Thanks, Brian! I appreciate the vote of confidence! I’m slowly - and I mean slowly - chipping away at the short story collection, but man, it’s a challenge in its own right. I started overthinking and set it aside for a few weeks. I’m also toying with the idea of self-publishing a slim volume of “fifties” - but we’ll see.
This recap was interesting and informative, Justin. I liked learning about your "history" and about your plans - and just your thought processes about writing for Substack, in general. You seem to be making some very wise decisions. You have accomplished special success in building community, as well. Good for you! 🍁Leaves wishes you the best of the best!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Sharron! I always enjoy hearing your thoughts about my work and your ideas in general. I learn a lot from you.
And I think the simple truth is that I learn a lot from everyone here. It’s helpful to see how others roll out their writing, publishing schedules, and everything in-between.
I appreciate you being here, and I wish you all the best over at Leaves, too! I always look forward to reading your work. 🍁 😃
I love it! I can't wait to hear more about your journey and how things are going with various writing projects, past and present. I'm rooting for something in print in the not too distant future and I'm confident you can get it done. 👊👊👊
I, for one, love hearing about the behind the scenes writing content! It's so interesting to see other writers at work. I'm excited that Fifties is continuing! I love joining in when I have the time.
Thank you so much, Claire! A lot of the stuff I work on outside of Substack is fantasy-based, middle-grade or YA, and a variety of other genres/combinations. I have an early reader chapter book idea in the works. A large hunk of my heart is set on writing children’s books/MG/YA!
It’s sad to say but the $100 registration fee (or whatever it is) held me up initially. What’s the biggest perk, would you say, as a member? I’m thinking at this point I should just join!
Thanks so much for giving my fiction a shot, Steve! I’m happy you like my stories. Yes, I’m a big fan of Jimmy’s. He’s one hell of a writer. I’m usually a solid two weeks behind reading his stories, ha. (But that’s okay, they’re fun to read in clips of 3-4 at a time.)
And thanks for the feedback regarding longer stories - much appreciated!
I always like to see writers reassessing their goals and priorities. It's inspiring. I'm on the verge of refocussing things at Stock Fiction, too. I've kind of been flailing around aimlessly for the last six months. But what better way is there to find out what's working and what isn't than to experiment!!!
Thanks, Meg. I think it’s important to reflect and adapt as we go. Haha, flailing?! No way! I’d say you’re kicking some serious tail over at Stock Fiction. And yes, I am definitely on board with experimenting! 😄
Thanks for your faith in my tail kicking abilities! I guess I just meant I don't always feel like my content is very consistent. But neither am I so... 🤷🏼♀️😋
Justin, thanks for the summary and sharing how it’s going. You didn’t touch on how Substack is working out financially but I assume you still have a job? If not and your writing is supporting you, congrats 🎉
I’ve just scratched the surface of writing here and hope to do more as I figure it all out, while still working on my own blog. Keep up the great work! It must be keeping you very busy!
Thanks Kim! Currently I have six paid subscribers and two children at home, so I do still have my teaching job. 🤣 But it’s okay - I enjoy working with kids. For me, it makes the most sense to keep the content free.
It’s such a great community here. I think you’ll enjoy it a lot! Thank you so much for your support over the years. And yes, this does keep me very busy! I do most of my writing after the kids are asleep at night. 😴
Thanks, Jim!
Thanks, Brian! I appreciate the vote of confidence! I’m slowly - and I mean slowly - chipping away at the short story collection, but man, it’s a challenge in its own right. I started overthinking and set it aside for a few weeks. I’m also toying with the idea of self-publishing a slim volume of “fifties” - but we’ll see.
Keep on keepin on Justin
It is so important to find your groove and what works best for you!
Look forward to the monthly posts.
So true, Tiffany. And thank you! 🙏
As airways, you continue to evolve and grow! I'm always excited to see your next pivot. Thanks for all you do, Justin.
Thank you so much, Dascha. I think it’s important to reflect and adapt as we go! 😀
This recap was interesting and informative, Justin. I liked learning about your "history" and about your plans - and just your thought processes about writing for Substack, in general. You seem to be making some very wise decisions. You have accomplished special success in building community, as well. Good for you! 🍁Leaves wishes you the best of the best!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Sharron! I always enjoy hearing your thoughts about my work and your ideas in general. I learn a lot from you.
And I think the simple truth is that I learn a lot from everyone here. It’s helpful to see how others roll out their writing, publishing schedules, and everything in-between.
I appreciate you being here, and I wish you all the best over at Leaves, too! I always look forward to reading your work. 🍁 😃
I love it! I can't wait to hear more about your journey and how things are going with various writing projects, past and present. I'm rooting for something in print in the not too distant future and I'm confident you can get it done. 👊👊👊
I, for one, love hearing about the behind the scenes writing content! It's so interesting to see other writers at work. I'm excited that Fifties is continuing! I love joining in when I have the time.
Thank you so much, Claire! A lot of the stuff I work on outside of Substack is fantasy-based, middle-grade or YA, and a variety of other genres/combinations. I have an early reader chapter book idea in the works. A large hunk of my heart is set on writing children’s books/MG/YA!
Are you a member of SCBWI yet? If not, you should be! scbwi.org
Not yet. It’s been on my radar for a few years, but I haven’t taken the plunge!
I've been a member for years. Happy to answer questions if you have them! 🙂
It’s sad to say but the $100 registration fee (or whatever it is) held me up initially. What’s the biggest perk, would you say, as a member? I’m thinking at this point I should just join!
Justin, Great idea!
I hope it works out.
I've read a few stories from "Along the Hudson" and enjoy your work.
You comment on Roulette Weal sometimes, and those comments brought me to your stuff. I'd actually welcome longer stories.
Thanks so much for giving my fiction a shot, Steve! I’m happy you like my stories. Yes, I’m a big fan of Jimmy’s. He’s one hell of a writer. I’m usually a solid two weeks behind reading his stories, ha. (But that’s okay, they’re fun to read in clips of 3-4 at a time.)
And thanks for the feedback regarding longer stories - much appreciated!
I always like to see writers reassessing their goals and priorities. It's inspiring. I'm on the verge of refocussing things at Stock Fiction, too. I've kind of been flailing around aimlessly for the last six months. But what better way is there to find out what's working and what isn't than to experiment!!!
Thanks, Meg. I think it’s important to reflect and adapt as we go. Haha, flailing?! No way! I’d say you’re kicking some serious tail over at Stock Fiction. And yes, I am definitely on board with experimenting! 😄
Thanks for your faith in my tail kicking abilities! I guess I just meant I don't always feel like my content is very consistent. But neither am I so... 🤷🏼♀️😋
Congrats on the milestone! I love reading your stories!
Thank you so much, Jason!
Well done. It’s always good to keep tweaking. 🤓
Thank you, Mark! Your approach to writing and perspective continues to help shape my own. So I’m very much appreciative of that. 🙏
Justin, thanks for the summary and sharing how it’s going. You didn’t touch on how Substack is working out financially but I assume you still have a job? If not and your writing is supporting you, congrats 🎉
I’ve just scratched the surface of writing here and hope to do more as I figure it all out, while still working on my own blog. Keep up the great work! It must be keeping you very busy!
Thanks Kim! Currently I have six paid subscribers and two children at home, so I do still have my teaching job. 🤣 But it’s okay - I enjoy working with kids. For me, it makes the most sense to keep the content free.
It’s such a great community here. I think you’ll enjoy it a lot! Thank you so much for your support over the years. And yes, this does keep me very busy! I do most of my writing after the kids are asleep at night. 😴