I'll take 500, 5000 and the book and look forward to every word Adam... just so you know.
I completely understand 500 word posts; attention span, time available, distractions... algorithms, life — it's all a battle when all we want to do is share a story we've put our whole damn hearts into.
looking forward to the new version! Five hundred words is a very good idea for this platform. And I'm all for knee jerks! It feels urgent and alive, and I think that's what Substack is best for.
Always with you. I’ll admit to some confusion about your reasons / intent. Not all publishers consider Substack “previously published.” If anything, it’s a good place to beta test. Meanwhile, I look forward to holding your book in my hands one day.
Does this mean I have to limit my comments to 500w? Shush, don’t answer that. It really does suck that anything posted on Substack is considered published. I’m hanging on with you, shoot your arrow and I’ll grab hold of the fletching. (had to look up the correct names for the components of an arrow). Remember to cover the mirrors and do not look back.
“Back-of-napkin”: I had to tell you that my dad, by chance, once had lunch with Jackie Gleason. Minimal conversation, but JG spent most of the time writing and drawing on a napkin. Unfortunately, dad did not think to keep it. When I’m standing in the check out line with your book, I will be beaming, and telling people—this guy is great, and he’s a friend of mine!
You can write comments 10,000 words long and I will read every word. Don’t be surprised if you get some offline invitations to peek at things here and there.
I’m glad you keep changing it up. I’ve always enjoyed your stories here and I’m glad I got to catch so many.
Meanwhile I’m just going in the opposite direction, digging a deeper hole into serial fiction oblivion. Tomato, TomAHto. I gave up a while ago on ever getting trad publishers to consider my work. It’s too _______. But I agree the dream is to have private, uninterrupted hours with a reader in their favorite chair so I’m pursuing indie publishing a little more seriously.
You’ve been incredibly supportive, Ben, and I’ve appreciated every word of it. Thank you. I’m not disappearing here, just shifting a bit. I’m in a good groove at the moment on the writing, but I need to learn how to do the marketing from the ground up. It’s time. Part of that, for me, is sit on things until they’ve been passed on. After that, I’ll be delighted to share them here.
“Private, uninterrupted hours with a reader in their favorite chair” and the phone in another room.
It’s shiva for a life well-lived. Substack has been life-changing for me, and prior to its pivot I think it would have been “enough.” It’s not right for me, though. I know that in my bones. The story of my writing has always been write but not sell. Substack was a rich period of sharing my work and extending my craft, but it’s not right for next steps. I want readers taking their time, holding paper, lending one of their favorite books.
I'll take 500, 5000 and the book and look forward to every word Adam... just so you know.
I completely understand 500 word posts; attention span, time available, distractions... algorithms, life — it's all a battle when all we want to do is share a story we've put our whole damn hearts into.
I will come find you in France. Sooner rather than later. You will show me your hill, and we’ll have a serious, 5000 word chat.
You’ve been incredibly kind and supportive about my writing. You make me feel read. Thank you deeply for that.
You deserve to be read… and you will be welcome, nuff said!
looking forward to the new version! Five hundred words is a very good idea for this platform. And I'm all for knee jerks! It feels urgent and alive, and I think that's what Substack is best for.
Hat tip to you in here, too, with your story length “policy.” It’s made me aware of what can be done in that boundary.
It’s a quick hit, in and out, but still a complete thought. I hope I find my rhythm and discipline with it. A new muscle.
Thank you for liking my new name kneejerks. It feels right.
Always with you. I’ll admit to some confusion about your reasons / intent. Not all publishers consider Substack “previously published.” If anything, it’s a good place to beta test. Meanwhile, I look forward to holding your book in my hands one day.
Thanks, Julie.
Love this. And that you're moving to 500 words. Something to aspire to for sure. Como no?
It will be great training for me. It’s really one good, crisp thought, a few details, casual attempt at a mic drop and out.
You are a rare gem-brilliant writer and I would very much like a book of yours.
If there’s ever one to hold, it is yours on the house. Thanks for your kind words always, Ana.
Note to your agent: UK pre-order, get your finger out.
This American had to look that up. :-)
Moby ffs
I, too, want to hold your work standing by a bookshelf, in a bookstore.
Does this mean I have to limit my comments to 500w? Shush, don’t answer that. It really does suck that anything posted on Substack is considered published. I’m hanging on with you, shoot your arrow and I’ll grab hold of the fletching. (had to look up the correct names for the components of an arrow). Remember to cover the mirrors and do not look back.
“Back-of-napkin”: I had to tell you that my dad, by chance, once had lunch with Jackie Gleason. Minimal conversation, but JG spent most of the time writing and drawing on a napkin. Unfortunately, dad did not think to keep it. When I’m standing in the check out line with your book, I will be beaming, and telling people—this guy is great, and he’s a friend of mine!
You can write comments 10,000 words long and I will read every word. Don’t be surprised if you get some offline invitations to peek at things here and there.
😊
I’m glad you keep changing it up. I’ve always enjoyed your stories here and I’m glad I got to catch so many.
Meanwhile I’m just going in the opposite direction, digging a deeper hole into serial fiction oblivion. Tomato, TomAHto. I gave up a while ago on ever getting trad publishers to consider my work. It’s too _______. But I agree the dream is to have private, uninterrupted hours with a reader in their favorite chair so I’m pursuing indie publishing a little more seriously.
You’ve been incredibly supportive, Ben, and I’ve appreciated every word of it. Thank you. I’m not disappearing here, just shifting a bit. I’m in a good groove at the moment on the writing, but I need to learn how to do the marketing from the ground up. It’s time. Part of that, for me, is sit on things until they’ve been passed on. After that, I’ll be delighted to share them here.
“Private, uninterrupted hours with a reader in their favorite chair” and the phone in another room.
Yes, 500 now 5000 later.
I do song demos now.
No money without gigs, I'm too old and infirm.
Best of luck to you Adam.
Thank you, Malcolm. If you’ve still got a song in you, you’re doing better than 99% of the folks out there. Best of luck to both of us.
I’m not disappearing from here, just restructuring a bit. We’ll see how it all unfolds.
Some books begin on Substack. Why not yours? It’s too soon for shiva.
It’s shiva for a life well-lived. Substack has been life-changing for me, and prior to its pivot I think it would have been “enough.” It’s not right for me, though. I know that in my bones. The story of my writing has always been write but not sell. Substack was a rich period of sharing my work and extending my craft, but it’s not right for next steps. I want readers taking their time, holding paper, lending one of their favorite books.
Maybe I’ve gone mad. 😂
You’re actually LEAVING this platform? I thought you were going to be using it differently. I look forward to the book.
Not leaving! Just no more stories, complete fiction.
I think that’s wise. Some readers (I’m one) are pretty resistant to long short stories here, even when they like the writer’s nonfiction.
Case rested.
Oh yeh…it’s going to happen Adam. I can see it already on the horizon and it’s no setting sun.
Ok but i have 100 less subscribers than a year ago so there.
Is that how we’re gonna play? I have ten less than when I posted this.