a website (www.katherinelafnymitchell.com), so it was nice how easy Substack made it for me to import my limited list of subscribers and older blog posts. What has worked best for you in terms of getting your work out there? I read an article about writing a book magnet, but I had never even heard of Book Funnel or Story Origin before.
Thanks, Chevanne! I recycled it (and the logo) from a former scone business I ran back in 2018. I was wanted to grow a customer base for a future literary-themed tea room but soon discovered I far preferred writing to baking. :) I actually wrote my first Substack post on the subject if you'd like to check it out! https://katherineladnymitchell.substack.com/p/waste-not-want-not?s=w
I’ve been on Substack less than a year. I’m motivated by a need to get out all the words I was holding back for many years in favor of committing to my healthcare career. I want to exist as both. Here’s my about page:
I'm Brandon. I write about the content I intake and thoughts I have as a university student. Sometimes I write poetry/short fiction. Every post has fun goodies/recommendations to view.
Yeah! So my weekly summations are simple b&w photos I take. The graphics for my poems or short stories are little digital drawings that I do. Thanks! I’m excited to start reading your publication!
I write The FLARE, a multi-genre collection forging connection between self and community. Especially with personal essays, I hope the reader feels seen. Nice to meet everyone!
Hey everyone! I write Story Cauldron, https://storycauldron.substack.com which is both about storytelling in everyday life as well as a place to showcase my fiction. I also write Unseen St. Louis, https://unseenstlouis.substack.com where I investigate lesser-known moments and places in St. Louis history.
With Geoffrey Golden I also help coordinate Fictionistas, a community for all the fiction writers on Substack, https://fictionistas.substack.com .
Hi Everyone! So great to hear about everyone's newsletters! I write Pearl Reads Romance - all about romance novel recommendations https://pearlreadsromance.substack.com/
Hi! I am Katherine Ladny Mitchell and I write serial sci-fi and murder mysteries at Cup & Quill on Substack. I love sharing my stories and what I have learned through writing them. katherine.ladny.mitchell.substack.com
Hello! I write Game & Word, a weekly longform newsletter about gaming from several different historical, cultural, literary, scientific, and philosophical lenses. Check it out: https://gameandword.substack.com
Thanks Gwenda. I've just been looking at your substack. Your novels look good. I write romance too. My book is Tales of the Countess and it features handbags that talk. Think Sex and the City meets Toy Story
Being one of those not fitting in a category, the best way I can put it is: reclaiming my power as a woman through self reflection, questioning the status quo, therefore touching on art and culture, self-growth/spirituality, activism (woman and animal rights), but keeping it as a playground to explore my creative side (poetry, film photography, dance, short films,..).
How to be honest and soft in a harsh world? Humor, vulnerability and beauty are granted. Give it a look if something resonates!
After this Tour there are many newsletter I want to subscribe now or in the future (because I'm not into building a house right now for example) yet I don't want to overload my Inbox. Can we save substacks addresses/profiles somewhere in the website version, in our profile for example?
Hey, thanks! I'm checking it from the reader side, but how do you filter emails out exactly? I mean, I still need to subscribe to the newsletter right? The next step is what isn't clear thou :/
Hi everyone! My name is Kevin and I write Prompted, a weekly newsletter that provides insights and journal prompts to help readers become a bit better each day.
Hi, I’m Deepa, a Filipina-Indian writer in Amsterdam! I write about sex and relationships, motherhood and family, and writing and creativity, particularly about the process of working on my first book, a memoir of an open marriage.
I'm Mark in the quite rural piedmont North Carolina. I write weekly on the intersection of technology and culture, though I am easily distracted. I view technology broadly, by the way. technocomplex.substack.com. (Unfortunately, I missed the Zoom ... I unexpectedly had to muck horse stalls!)
The Faceit system assigns the ELO ranking to each player depending on factors such as winning percentage, kill or death ratio, competitor’s ranking level, etc. which can be checked using faceitfinder.
Hello all - I am author on medical astrology, herbs, environmental ethics, music therapy, and darkfield microscopy. B.A. Asian Studies, East-West Center, University of Hawaii, 1962; M.A. Yale University. 1964. Honorary doctorate Copenhagen, 1987, and Sri Lanka, 1995.
