"I am not a former member of a drug cartel and I was not raised in the rural hills of Arkansas in a family of twenty-five children." Had to smile. Can't wait for Tues!
Literally this is the post I've been needing for the past 5 years. I can't WAIT for this seminar. Also, it was Wendell Berry for me too. Thank God—literally.
It was the classic gateway haha— Hannah Coulter. And then his poetry and currently reading Think Little. What about you? Would be curious to know your favorites of his.
Uuugh all of those are beautiful! I started with his short story collections and then launched into his fiction and essays from there. If you haven't read "Watch With Me," you totally should!
HOLY SPIRIT always tells me this: “It’s never about “numbers of subscribers.”
I once had a pastor so worried about his congregation’s numbers. But our small fellowship was called to be a Spiritual Hospital: it was renamed Hope Chapel.
So many would come… receive… “eat” and then leave or stay awhile or permanently.
The focus was our Pastor was a Scribe. Given GOD breathed words that brought salvation, deliverance and healing.
A word fitly spoken in due season.
Trust the LORD to supply both your needs and the “WORDS” HE gives you.
Let GOD ADD to your numbers as HE chooses over time.
What you bring to the Table MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in the lives of your “ Hearers.”
Intentionally didn’t “launch” any platform efforts for years because I didn’t want to swim with the sharks in the murky influencer waters. Stepping into Substack was a HUGE step of faith. Loving parts of it but the changes to the platform recently is giving me a bit of anxiety. Feels a bit like the same call to social media. Trying to tread lightly and authentically find my way through the process.
It sounds like you are navigating this space with so much wisdom and discernment! I'm not 100% against social media, so I think it can be used well on Substack, but I'm learning I can't have it on my phone. It's just so tempting to scroll.
Sounds like you are navigating with wisdom as well. As long as our hearts are to serve others, I’m believing God will lead us both in the ways we should go.
This really speaks to me! My dream has always been to write novels and live on a farm, so I discovered Wendell Berry in the early 90s when I worked on an organic farm. I also discovered Scott and Helen Nearings' books (a bit more radical but fun to read even for this Christian). Funny that even after having been exposed to Berry's philosophy I still ended up being lost and burned out from trying to figure out how to market my novels. I have a novelist voice, but the other stuff like Instagram and now on Substack really played with my ego. I had to take a break from it all to remember that my writing is my legacy. If two or one thousand people get it--that's a little bit out of my control. At 59 you'd think I wouldn't get caught up in other people's "success" stories but it's still a temptation. :) I'm trying to appreciate organic connection more.
Adrienne, first, thank you for being here, and second, thank you for sharing some of your hard-won wisdom! I have a hunch that getting caught up in other people's success stories will remain and be a temptation no matter our age. I am just beginning to think human beings--at our best--aren't meant to sit on thrones of fame, or at the very least aren't supposed to seek out those perches.
"[T]he journey I have chosen—limited and sustainable—will take longer than the fame-and-influence track. And that’s okay. It’s what I’ve chosen." I feel this. I love this.
So sad that I’m seeing this after the workshop! One thing I do wonder with Substack’s perceived new direction is if they are trying to attract folks from TikTok and IG to come over here and monetize their platforms because that’s the only way they can make enough money to sustain this platform without introducing advertising. As far as I can tell, Substack has yet to actually make a profit. So, while it might feel like a betrayal, it may actually be the thing that allows us smaller writers to keep our lights on here.
Ummmmmm Tabitha your comment hasn't left my head since you posted it. I literally just told someone about your comment the other day when we were talking about Substack. Thank you for finding a potential silver lining! I'm grateful for your words and for commenting on this little post!
"I am not a former member of a drug cartel and I was not raised in the rural hills of Arkansas in a family of twenty-five children." Had to smile. Can't wait for Tues!
Sara Billups is my hero. Thank you so much for being on my team!
Literally this is the post I've been needing for the past 5 years. I can't WAIT for this seminar. Also, it was Wendell Berry for me too. Thank God—literally.
Where did you start with Wendell Berry?! I wish he has a Substack, but, like, that would go against everything he stands for I think haha
It was the classic gateway haha— Hannah Coulter. And then his poetry and currently reading Think Little. What about you? Would be curious to know your favorites of his.
