Looking forward to watching this week's video. Social media is something that I do think a lot about. I quit over a year ago but at times I still wonder whether it was the right move. And every time I come to the same conclusion: abso-freaking-lutely! Also, other points you made in the letter were so timely. (I've been gathering magic this week, aka magical synchronicities) I take your letter as one of those magical synchronicities. I've finally let go of my fear of commitment and go all in on this vision I have and intentionally cultivate the channels I do choose to show up. Seeing you and a few other introverted creatives do your thing has been such an inspiration. So thank you, yet again! P.S. As for writing, I am mostly interested in it currently as an emerging artist who is passionate about sharing her journey, making this art thing into a creative business and maybe empowering others along the way to just go for it.
I think the Twitter implosion is a huge reminder not to build on the quick-shifting sands of social media. And that's why I've always advocated for owning your website and a mailing list. Those two, at least, are on firmer grounds. That's why I'm totally ok pouring my energy into Substack, though now that I'm here, I'm often conflicted if I should post what I write here on my blog too! I keep thinking about Google's SEO penalties for duplicate content. Ugh.
Anyhoo, just want to say that your newsletter is a balm to my soul - so many content creators leave me with a sense of FOMO and the feeling that I'm not doing enough. Yours remind me that it's okay to save your energy and just go into it slowly.
Yes, I've had the same conundrum. Have weighed the pros and cons to and fro, the safety and independence of hosting everything on my website primarily, versus the ease of use, functionality, and discoverability of hosting it on Substack. Now, I'm leaning towards putting it all here on Substack, where I can monetize it better, and where it's easier for it to get discovered, shared and discussed. If I ever change my mind, I could always export it. 😊 And frankly, SEO doesn't matter as much anymore I think. It certainly isn't worth making decisions over in the grander scheme of things.
Thank you so, so much for those words! 🖤 May I use them as a testimonial on my front page? 😳
Odd, couldve sworn I rsponded to your comment. Yes, please go ahead and use my words for a testimonial! And Thanks for your input about double posting to the website. I think I will prob use Substack to use more intimate letters to readers while my blog will have more research heavy stuff or book notes etc.
Writing. I’ve been blogging on my own website, but technical issues have done me in. I’m transitioning to Substack. Love your videos. That’s how I found you.
Yeah... social media can be a slog. Still on Facebook (family and friends' kids pics! And their Political rants!). Was never big on Instagram or Twitter, but I occasionally use them. Trying to forge YouTube and Substack into something. Tough when there are deadlines to meet and art directors to please!
Completely agree that social media marketing is fleeting at best. I’m launching a new foodletter, Cook & Tell, (https://amiemcg.substack.com/about)* and getting the word out old school style by throwing a holiday dessert party for friends to test out recipes and announce the news--everyone subscribed!
Also text blasting the announcement. And casually mentioning in my cycling and yoga classes. Just a few subtle, low-pressure ways to market yourself...
That's really clever and creative marketing! 👌🏻🥳 And I do believe that's the best way to do it. Simply keep on delivering and keep on telling people about it. Rinse and repeat. 😌
OK I wanted to tap on "both" but somehow selected "neither" instead🤦 anyway, I like fiction writing, especially for teenagers to go hand in hand with my illustrations but I have a hard time putting the two together and I also can't make writing a habit, I do it every once in a while when the inspiration hits and I'm not sure it's the right way to go about things...
When it comes to writing habits, I don't believe in beating ourselves up for not writing everyday, or more regularly, or faster, or better, or whatever. There's so much dogma out there of how writers "should" work. The most important thing one can do is find the approach that works for oneself. Maybe there is no one "right" way. 😊
That makes sense, but with art, I remember that I needed to practice a lot at first, almost everyday to make some progress and I was willing to do it. But it's not quite the same with writing, or maybe I no longer have that kind of energy to pour on something else the same way I did with art🤷
Thank you for the questions! I’ll def be filling those out soon as a refresher for myself!
Congrats on launching your print collection! 🎉🥳 I’m proud of you! 👏🏻
I write as well and my topics vary. I’ve done blog posts off and on for years and started here on SubStack recently thanks to your advice. I’ve also written fiction books several times during NaNoWriMo and love doing that tho it’s been a couple of years since I’ve participated.
It’s so nice to read advice like yours about slower more organic growth, I resonate with it so much.
I burned myself trying to keep up with social medium and I feel so much better now having let that pressure go, but finding advice like yours about what to do instead is much harder to find, so thank you!
As for your question about writing; though I’ve been on a break from it, I’m a fiction writer of the fantasy genre, usually novel length, and followed closely by an especially ruthless inner writing critic.
Dec 2, 2022·edited Dec 2, 2022Liked by Louise Stigell
I enjoy writing about experiences and the impact they leave on myself and others. A typical example would be https://sketchwhatyousee.com/1959-buick-lesabre/ where I recall the Sunday routine my family followed when I was a child in Georgia.
I also read a lot, think a lot (to much according to some), and write PDF guides on sketching and other subjects. I’m a retired Design Engineer of forty years who should have simply been an artist :)
When it comes to writing I need to learn so much more. I have, based on your recommendation, started a website and a blog but I sound so dreary in the blog and wish to brighten it up a bit
Looking forward to watching this week's video. Social media is something that I do think a lot about. I quit over a year ago but at times I still wonder whether it was the right move. And every time I come to the same conclusion: abso-freaking-lutely! Also, other points you made in the letter were so timely. (I've been gathering magic this week, aka magical synchronicities) I take your letter as one of those magical synchronicities. I've finally let go of my fear of commitment and go all in on this vision I have and intentionally cultivate the channels I do choose to show up. Seeing you and a few other introverted creatives do your thing has been such an inspiration. So thank you, yet again! P.S. As for writing, I am mostly interested in it currently as an emerging artist who is passionate about sharing her journey, making this art thing into a creative business and maybe empowering others along the way to just go for it.
