This hints at the crux of the problem which is that we've been sold the idea that we have to hustle, hustle, hustle to "make it" as creatives. When, perhaps counterintuitively, slowing down and create spaciousness is actually what often helps our creativity most. But how do we make a living if we can't churn out the constant "content"?
My hope is that things like Substack (and previously Patreon, etc.) are helping to change this by celebrating the creative process over the specific product. I know that people have subscribed to my work in the past because they want to support my overall career, not because they actually read each newsletter. Yes, I produce a product (and I actually try to do so prolifically because I do this full-time), but it's the process, whatever that looks like, that adds value to the world. Ultimately, we still support the creators we believe in, so the work we don't believe in doesn't get our support, but we don't tie that support to one book or one piece of writing.
My own personal goal here is to get 1000 people to subscribe at $100 annually … this creates a six figure income, which is enough to support and sustain me. Moreover, it sets an example for other people to say to the world that we value writing and creativity as a whole process. (And I also participate in artistic tithing so at least 10% of that always goes back to other writers, artists, makers, performers, creatives …) I believe that this is a small way of changing the world to place creative work front and center.
Thanks for commenting! I agree, the intersection between art and capitalism is a very awkward fit. What's good for making money is not necessarily good for our art, and vice versa, but at the same time, we live in a world were we need money to provide food and shelter, and frankly, it's way, way easier to produce art when we are fed and rested and safe.
As my dad used to say, money doesn't buy happiness, but I'd rather be comfortable in my misery.
As a manual therapist, people have to pay for my treatment, but also for my insight, experience and advice, all flavoured by my creative self-expression in the way I choose to communicate with people. I abandoned writing on social media because of the various limitations and trolls, and decided that I must feed my writing compulsion (thanks Substack for providing a framework) and create a paywall for people who appreciate this artform and are willing to support it. Regarding stories - I have a million of them from my 17 years in clinical practice. They are the stories of the humans I've met and treated as much as they are mine, and they're basically writing themselves, but the process is fascinating. My process is methodical and repetitive, a touch mystical and a little bit agonizing, and that's the way I like it. I have no idea if it's too long, but I hope it's as long as necessary. It's such a relief just to publish! I'm just starting out, and perhaps I'll have paid subscribers some day, but I'm enjoying and refining the process for now. I love this post and all of the comments. Best of luck to all of you.
Wonderful response and better than any of those nonsense interviews Substacks pushes out. Often, it comes across as gaslighting. The creative life cannot be hacked or gamed. Thank you so much for taking the time to say this!
This hints at the crux of the problem which is that we've been sold the idea that we have to hustle, hustle, hustle to "make it" as creatives. When, perhaps counterintuitively, slowing down and create spaciousness is actually what often helps our creativity most. But how do we make a living if we can't churn out the constant "content"?
My hope is that things like Substack (and previously Patreon, etc.) are helping to change this by celebrating the creative process over the specific product. I know that people have subscribed to my work in the past because they want to support my overall career, not because they actually read each newsletter. Yes, I produce a product (and I actually try to do so prolifically because I do this full-time), but it's the process, whatever that looks like, that adds value to the world. Ultimately, we still support the creators we believe in, so the work we don't believe in doesn't get our support, but we don't tie that support to one book or one piece of writing.
My own personal goal here is to get 1000 people to subscribe at $100 annually … this creates a six figure income, which is enough to support and sustain me. Moreover, it sets an example for other people to say to the world that we value writing and creativity as a whole process. (And I also participate in artistic tithing so at least 10% of that always goes back to other writers, artists, makers, performers, creatives …) I believe that this is a small way of changing the world to place creative work front and center.
Thanks for commenting! I agree, the intersection between art and capitalism is a very awkward fit. What's good for making money is not necessarily good for our art, and vice versa, but at the same time, we live in a world were we need money to provide food and shelter, and frankly, it's way, way easier to produce art when we are fed and rested and safe.
As my dad used to say, money doesn't buy happiness, but I'd rather be comfortable in my misery.
As a manual therapist, people have to pay for my treatment, but also for my insight, experience and advice, all flavoured by my creative self-expression in the way I choose to communicate with people. I abandoned writing on social media because of the various limitations and trolls, and decided that I must feed my writing compulsion (thanks Substack for providing a framework) and create a paywall for people who appreciate this artform and are willing to support it. Regarding stories - I have a million of them from my 17 years in clinical practice. They are the stories of the humans I've met and treated as much as they are mine, and they're basically writing themselves, but the process is fascinating. My process is methodical and repetitive, a touch mystical and a little bit agonizing, and that's the way I like it. I have no idea if it's too long, but I hope it's as long as necessary. It's such a relief just to publish! I'm just starting out, and perhaps I'll have paid subscribers some day, but I'm enjoying and refining the process for now. I love this post and all of the comments. Best of luck to all of you.
Sounds like you're in a wonderful place with your writing. Thanks for the comment!
Wonderful response and better than any of those nonsense interviews Substacks pushes out. Often, it comes across as gaslighting. The creative life cannot be hacked or gamed. Thank you so much for taking the time to say this!
Absolutely agree! Thank you for the comment!
Oooo this resonates.! So keep writing slowly!
…a wild thing with its own secrets. Perfect.
Wild thing. You make my heart sing. You make everything.... groovy. 🎶
Exactly!
This is helpful and reassuring. Thank you!
Glad it helped
Very true, best thing is to let spirit guide you:) What and exhilarating journey!
Nice
But they are amenable to spin.