A year of living dangerously….
Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic. I didn’t climb Everest or run with the bulls. My year was spent sitting at my computer — but it felt daring.
I launched my Substack in late November of 2024. I’ve decided to share my learnings as a creator who does not write about “how to be successful on Substack.” No disrespect to that community, but most of us have a slightly different growth trajectory.
Always remember why you are here
I came here because after writing a novel about AI, I contined to voraciously consume content and discuss AI at every opportunity. It became awkward cornering people in the grocery store, explaining that someday our AI enabled refrigerator and cupboards will track and control inventory and auto‑order groceries before we notice we’re low on provisions.
After years of writing in isolation, hearing from other writers (yes, even the critics) has been invaluable. Building a network beyond my personal circle is essential for launching my book.
Goals and Numbers
Revisit your goals often and adapt as they evolve. I began with a simple plan: to share ideas about AI’s impact on daily life and our future, with a touch of humor. Over time, that mission grew to include holding big tech accountable—on labor ethics, bias in training data and system design, copyright, and environmental responsibility. I was fortunate to find alignment between this work and my own values and interests. Many writers discover their mission shifts along the way. Embrace that evolution, and invite your readers to grow with you.
Try Not to Get Caught Up in the Numbers:
Try is the operative word. If you’ve figured out how not to care about subscribers or activity, please let me know — you might be a candidate to become the next Dalai Lama.
We all can get wrapped up in the metrics, so I decided to have some fun with my subscriber chart. I was originally thinking a silhouette of an obscene gesture. That’s what it feels like when the trajectory dips. I settled on a cat, the universal symbol of “I don’t care.”
Now that we’ve established that we care, here are my thoughts about getting traction:
Despite its flaws, Substack is still the best game in town for writers. I blogged the old‑fashioned way back in the early 2010s on WordPress — endless spam comments (Eww! You want me to enhance the size of my what??), Search Engine Optimization hassles, and database management. Compared to that, Substack is a dream.
And yes, the interface can be clunky and subscription signups confusing for those not already on the platform, but overall it’s pretty darn good. If you’re just starting out, I highly recommend Substack Writers at Work with Sarah Fay. She answered all my questions, solved an issue I had gone round and round with the Substack support bots, and introduced me to Notes.
Embrace the community
Like many, I came here to write, and did not expect to play any social media type games. I was flat out annoyed by Notes and was confused by followers vs subscribers. But I listened to Sarah’s advice about Notes and had the good fortune of participating in some of her early Notes Boost Challenges. I embraced Notes as a fun way to engage, scribble down thoughts, experiment, get inspiration and gain subscribers — and more importantly, find community.
I advise setting aside a certain amount of time to reciprocate with people who like and comment on your notes and posts, and scroll the feed and comment on what resonates with you. We all end up subscribing to way too many newsletters. I honestly haven’t figured out how to manage that and my inbox is stuffed to the gills. Many are fellow writers about AI, but I also subscribe to and follow an ecclectic mix of rebels, artists, and dreamers.
Some people say post a Note every day. I say post a note when you have something to say. Lou Blaser at We’re All Getting Older posts every day and I am amazed by the quality and sincerity of every single one. If I posted every day, it might come off like I’m running for class president. I work from inspiration. I think it’s a good idea to have about 50-60% relating to your topic. But I love using Notes for my random thoughts and reflections, like my belief that the Stand and Stuff taco shell is the best invention of the 21st century so far.
Also seek out groups within your subject matter. I was fortunate to find Karen Smiley, who manages She Writes AI, the ever-expanding directory of women and nonbinary folks focused on AI. Contact her if you fit the profile.
Say Yes!
I’ve said yes to every interview, podcast invite, and even a collaborative book opportunity came up through She Writes AI. This is not always easy. I had never done a podcast before. I sat too close to my computer on my first interview and my head looks enormous. I also rambled because I didn’t push for a list of questions prior to the interview. Still, I’m grateful. Every interview is progress toward a deeper understanding of my subject matter, exposure, and I would like to think I help content providers by participating.
Get a Cat and a Dog
GiGi, my cat, sits on my lap while I write and critiques my work. She keeps me disciplined — if I haven’t sat down to my computer first thing in the morning, she meows by my chair. I’m certain that when pets get BCIs( Brain Computer Interface) enabling them to talk, she’ll say: “Get your ass in the chair and get writing. I need your lap.”
In an ideal universe, you’ll have both a cat and a dog. The cat keeps you working; the dog gets you outside. I don’t get out enough when I’m writing.
Final Thoughts
So that sums up my year — a few tips and tricks, and a lot of gratitude. When I did a final‑but‑not‑quite‑final edit of my novel, my editor noted a new depth of understanding that enriched the book. It was also in part that in the almost three years since I had started, AI had advanced so much, and if I hadn’t kept up, it would’ve put a dent in my credibility. Even a humorous speculative fiction mashup called AI BABY needs to be credible.
So what’s my big takeaway after a year on Substack? Showing up—for yourself and for others—is more than half the battle. The real rewards have been honing my craft, connecting with the community, and the warm fuzzies that come from supporting fellow writers. I wish I could have my Substack coterie all over for dinner. It would be like Gertrude Stein hosting a salon of artists and intellects at rue de Fleurus.
I’m learning again like I’m back in college or my corporate career—and the beauty is, I’m focused on something that sets my brain on fire. I get to chase curiosity, build momentum, and write about what matters. And it doesn’t feel like work.
Please share your learnings in the comments—I’d love to hear what this year has taught you.
My cats are not helpful like yours! 🤪 But I’m glad to be here and to have met people like you.
Love this advice about notes! It’s so hard to know what to do.. right now I sometimes post like crazy and sometimes not a lot. What always seems true is a crazy no of subs come from notes !