I'm Gwenda, a NYT bestselling author -- writing shaken & stirred, a newsletter about all things bookish (I LOVE recommending books) and life and writing/publishing from lovely, bourbon-soaked Lexington, Kentucky.
We will use this thread during our live session to get to know one another and after the session, to stay in touch.
To get started --> Introduce yourself! In one sentence what do you write about on Substack?
And feel free to chat and respond to fellow writers.
I'm Gwenda, a NYT bestselling author -- writing shaken & stirred, a newsletter about all things bookish (I LOVE recommending books) and life and writing/publishing from lovely, bourbon-soaked Lexington, Kentucky.
Just subscribed! Thanks for sharing your expert advice! Out of curiosity, at what point in your writing journey/career did you start writing on Substack? Was it mostly to promote the books you'd already published or to grow your readership prior to publishing?
I've only been here for a few weeks -- I ported over my old newsletter archives and subscribers, so it looks a little more robust. ;) I'd been having a truly abysmal time sending out regular updates. I came up in the early days of litblogging and I really miss that sense of community conversation. As much as I love/hate twitter, it's just a different vibe. As I subscribed to more and more substacks, I thought, something similar is happening here. There's just something about this format and a space that's more about thinking things through and sharing than just about promotion, if that makes sense. Anyway, I'm loving it here! Thanks for subscribing! Going to sub to yours now!
Thanks for subscribing! And I loved how you used the word, "abysmal" in everyday speak. :)
I have a website (www.katherineladnymitchell.com) with a blog which I've been maintaining for a few years. But I was so focused on writing my novels, I wasn't posting at all regularly. And to be honest, it felt lonely to be sending things off into the void when I would post.
Substack seems to have more of a community going. And I also appreciate its professional development aspect. I feel like these events and forums legitimize my imaginary wanderings as I type each night in my PJs. :)
Yes, that's it exactly!
But is James Bond involved? Any reference is a dog whistle for me. 🙃
😂 I do love a secret agent.
I live in Frankfort! History is one of my interests, as is science, travel, and politics.
We should trade picks...
Absolutely!
Haha! Thank you! I have a book coming out in a couple of weeks and just got it refreshed yesterday. It’s the only part of book launch season within my control. 😹
Hi! I'm Nicole, in Encinitas, CA, writing about children's/young adult books-- for readers and writers. :)
Gah Encinitas! You are so lucky!
🥰
Oh, yay! I'm doing more books for grown-ups now, but started out in kid lit!
I thought kids would be enthralled by that series forever. Now it seems like a footnote, but dammit I loved those books
If I could find them in a brick and mortar store I would give them to my friend's kids
I have never read or heard of them! Will definitely see if our library has them!
Hey — I'm Elizabeth. I write book recommendations weekly!
Thanks for sharing today, I would love to connect more with those writing about books!
Subscribing!
Ah, I see you had Zoraida on recently! She's FABULOUS!
Hi! Sarah here. I write about the life of and lessons I'm learning from a grandfather I never met, especially his knowledge of nature and trees!
Hi everyone! My name is Mathieu, I write about all four categories loosely, though I'd say philosophy best describes it. Find it at awriter.substack.com
For some reason I can't find the post where you were sharing every writer who was showcased in the beginning... could you post their names, or direct me to that entrance (in this thread)? Thx
Courtney's recommendations: https://freddiedeboer.substack.com/, https://blgtylr.substack.com/, https://foreignbodies.substack.com/, https://gossiptime.substack.com/
Hi! I am Katie of Cup & Quill sharing my serial sci-fi and murder mysteries and the lessons I learned through writing them.😊
Aw, thanks Courtney! Believe it or not, I recycled it (and the logo) from a former scone business I ran back in 2018. I was wanted to grow a customer base for a future literary-themed tea room but soon discovered I far preferred writing to baking. :) I actually wrote my first Substack post on the subject if you'd like to check it out! https://katherineladnymitchell.substack.com/p/waste-not-want-not?s=w
By the way, how long have you been writing on Substack?
