I had a very similar conclusion as you and you worded it beautifully. I love your stories and am grateful for your writing. You have been such an encouragement to me. But I have to say, I think they are so strange that there is an audience that would "pack the house." I have a hard time finishing a lot of stories online, and your's always pull me in. Keep going. I think you'll find your spot (traditional or otherwise).
I am super behind with my Substack reading so as usual, while walking around the mall, I put my headphones on and listened to your newsletter and was bowled over when you mentioned me š Thank you to your kind words about my writing, it has warmed this writer's heart!
About going paid - i am the same! I just have no idea how to do it. I mean, I know how, but setting some of mine to "gated" feels weird.
I also don't want my writing to be a "thing" that will pressure me so that I can earn some coin.
I've similarly toyed with the idea of paid subscriptions and ultimately came to a similar conclusion. I found out the hard way that trying to monetize your passions tends to spoils them. My heart could never be in it either. The post you linked is the crux of it. Creative freedom--of not being tied to a niche or style--is easier when writers are not beholden to anyone. Once paid subscriptions are at stake, I worry that certain mutual expectations and boundaries are established. For some writers, maybe that's great. For others, it could be confining. You're a free agent and I, for one, am always excited to see what you will write next :-)
Velveteen Elvises - as priceless as perfect prose. Keep on keeping on, Daniel. š¤©
I had a very similar conclusion as you and you worded it beautifully. I love your stories and am grateful for your writing. You have been such an encouragement to me. But I have to say, I think they are so strange that there is an audience that would "pack the house." I have a hard time finishing a lot of stories online, and your's always pull me in. Keep going. I think you'll find your spot (traditional or otherwise).
I am super behind with my Substack reading so as usual, while walking around the mall, I put my headphones on and listened to your newsletter and was bowled over when you mentioned me š Thank you to your kind words about my writing, it has warmed this writer's heart!
About going paid - i am the same! I just have no idea how to do it. I mean, I know how, but setting some of mine to "gated" feels weird.
I also don't want my writing to be a "thing" that will pressure me so that I can earn some coin.
We creative are fussy, aren't we?
I've similarly toyed with the idea of paid subscriptions and ultimately came to a similar conclusion. I found out the hard way that trying to monetize your passions tends to spoils them. My heart could never be in it either. The post you linked is the crux of it. Creative freedom--of not being tied to a niche or style--is easier when writers are not beholden to anyone. Once paid subscriptions are at stake, I worry that certain mutual expectations and boundaries are established. For some writers, maybe that's great. For others, it could be confining. You're a free agent and I, for one, am always excited to see what you will write next :-)