I get the dream of being a "traditionally published author" but, honestly, I have no desire to hassle with submissions and rejections trying to get into a journal when I can publish it myself for the 1250 readers who signed up specifically to read my stories. Substack works for me. Plus, I'm 63. I don't have a lot of time for rejections. 🤣
And, I feel the same way about submissions. After years in an online critique group and submitting works, some published (not paid), and many rejected, I turned to Medium. I then left when they changed their payment terms. I followed you, Bill, and Justin to Substack, and I hope to find my tribe here one day.
Yeah. I am loving Substack. It was slow going in the beginning. But I eventually found my formula (after much trial and error) and my newsletter started to grow. And Substack has really upped discoverability this past year. Most of my new subscriber come from the Substack network now. I don't do any outside promotion. Which is a great relief. I don't like most social media and now I don't feel like I need to promote there. In fact, I dumped Twitter or whatever they call it now. And only peek at Facebook a few times per year.
Nope. I contacted your people and they said, "Cyn doesn't do endorsements." I said "Okay, thank you." Then I am pretty sure they thought I had hung up because they added "Of losers." 😉
"I just looked at my Substack stats and realized it has been almost three years, and I am still not a famous writer. " As Scarlett O'Hara would say, "Fiddle-dee-dee!" You are famous - very famous at my house. And no doubt at some other houses. Be patient. With Forrest Gump endorsing you in such a hilarious manner, can fame and fortune be far behind? I think not, my friend.
You are correct, of course. Fame is relative. And too much is usually bad for you. I appreciate my small-scale "fame" on Substack. And especially readers like you who take the time to comment. Thank you, Sharron! 🤓
I agree with all the views above! These made me laugh this morning except the pond story. That was great. I need to try writing about an object without drawing from some life experience. Maybe that will help me hone my fiction. (Not saying this wasn’t a real place for you)
Yes.... it is sort of like being on Substack. Do I spend more time commenting on and endorsing the fabulous writers I discover here, than I do writing? I need to do some serious metrics...
“More than Just a Pond” is a touching story, and your celebrity endorsements are hilarious! But just in case you’re an alien, I’ll be treading lightly moving forward. 🤣
No worries. I am definitely not an alien species pretending to be human so I can report back to my home planet after 65 years. That would be a ridiculous thing to do and that is absolutely not my mission. Trust me.
Thanks, Jack. Enjoy your adventure! 🤓
[Late to the party, on a cruise with frequently poor Internet, so I have STILL not seen all your photos] LOVE the Pond story! 💚
I love More than Just a Pond. Mark!
So beautiful, celebrating nature and family. It's a treasure.
It's "journal worthy", if. you'd consider going through the rough and tumble world of submissions these days.
Thank you, Jenise. I appreciate it. 😀
I get the dream of being a "traditionally published author" but, honestly, I have no desire to hassle with submissions and rejections trying to get into a journal when I can publish it myself for the 1250 readers who signed up specifically to read my stories. Substack works for me. Plus, I'm 63. I don't have a lot of time for rejections. 🤣
Ha! I'm older than you, but not by much.
And, I feel the same way about submissions. After years in an online critique group and submitting works, some published (not paid), and many rejected, I turned to Medium. I then left when they changed their payment terms. I followed you, Bill, and Justin to Substack, and I hope to find my tribe here one day.
Yeah. I am loving Substack. It was slow going in the beginning. But I eventually found my formula (after much trial and error) and my newsletter started to grow. And Substack has really upped discoverability this past year. Most of my new subscriber come from the Substack network now. I don't do any outside promotion. Which is a great relief. I don't like most social media and now I don't feel like I need to promote there. In fact, I dumped Twitter or whatever they call it now. And only peek at Facebook a few times per year.
I always thought that skyscrapers should have circular slides for people who don't want to wait for the down elevator.
Yes. They work in so many places. What a wasted opportunity.
I love this so much!
Thank you, Debbie. 🤓
And that is why I fired my "People".
Damn- Bob Dylan endorses you, and you're sure a made man.
Like a complete unknown. Like a rolling stone.
Should I be hurt that you didn't ask for an endorsement from me?
Nope. I contacted your people and they said, "Cyn doesn't do endorsements." I said "Okay, thank you." Then I am pretty sure they thought I had hung up because they added "Of losers." 😉
"I just looked at my Substack stats and realized it has been almost three years, and I am still not a famous writer. " As Scarlett O'Hara would say, "Fiddle-dee-dee!" You are famous - very famous at my house. And no doubt at some other houses. Be patient. With Forrest Gump endorsing you in such a hilarious manner, can fame and fortune be far behind? I think not, my friend.
You are correct, of course. Fame is relative. And too much is usually bad for you. I appreciate my small-scale "fame" on Substack. And especially readers like you who take the time to comment. Thank you, Sharron! 🤓
I have a ‘more than just a pond’ here in Davidson that I consider a friend as well. Friend to my grandkids as well. Thanks for that story.
Great endorsements, but they tell me one isn’t a writer without a Stephen King endorsement!
Thanks, C.L. A Stephen King endorsement would be scary. 😉
Remarkable! I'll leave it at that.
Thank you, gracias, merci, etc. I appreciate that.
I agree with all the views above! These made me laugh this morning except the pond story. That was great. I need to try writing about an object without drawing from some life experience. Maybe that will help me hone my fiction. (Not saying this wasn’t a real place for you)
Thanks, Kim. I like giving inanimate objects human qualities. It's fun!
I always thought there was something curiously familiar about Connery's Bond.
As for your pond, I'm always learning to see everything like that.
Great stuff, Mark! Carry on.
Thanks, John. I try to stay humble about my endorsements. As difficult as it is. 🤣
Of course, that comes with the territory. And you're so good at it.
Do you remember that Mac Davis song, It’s Hard To Be Humble?
https://youtu.be/0WTrMuZOZvM
A three storey slide is a visionary idea. A fast and fun fire escape!
I enjoyed the pond introspective. Thought provoking prose, Mark.
Looking forward to more celebrity endorsements!
.
Thanks, Jim. I think next week's endorsements are the best.
Love the story about the pond and how it has become a part of you... and your grandsons.
I too have wondered if the endorsers actually read the books! 😂
I don't see how famous authors can read all the books they endorse! When would they write? 🤣
Right? I have so many voices in my head already.
Yes.... it is sort of like being on Substack. Do I spend more time commenting on and endorsing the fabulous writers I discover here, than I do writing? I need to do some serious metrics...
“More than Just a Pond” is a touching story, and your celebrity endorsements are hilarious! But just in case you’re an alien, I’ll be treading lightly moving forward. 🤣
No worries. I am definitely not an alien species pretending to be human so I can report back to my home planet after 65 years. That would be a ridiculous thing to do and that is absolutely not my mission. Trust me.
Thanks, Justin.
🤣🤣 Always a pleasure, Mark.