I have been writing seriously since about 2012ish, but I literally started on Substack just last week. I already had a website (www.katherinelafnymitchell.com), so it was nice how easy Substack made it for me to import my limited list of subscribers and older blog posts. What has worked best for you in terms of getting your work out there? I read an article about writing a book magnet, but I had never even heard of Book Funnel or Story Origin before.
The name alone is enticing.
Thanks, Chevanne! I recycled it (and the logo) from a former scone business I ran back in 2018. I was wanted to grow a customer base for a future literary-themed tea room but soon discovered I far preferred writing to baking. :) I actually wrote my first Substack post on the subject if you'd like to check it out! https://katherineladnymitchell.substack.com/p/waste-not-want-not?s=w
And how long have you been sharing your fiction on Substack? What most motivates you to write?
I’ve been on Substack less than a year. I’m motivated by a need to get out all the words I was holding back for many years in favor of committing to my healthcare career. I want to exist as both. Here’s my about page:
https://theflare.substack.com/about
Just subscribed!
Hi! I'm a new writer, interested in sharing my poetry and personal essays and wondering if there's an audience for me!
Yes there is! I’m writing personal essays and poetry, as well as short fiction. There’s a lot of good folks out there who want to hear you.
I’m so thrilled about meeting such a supportive community! Thank you!
Just jumping in - I'm glad we had a chance to meet - I look forward to both of your musings!
Fairytale and Chinese martial arts
That sounds like a fascinating concept ;)
Hi, I'm Elizabeth Brownrigg and I write a weekly series about how we can engage joyfully with the difficult world.
I'm Brandon. I write about the content I intake and thoughts I have as a university student. Sometimes I write poetry/short fiction. Every post has fun goodies/recommendations to view.
👋🏾 Nice to meet you!
Yeah! So my weekly summations are simple b&w photos I take. The graphics for my poems or short stories are little digital drawings that I do. Thanks! I’m excited to start reading your publication!
Hello! 👋🏾
I write The FLARE, a multi-genre collection forging connection between self and community. Especially with personal essays, I hope the reader feels seen. Nice to meet everyone!
http://theflare.Substack.com
👋
🤣
What does it all mean?!
Hey everyone! I write Story Cauldron, https://storycauldron.substack.com which is both about storytelling in everyday life as well as a place to showcase my fiction. I also write Unseen St. Louis, https://unseenstlouis.substack.com where I investigate lesser-known moments and places in St. Louis history.
With Geoffrey Golden I also help coordinate Fictionistas, a community for all the fiction writers on Substack, https://fictionistas.substack.com .
Hi Everyone! So great to hear about everyone's newsletters! I write Pearl Reads Romance - all about romance novel recommendations https://pearlreadsromance.substack.com/
I love reading romance, even started writing one...excited to read your reviews!
Me too! My new books are romcoms and it's one of my favorite genres!
Hi All: I'm Jeffrey Messineo - I'm exploring creativity and looking to serialize some fiction : https://jeffreymessineo.substack.com
Hi Everyone,
I write poetry (sometimes) @
https://thebiggerpicture.substack.com
Me too!
Hi, I'm Cassie writing and drawing an illustrated journal from New Orleans!
That was a fabulous session. I've noted down so many interesting substacks. I'll definitely be connecting with lots of people over the next few days!
It really was fabulous to meet so many interesting writers.
You have a calm presence, so nice. Keep going. Keep going.
Thanks Cassie. That's lovely encouragement.
Hi, I'm Terry, and I write a newsletter called Eclecticism on terryfreedman.substack.com, taking in life, literature and leadership
Hello! Unschool for Writers - multiple genre, eclectic newsletter about writing--from an MFA instructor program runaway :)
Hi! I am Katherine Ladny Mitchell and I write serial sci-fi and murder mysteries at Cup & Quill on Substack. I love sharing my stories and what I have learned through writing them. katherine.ladny.mitchell.substack.com
Hi - I'm writing from the intersection of imagination and reality - comments, ideas, interests
Hey y'all!
