Yes to all of this - and also to the accompanying paralyzing bits that come with the reassessment of one's writing. Is an ebook collection worth the (considerable) effort involved? That market seems full of contradictory advice! Just read recently (ironically, right here on Substack!) someone questioning whether Substack is a waste of writing time and robs us of our "real" writing time. Discuss!
I got a short story collection published in 2023, with a small press, eBook and Paperback. Collections are hard to promote and hard to sell. It did reasonably well, if a 100 copies is a good score... I don't know. The best part is that all these stories (26) that were scattered in magazines and on websites are now together breathing a new life. It might be more satisfying for the writer than the potential readers, but so be it! As to Substack, no, not a waste of time for me, and it helps me loosening up which has beneficial effects on the other writing. Might be different for others, of course...
The publisher used Draft2Digital (D2D) which gave us a bunch of formats (Kindle, Kobo, etc.). I was not involved in the formatting, file prep, etc. I have self-published in the past but wanted to make the move to trad publishing (it took 6 years, so yes, call me stupid!). When I self-published, I did it through Amazon/KDP. It was time-consuming because I'm a nitpicker and I wanted an impeccable product, but it wasn't terribly difficult. It was 14 years ago and the tools were a bit clunky. I understand it's easier now.
I'm planning to publish a collection of my short stories as my next book. The majority of them were published in literary magazines, some of which are now defunct.
I’m still on the path that opened up to me during the height of the pandemic, still writing personal essays and getting them published, having set aside a book that was almost finished for more pressing material and more immediate gratification. New ideas keep arriving along with new understandings of myself.
That goes especially for a very long one I sold for quite a tidy sum, then pulled because I realized I had written it for myself, not the world. It was a clearing of the decks.
Lev, that sounds like a tale needing to be told. What would make you pull a piece someone was willing to pay exceptionally good money for? Have you thought about writing about it?
I did write it and the editors loved it. And yes, I thought of writing about pulling the piece, but it wouldn't work if had to leave out why I thought it was more for myself than the world--and therefore *too* personal.
Yes, I am planning changes. The prompt - I want to improve my writing and diversify. I've pretty much been a one-pony show long enough. As for substack, I would not be where I am as a writer without it - there is absolutely no doubt about that.
Hey Ramona! I think I'm going to make a run at writing an autobiography this year, probably interspersing it into my daily Substack posts one event at a time. I might just get a sketch or a draft this year, but I can see that it's going to take up a LOT of my bandwidth for 2025! Happy new year!
Ha! I've been avoiding introspective thinking for my entire life, and now that I'm approaching 50 (something like a midpoint checkin, hopefully) I am embracing the project! It turns out to be very fun.
Andrew, I did the same for many years--avoided the introspective--until my husband died in March 2022, and it was either pour out my deepest feelings or give up writing until life made sense again. I couldn't give up writing, that was never an option, so I poured out, and to my shock it felt right.
I hold back what I think I need to hold back, but I'm much more comfortable writing as if I'm in the room talking to friends who get me. It's freeing and totally satisfying.
We see eye to eye on this, very much so. Fears about saying the things I want to say don't hold me back so much (although prudence and wisdom are still important checks). Glad to be connected here! Let's make 2025 amazing.
First, thanks for your constant observations about our social and political situation. This kind of analysis is very much needed. I'll try to engage here and on Bluesky as much as possible.
My big change is to pivot from two years of writing about higher education to starting a new venture, "Elder Vibes" (https://eldervibes.substack.com/about). Now, I'll be writing about healthier living, how to improve relationships, and how to cope more effectively with current events.
While I will be posting regularly, I'm really in listening mode. That is, I'll be paying close attention to what readers tell me is most helpful to them. The more they let me know what they find useful, the better the discussion will be. If you have any tips, I'll be most grateful.
Thanks for your thoughts, William. My only tip is to keep your posts friendly, as if you’re spending time with your subscribers in a place that feels comfortable. They’re committing more than just a few minutes to read your latest post. They want to feel welcome—and seen. Good luck!
