I never thought of Ivins as a role model until now.She was a hilarious satirist in an America that had yet to discover the joys of satire. I doubt she would have been ashamed of you for hiding your light under a bushel: it took this Brit many years of living in the States to finally grasp that sexism, racism, and classism operate by crushing confidence. I have no doubt that the privileges of wealth helped Ivins break out. On your schedule, honestly, I don't think anyone has yet grasped how to do Substack "right". I don't think there is a correct way. Even the celebs (Dan Rather and Alison Roman among them) have expressed frustration in their newsletters. Just keep writing, and never let them see you sweat. Now there's advice of which Ivins would have approved. Thanks for writing.
Please consider a tip button if you're not doing paid subscriptions yet! I was going to subscribe and realized it's not an option. Even Dan Rather is soliciting tips. 😄
I've actually thought about it, and checked out Dan's, but it looked so complicated! I'll give it some more thought. I think maybe I need to build up subscriptions before I go that route. I'm finding that's far more difficult that I thought it would be!
Everyone is, including Dan! Just keep writing for those of us who want to read you. That's what I'm doing. Btw, Dan's tip jar is complicated. Try "Buy me a coffee" .
Looking into it. The thought makes me squishy, but I harken back to those days when I used to tell my students never to write for free. I suppose I need to practice what I preach. Thanks.
Thanks, Annette. Molly was a true role model in those times when women were just getting a voice in the opinion sections. She showed us the way.
About the scheduling: Newsletters are far different from blogs, in that readers must agree to open their mailboxes to us. And we all know what happens in our mailboxes! Lots and lots and lots of incoming! When does our zeal become spamming? There's the question, and I've folded, going down the safer road because I really, really, really don't want to be pushy.
I'm channeling my inner scary old British WWII lady, the kind who both terrified and inspired me in my youth: Nonsense. Newsletters are clutter we signed up for. Write for the people who open what you write.
Now you're making me think twice about this and I've already done it! Damn! Oh, well, I did say I might break my own rule. I should have said I probably will.
I admit I'm intimidated by this whole newsletter thing, and it's a first for me. I'm usually tougher than this! So carry on, scary old British WWII lady. I need you to bash me with your bumbershoot!
Oh, wait, I DID say 'probably'. Okay! I'm still going to try to ease up, mainly because I have other irons in the fire, but I have so many pieces I still love and want to share here. And I confess I love it when you all comment. Thanks again.
Goddamn, I wish Molly was around to take Governor Abbott and all those other GOP bastards out for this abomination of an abortion law, not to mention the voter suppression. I suspect she'd be both apoplectic and acid-tongued and it would Give. Me. Life.
I've heard of Molly Ivins, but I don't believe I have ever read anything she has written. I'm off to find books and articles to rectify this immediately. It looks like she has several books, is there one in particular that you recommend I start with?
I never thought of Ivins as a role model until now.She was a hilarious satirist in an America that had yet to discover the joys of satire. I doubt she would have been ashamed of you for hiding your light under a bushel: it took this Brit many years of living in the States to finally grasp that sexism, racism, and classism operate by crushing confidence. I have no doubt that the privileges of wealth helped Ivins break out. On your schedule, honestly, I don't think anyone has yet grasped how to do Substack "right". I don't think there is a correct way. Even the celebs (Dan Rather and Alison Roman among them) have expressed frustration in their newsletters. Just keep writing, and never let them see you sweat. Now there's advice of which Ivins would have approved. Thanks for writing.
Please consider a tip button if you're not doing paid subscriptions yet! I was going to subscribe and realized it's not an option. Even Dan Rather is soliciting tips. 😄
I've actually thought about it, and checked out Dan's, but it looked so complicated! I'll give it some more thought. I think maybe I need to build up subscriptions before I go that route. I'm finding that's far more difficult that I thought it would be!
Everyone is, including Dan! Just keep writing for those of us who want to read you. That's what I'm doing. Btw, Dan's tip jar is complicated. Try "Buy me a coffee" .
Looking into it. The thought makes me squishy, but I harken back to those days when I used to tell my students never to write for free. I suppose I need to practice what I preach. Thanks.
Thanks, Annette. Molly was a true role model in those times when women were just getting a voice in the opinion sections. She showed us the way.
About the scheduling: Newsletters are far different from blogs, in that readers must agree to open their mailboxes to us. And we all know what happens in our mailboxes! Lots and lots and lots of incoming! When does our zeal become spamming? There's the question, and I've folded, going down the safer road because I really, really, really don't want to be pushy.
My cross to bear...
I'm channeling my inner scary old British WWII lady, the kind who both terrified and inspired me in my youth: Nonsense. Newsletters are clutter we signed up for. Write for the people who open what you write.
Now you're making me think twice about this and I've already done it! Damn! Oh, well, I did say I might break my own rule. I should have said I probably will.
I admit I'm intimidated by this whole newsletter thing, and it's a first for me. I'm usually tougher than this! So carry on, scary old British WWII lady. I need you to bash me with your bumbershoot!
Oh, wait, I DID say 'probably'. Okay! I'm still going to try to ease up, mainly because I have other irons in the fire, but I have so many pieces I still love and want to share here. And I confess I love it when you all comment. Thanks again.
Goddamn, I wish Molly was around to take Governor Abbott and all those other GOP bastards out for this abomination of an abortion law, not to mention the voter suppression. I suspect she'd be both apoplectic and acid-tongued and it would Give. Me. Life.
Wouldn't Molly just tear them to shreds? I can't think of a single voice out there that matches hers for the delivery and the impact. A rotten shame.
And while we're there, please read my take on the Texas abortion debacle on my sister Substack page, Constant Commoner. https://ramonagrigg.substack.com/p/lets-be-honest-anti-abortion-doesnt
Asha, I just subscribed to your newsletter; it looks interesting.
Thanks so much! I hope you find it enlivening!
I've heard of Molly Ivins, but I don't believe I have ever read anything she has written. I'm off to find books and articles to rectify this immediately. It looks like she has several books, is there one in particular that you recommend I start with?
I would start with this one. I think it's her first book of collections: https://www.amazon.com/Molly-Ivins-Cant-Say-That/
Thanks. I just borrowed the e-book. Can't wait until bedtime so I can start reading it.
Let me know how you found it. I always hesitate to recommend books like this since she isn't everyone's cup of tea.