I'm Kevin, and I write A Stylist Submits, where Christian thought and world literature meet. So glad to be touching base with everyone.
Your publication looks great!
Thanks! So does yours (I'm lurking in "Empathetic Unsettlement," obviously can't read it fully right now).
I’m excited to start reading your posts!
Thanks so much! A new one just went up yesterday, all about irony and how a loving person might do it.
I write Timeless & Timely, about leadership and communication lessons from history and literature, applied with a lens for today's issues.
https://www.timelesstimely.com
Hello! I write Game & Word, a weekly longform newsletter about gaming from several different historical, cultural, literary, scientific, and philosophical lenses. Check it out: https://gameandword.substack.com
Hi. I'm Cali. I give gentle encouragement to writers
Loved your mission statement.
Thanks Gwenda. I've just been looking at your substack. Your novels look good. I write romance too. My book is Tales of the Countess and it features handbags that talk. Think Sex and the City meets Toy Story
Hey, how awesome -- fist bump! You had me at talking handbags!
Hey everyone! I write Science-Fiction and Fantasy stories. Was nice meeting you all on the Zoom tour ;)
Being one of those not fitting in a category, the best way I can put it is: reclaiming my power as a woman through self reflection, questioning the status quo, therefore touching on art and culture, self-growth/spirituality, activism (woman and animal rights), but keeping it as a playground to explore my creative side (poetry, film photography, dance, short films,..).
How to be honest and soft in a harsh world? Humor, vulnerability and beauty are granted. Give it a look if something resonates!
Writing in Spanish and English.
Thanks for these zoom meetings <3
I love this! So much inspo :')
After this Tour there are many newsletter I want to subscribe now or in the future (because I'm not into building a house right now for example) yet I don't want to overload my Inbox. Can we save substacks addresses/profiles somewhere in the website version, in our profile for example?
Hey, thanks! I'm checking it from the reader side, but how do you filter emails out exactly? I mean, I still need to subscribe to the newsletter right? The next step is what isn't clear thou :/
So glad to discover more book people here.
Also I've got a weekend q and a thread up, so please feel free to come ask stuff OR answer stuff. Some interesting questions so far: https://gwendabond.substack.com/p/you-tell-me-weekend-amaq-and-a-thread/comments?s=w
If you have questions about my presentation (or if I spoke too fast), you can put them here!
Hi everyone! My name is Kevin and I write Prompted, a weekly newsletter that provides insights and journal prompts to help readers become a bit better each day.
Hi, I’m nicci and I write fiction - I haven’t quite figured out how to leverage my mailing list to connect with future readers though
Hi, I’m Deepa, a Filipina-Indian writer in Amsterdam! I write about sex and relationships, motherhood and family, and writing and creativity, particularly about the process of working on my first book, a memoir of an open marriage.
Hello, 你好, and Bonjour!
I'm Bryan, and I philosophize and short-fictionize(?) to help you (and me!) understand everyday/existential questions, 1 Oreo at a time :p
threading
I'm Mark in the quite rural piedmont North Carolina. I write weekly on the intersection of technology and culture, though I am easily distracted. I view technology broadly, by the way. technocomplex.substack.com. (Unfortunately, I missed the Zoom ... I unexpectedly had to muck horse stalls!)
The Faceit system assigns the ELO ranking to each player depending on factors such as winning percentage, kill or death ratio, competitor’s ranking level, etc. which can be checked using faceitfinder.
https://faceitaccount.com/
https://ingridnaiman.substack.com/
Hello all - I am author on medical astrology, herbs, environmental ethics, music therapy, and darkfield microscopy. B.A. Asian Studies, East-West Center, University of Hawaii, 1962; M.A. Yale University. 1964. Honorary doctorate Copenhagen, 1987, and Sri Lanka, 1995.
You can find my writings here: https://ingridnaiman.substack.com/
I'm Gwenda, a NYT bestselling author -- writing shaken & stirred, a newsletter about all things bookish (I LOVE recommending books) and life and writing/publishing from lovely, bourbon-soaked Lexington, Kentucky.
Courtney, I'm a huge fan of your newsletter.
I would love that! Email me at whattoreadif@substack.com