Change makes my teeth chatter! 😬 But there’s also something invigorating about a new year. It can feel both mysterious and hopeful. And I like that a lot.
I’ve decided I HAVE to make steps towards writing children’s book manuscripts this year. I won’t stand another year passing without me making space for that. I’m joining the 12x12 community which is for picture book authors. The challenge is to write 12 rough drafts in 12 months. I think the accountability of that group will be a wonderful, welcomed shift. 💛
Looking forward to seeing what you’ll create in the coming months! Always grateful for your words and presence here. Happy new year, Ramona!
What a great question for the new year, Ramona, and I’m glad you’re writing - about everything. I think putting you pieces together in a book is a good idea - I’ve been planning to do that myself, if only because a collection that goes back a decade or more can allow a writer to assess who they’ve become and are still becoming. With my own writing, I am allowing short essays to percolate longer before I publish them on Substack. I’m writing other pieces, too, and hope to proceed with my book about AI and writing.
Glad to hear you're keeping at what makes you happy, too, Martha. I think my Christmas breaks might have mellowed my angst over the election, and I realized I wanted more in my writing than the political. Not that it isn't important. It is and always will be for me, but it can't be everything.
I want to learn and to laugh and to be surprised in a good way. And then I want to pass it on. 💕
I'm late to this, Ramona. If you read my substack, you will know that on New Year's Eve my husband broke his leg in three places. So I've been helping him full time until the docs let him put weight on his foot again. Meantime I am thinking about how everything in my house that I like - uneven floors, a wood stove that has to be tended to in the family room, too many stairs - work against you if one is not able-bodied. For this year, I'm publishing my memoir, Saving Ellen, April 1 after 5 years of work and wondering what I will write next.
Yes to all of this - and also to the accompanying paralyzing bits that come with the reassessment of one's writing. Is an ebook collection worth the (considerable) effort involved? That market seems full of contradictory advice! Just read recently (ironically, right here on Substack!) someone questioning whether Substack is a waste of writing time and robs us of our "real" writing time. Discuss!
I got a short story collection published in 2023, with a small press, eBook and Paperback. Collections are hard to promote and hard to sell. It did reasonably well, if a 100 copies is a good score... I don't know. The best part is that all these stories (26) that were scattered in magazines and on websites are now together breathing a new life. It might be more satisfying for the writer than the potential readers, but so be it! As to Substack, no, not a waste of time for me, and it helps me loosening up which has beneficial effects on the other writing. Might be different for others, of course...
Interesting, Martine - did you use Amazon for your eBook publication? I like the idea of those stories all being united too.
The publisher used Draft2Digital (D2D) which gave us a bunch of formats (Kindle, Kobo, etc.). I was not involved in the formatting, file prep, etc. I have self-published in the past but wanted to make the move to trad publishing (it took 6 years, so yes, call me stupid!). When I self-published, I did it through Amazon/KDP. It was time-consuming because I'm a nitpicker and I wanted an impeccable product, but it wasn't terribly difficult. It was 14 years ago and the tools were a bit clunky. I understand it's easier now.
I'm planning to publish a collection of my short stories as my next book. The majority of them were published in literary magazines, some of which are now defunct.
It’s great to have a collection. I’ve had legacy story and essay collections and self published two essay collections. I’m glad all of them exist.
I’m still on the path that opened up to me during the height of the pandemic, still writing personal essays and getting them published, having set aside a book that was almost finished for more pressing material and more immediate gratification. New ideas keep arriving along with new understandings of myself.
"...with new understandings of myself." That's such a good way of putting it. Thanks.
That goes especially for a very long one I sold for quite a tidy sum, then pulled because I realized I had written it for myself, not the world. It was a clearing of the decks.
Lev, that sounds like a tale needing to be told. What would make you pull a piece someone was willing to pay exceptionally good money for? Have you thought about writing about it?
I did write it and the editors loved it. And yes, I thought of writing about pulling the piece, but it wouldn't work if had to leave out why I thought it was more for myself than the world--and therefore *too* personal.