Yup, same here! 😅 Can't imagine it in my life anymore.
Thank you so much for those words. I'm happy to be one of your synchronicities! 🖤
I think the Twitter implosion is a huge reminder not to build on the quick-shifting sands of social media. And that's why I've always advocated for owning your website and a mailing list. Those two, at least, are on firmer grounds. That's why I'm totally ok pouring my energy into Substack, though now that I'm here, I'm often conflicted if I should post what I write here on my blog too! I keep thinking about Google's SEO penalties for duplicate content. Ugh.
Anyhoo, just want to say that your newsletter is a balm to my soul - so many content creators leave me with a sense of FOMO and the feeling that I'm not doing enough. Yours remind me that it's okay to save your energy and just go into it slowly.
Definitely!
Yes, I've had the same conundrum. Have weighed the pros and cons to and fro, the safety and independence of hosting everything on my website primarily, versus the ease of use, functionality, and discoverability of hosting it on Substack. Now, I'm leaning towards putting it all here on Substack, where I can monetize it better, and where it's easier for it to get discovered, shared and discussed. If I ever change my mind, I could always export it. 😊 And frankly, SEO doesn't matter as much anymore I think. It certainly isn't worth making decisions over in the grander scheme of things.
Thank you so, so much for those words! 🖤 May I use them as a testimonial on my front page? 😳
Odd, couldve sworn I rsponded to your comment. Yes, please go ahead and use my words for a testimonial! And Thanks for your input about double posting to the website. I think I will prob use Substack to use more intimate letters to readers while my blog will have more research heavy stuff or book notes etc.
Thank you so much! 🙏🏻🖤
Writing. I’ve been blogging on my own website, but technical issues have done me in. I’m transitioning to Substack. Love your videos. That’s how I found you.
I write novels, short stories, and creative essays. Many of them here on Substack shameless plug
Yeah... social media can be a slog. Still on Facebook (family and friends' kids pics! And their Political rants!). Was never big on Instagram or Twitter, but I occasionally use them. Trying to forge YouTube and Substack into something. Tough when there are deadlines to meet and art directors to please!
Thanks for the inspirations!
I'm a writer of fiction, so any kind of discussion on any type of writing is always good by me.
GUS! 💙!
Completely agree that social media marketing is fleeting at best. I’m launching a new foodletter, Cook & Tell, (https://amiemcg.substack.com/about)* and getting the word out old school style by throwing a holiday dessert party for friends to test out recipes and announce the news--everyone subscribed!
Also text blasting the announcement. And casually mentioning in my cycling and yoga classes. Just a few subtle, low-pressure ways to market yourself...
*see what I did there?
That's really clever and creative marketing! 👌🏻🥳 And I do believe that's the best way to do it. Simply keep on delivering and keep on telling people about it. Rinse and repeat. 😌
OK I wanted to tap on "both" but somehow selected "neither" instead🤦 anyway, I like fiction writing, especially for teenagers to go hand in hand with my illustrations but I have a hard time putting the two together and I also can't make writing a habit, I do it every once in a while when the inspiration hits and I'm not sure it's the right way to go about things...
Haha, thanks for clarifying. 😂
When it comes to writing habits, I don't believe in beating ourselves up for not writing everyday, or more regularly, or faster, or better, or whatever. There's so much dogma out there of how writers "should" work. The most important thing one can do is find the approach that works for oneself. Maybe there is no one "right" way. 😊
That makes sense, but with art, I remember that I needed to practice a lot at first, almost everyday to make some progress and I was willing to do it. But it's not quite the same with writing, or maybe I no longer have that kind of energy to pour on something else the same way I did with art🤷
Thank you for the questions! I’ll def be filling those out soon as a refresher for myself!
Congrats on launching your print collection! 🎉🥳 I’m proud of you! 👏🏻
I write as well and my topics vary. I’ve done blog posts off and on for years and started here on SubStack recently thanks to your advice. I’ve also written fiction books several times during NaNoWriMo and love doing that tho it’s been a couple of years since I’ve participated.
Thank you so much! 🙏🏻 I'm happy to hear you've started a Substack of your own. 😌
It’s so nice to read advice like yours about slower more organic growth, I resonate with it so much.
I burned myself trying to keep up with social medium and I feel so much better now having let that pressure go, but finding advice like yours about what to do instead is much harder to find, so thank you!
As for your question about writing; though I’ve been on a break from it, I’m a fiction writer of the fantasy genre, usually novel length, and followed closely by an especially ruthless inner writing critic.
Thank you!
Oooh, a fellow fantasy writer. 😌 Can totally relate though, my inner critic is always eagerly participating in my creations...
I enjoy writing about experiences and the impact they leave on myself and others. A typical example would be https://sketchwhatyousee.com/1959-buick-lesabre/ where I recall the Sunday routine my family followed when I was a child in Georgia.
I also read a lot, think a lot (to much according to some), and write PDF guides on sketching and other subjects. I’m a retired Design Engineer of forty years who should have simply been an artist :)
When it comes to writing I need to learn so much more. I have, based on your recommendation, started a website and a blog but I sound so dreary in the blog and wish to brighten it up a bit
Those Breaking Bad portraits are stunning!
Thank you! 😊