Uuugh all of those are beautiful! I started with his short story collections and then launched into his fiction and essays from there. If you haven't read "Watch With Me," you totally should!
why was this post so enjoyable to read from start to finish - what have u done u monster
Griffin you are my hero. Every piece you write is enjoyable, so u r a bigger monster lol
🤠🥰
Really resonate with this post. For me, social media has always felt like playing a 4D version of Battleship. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
Oh my goodness YES. My brain just doesn't work like that! It's been nice to let go of the reins a little bit on social media.
Thanks for highlighting this!
You're welcome! Thank you for reading!
Thanks for this. 🙏🏽
Oh my goodness of course. Thanks for reading!
HOLY SPIRIT always tells me this: “It’s never about “numbers of subscribers.”
I once had a pastor so worried about his congregation’s numbers. But our small fellowship was called to be a Spiritual Hospital: it was renamed Hope Chapel.
So many would come… receive… “eat” and then leave or stay awhile or permanently.
The focus was our Pastor was a Scribe. Given GOD breathed words that brought salvation, deliverance and healing.
A word fitly spoken in due season.
Trust the LORD to supply both your needs and the “WORDS” HE gives you.
Let GOD ADD to your numbers as HE chooses over time.
What you bring to the Table MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in the lives of your “ Hearers.”
That’s truly all we need to do:
Be Faithful
Blessings
Keep writing
It DOES make a difference!
All BEST!
RIVER
Thank you, River!
You have a great gift! Holy Spirit will develop both it and you. A Pioneer in heart and in writing! Blessings! A different path indeed.
Intentionally didn’t “launch” any platform efforts for years because I didn’t want to swim with the sharks in the murky influencer waters. Stepping into Substack was a HUGE step of faith. Loving parts of it but the changes to the platform recently is giving me a bit of anxiety. Feels a bit like the same call to social media. Trying to tread lightly and authentically find my way through the process.
It sounds like you are navigating this space with so much wisdom and discernment! I'm not 100% against social media, so I think it can be used well on Substack, but I'm learning I can't have it on my phone. It's just so tempting to scroll.
Sounds like you are navigating with wisdom as well. As long as our hearts are to serve others, I’m believing God will lead us both in the ways we should go.
This really speaks to me! My dream has always been to write novels and live on a farm, so I discovered Wendell Berry in the early 90s when I worked on an organic farm. I also discovered Scott and Helen Nearings' books (a bit more radical but fun to read even for this Christian). Funny that even after having been exposed to Berry's philosophy I still ended up being lost and burned out from trying to figure out how to market my novels. I have a novelist voice, but the other stuff like Instagram and now on Substack really played with my ego. I had to take a break from it all to remember that my writing is my legacy. If two or one thousand people get it--that's a little bit out of my control. At 59 you'd think I wouldn't get caught up in other people's "success" stories but it's still a temptation. :) I'm trying to appreciate organic connection more.
Adrienne, first, thank you for being here, and second, thank you for sharing some of your hard-won wisdom! I have a hunch that getting caught up in other people's success stories will remain and be a temptation no matter our age. I am just beginning to think human beings--at our best--aren't meant to sit on thrones of fame, or at the very least aren't supposed to seek out those perches.
"[T]he journey I have chosen—limited and sustainable—will take longer than the fame-and-influence track. And that’s okay. It’s what I’ve chosen." I feel this. I love this.
Awww Alicia thank you!
So sad that I’m seeing this after the workshop! One thing I do wonder with Substack’s perceived new direction is if they are trying to attract folks from TikTok and IG to come over here and monetize their platforms because that’s the only way they can make enough money to sustain this platform without introducing advertising. As far as I can tell, Substack has yet to actually make a profit. So, while it might feel like a betrayal, it may actually be the thing that allows us smaller writers to keep our lights on here.
Ummmmmm Tabitha your comment hasn't left my head since you posted it. I literally just told someone about your comment the other day when we were talking about Substack. Thank you for finding a potential silver lining! I'm grateful for your words and for commenting on this little post!
You’re so welcome! I’m always grateful for more perspectives, especially positive ones.
Such an interesting topic, and you aren't alone in this feeling. I loved niche The Office reference, too, by the way!
haha I wasn't sure if anyone would get the niche Office reference, so I'm grateful to know there was at least one!