Yes, I am planning changes. The prompt - I want to improve my writing and diversify. I've pretty much been a one-pony show long enough. As for substack, I would not be where I am as a writer without it - there is absolutely no doubt about that.
I feel the same way about Substack. I would be nowhere without it. I'm grateful every day for my presence here.
Hey Ramona! I think I'm going to make a run at writing an autobiography this year, probably interspersing it into my daily Substack posts one event at a time. I might just get a sketch or a draft this year, but I can see that it's going to take up a LOT of my bandwidth for 2025! Happy new year!
Great plan! Keep at it and before you know it, it'll get done. (She said as if she knows that for sure...) 💕
Ha! I've been avoiding introspective thinking for my entire life, and now that I'm approaching 50 (something like a midpoint checkin, hopefully) I am embracing the project! It turns out to be very fun.
Andrew, I did the same for many years--avoided the introspective--until my husband died in March 2022, and it was either pour out my deepest feelings or give up writing until life made sense again. I couldn't give up writing, that was never an option, so I poured out, and to my shock it felt right.
I hold back what I think I need to hold back, but I'm much more comfortable writing as if I'm in the room talking to friends who get me. It's freeing and totally satisfying.
We see eye to eye on this, very much so. Fears about saying the things I want to say don't hold me back so much (although prudence and wisdom are still important checks). Glad to be connected here! Let's make 2025 amazing.
Let's do it! I'm in! ❤️
First, thanks for your constant observations about our social and political situation. This kind of analysis is very much needed. I'll try to engage here and on Bluesky as much as possible.
My big change is to pivot from two years of writing about higher education to starting a new venture, "Elder Vibes" (https://eldervibes.substack.com/about). Now, I'll be writing about healthier living, how to improve relationships, and how to cope more effectively with current events.
While I will be posting regularly, I'm really in listening mode. That is, I'll be paying close attention to what readers tell me is most helpful to them. The more they let me know what they find useful, the better the discussion will be. If you have any tips, I'll be most grateful.
Thanks for your thoughts, William. My only tip is to keep your posts friendly, as if you’re spending time with your subscribers in a place that feels comfortable. They’re committing more than just a few minutes to read your latest post. They want to feel welcome—and seen. Good luck!
🙏
Change makes my teeth chatter! 😬 But there’s also something invigorating about a new year. It can feel both mysterious and hopeful. And I like that a lot.
I’ve decided I HAVE to make steps towards writing children’s book manuscripts this year. I won’t stand another year passing without me making space for that. I’m joining the 12x12 community which is for picture book authors. The challenge is to write 12 rough drafts in 12 months. I think the accountability of that group will be a wonderful, welcomed shift. 💛
Looking forward to seeing what you’ll create in the coming months! Always grateful for your words and presence here. Happy new year, Ramona!
What a great question for the new year, Ramona, and I’m glad you’re writing - about everything. I think putting you pieces together in a book is a good idea - I’ve been planning to do that myself, if only because a collection that goes back a decade or more can allow a writer to assess who they’ve become and are still becoming. With my own writing, I am allowing short essays to percolate longer before I publish them on Substack. I’m writing other pieces, too, and hope to proceed with my book about AI and writing.
Glad to hear you're keeping at what makes you happy, too, Martha. I think my Christmas breaks might have mellowed my angst over the election, and I realized I wanted more in my writing than the political. Not that it isn't important. It is and always will be for me, but it can't be everything.
I want to learn and to laugh and to be surprised in a good way. And then I want to pass it on. 💕
I'm late to this, Ramona. If you read my substack, you will know that on New Year's Eve my husband broke his leg in three places. So I've been helping him full time until the docs let him put weight on his foot again. Meantime I am thinking about how everything in my house that I like - uneven floors, a wood stove that has to be tended to in the family room, too many stairs - work against you if one is not able-bodied. For this year, I'm publishing my memoir, Saving Ellen, April 1 after 5 years of work and wondering what I will write next.
So sorry about your husband. Our lives can change in an instant and we’re expected to adapt. And we do it, don’t we?
Congrats on your memoir. Best of luck with it. And the year ahead! Thanks for sharing. ❤️