WHAT ONE YEAR OF WRITING ON SUBSTACK HAS TAUGHT ME | Lessons for unconfident writers.

[@encouragingword-d5h]

"If people don't like it, they'll leave and probably will be replaced by others who do..." This right here. ❤

[@annebracher1843]

Thanks so much. I am one of those unconfident writers and have taken the day off work because I just wanted to finally get started. I am so glad I found your video in all the white noise that is KZbin.

[@HelenRedfern]

Good luck, Anne. 🧡

[@Shanti880]

A clear guide on how to and what to do by Helen Redfern - aimed for those non- confident writers still under their duvet covers,still too scared to pick up their pen to write. Just what we needed to hear..Bravo Helen🎉

[@HelenRedfern]

Thanks, Shanti!

[@guyclark8441]

Thank you. I've been working on an intellectual archeology or anthropology project using my journals over the decades. Pondering the Substack route. I'm also a photographer and trading myself to paint. Your video was very inspiring to me.

[@lifewithcath]

This made me want to start writing in substack. Been procrastinating for few weeks. Thank you for making this video. :)

[@Carole.W]

I hope you started... I just started too and I'm scared but I'm doing it

[@deborahbaker1256]

Although I'm not interested in writing a book, I am an artist your organizing has helped me plan start a online business. I have followed you from the start when you had ducks and chickens and admired your art work in your journals. I still enjoy your videos. Inspiring!

[@HelenRedfern]

Hi Deborah! Thank you for following my rollercoaster creative journey! I really appreciate that 🧡🦆🐓

[@oliviamorgan2393]

This was just what I needed to hear, thank you

[@MartyandLindaStetz]

This is hands-down the best KZbin video I've ever seen. Hard stop. I've been thinking of starting a SubStack, but have been terrified to start. This video is so calming and confidence boosting. I love it.

[@LauraLynnReina]

This is exactly the advice I needed to hear. Thank you!

[@JW072305]

I really appreciated this video. Thank you for your authenticity. It reminded me to stay true to mine. ❤❤❤

[@BroadcastQueen]

Love this! Thank you! So authentic - and much appreciated!

[@claireholden5474]

Wise, wise words, Helen! I remain incredibly grateful that you guided me gently to Substack back in January. And yay for the podcast, we’ve helped ourselves and I think others along the way, and had a whole lot of fun doing it! 🎉

[@HelenRedfern]

Thank you, Claire 🧡

[@rebelholiday]

You present many meaningful distinctions, Helen. It seems like the best of both worlds - having an audience and not having the pressure of an audience. Thank you for so many outstanding insights!

[@wendywatching]

Ah! Helen! I'm so grateful I found your video. I have yearned to be on Substack. What stopped me was not having an idea for a defined niche. I also feared picking a niche and then, over time, getting bored with it. The advice you gave about writing for yourself, and reassuring us that a niche isn't needed at the beginning, gave me such a huge feeling of relief. Thank you.

[@HelenRedfern]

Hi Wendy! I’m so pleased this found you. I honestly think there is so much pressure on writers to know what they want to write about immediately. The joy comes from unpeeling the layers. Enjoy the process x

[@noname5046]

Thank you for your encouragement

[@ServantStatusMinistries]

I love everything you said here because it’s so true. Writing helps me learn and become more comfortable with my voice

[@delisaoutside]

Number 4 really hit home for me. The entire list is great though.

[@HelenRedfern]

Yes! I get myself into such a pickle when I put my audience first. 🧡

[@AlexisBonavitacola]

This was so wonderful. I am standing on the precipice of writing a substack and listening to you helped me alleviate all of my fear about the process. Thank you sooooo much. I feel like I have a lot to say and have no idea how to get it out into the world.

[@HelenRedfern]

Thank you, Alexis! Good luck with it and give me a shout if you have any questions!

[@itsmohammadali2021]

I appreciate all the advicd. Thanks 🌸

[@agasque]

Exactly the video I needed today as I sit here fretting over my first Substack posts, set up, paid vs not paid, etc. Thank you for this perfect video!

[@TheLagunaSelkie]

You are so dear and precious for explaining in a perfect language for other introverts … thank you!

[@HelenRedfern]

Thank you, Sandra!

[@TheInteractiveAuthor]

I've watched this video for the third time Helen, and I get something out of it each time. Thank you for your gentle, coaxing help dear lady! You're awesome Helen!

[@HelenRedfern]

I'm so pleased it was helpful! I'm thinking of doing a follow up so if you have any questions do let me know.

[@Delgado10able]

Very grateful or this video. One can read all of the encouragement and and hear from all of the "experts", but this simple message beats them all. You spoke from a very authentic and relatable place and addressed many of my fears. Thank you!

[@HelenRedfern]

Janice, you’re very welcome - any questions do give me a shout.

[@Dratticus]

I’ve been able to fight past my usual imposter syndrome with my visual art, thank you for helping me do the same with my writing with this video. 🥰

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

This was really interesting, thank you ❤

[@pismobiics825]

Thank you! Great visual ending!

[@storytellercommunications9956]

Really glad I found you. I have been playing around with a non fiction book proposal for some years. I have avoided blogging because I always think "who cares?". I am now wondering if, in fact, the book content could translate into a substack. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

[@HelenRedfern]

I’m sure it would translate! Good luck!

[@RaviSharma-rw4sm]

This is one of the most honest and down to earth video O came across as a writer. Thank you

[@HelenRedfern]

thank you so much!

[@bellapayne]

I appreciate your video! I wrote online for about 12 years and then just dropped off. I like the substack platform and want to start but have not been able to figure out how. Thank you for encouraging us to write whatever we want. THAT is the thing that has been holding me back. My main line of work is teaching music, but I am also a sound healer, an avid reader of spiritual/religious texts, and basically a very opinionated person who loves to share what I think. It's been frustrating figuring out a niche to focus on... I'm still not 100% convinced I can start writing about all of this in one place, but I'm encouraged. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@cadesertsky]

I say go for it!‼️ Too many people are afraid of expressing themselves honestly; sadly, they play it safe and want to be liked! I was born a reader and I say sharing is caring so share your knowledge to help others🧡 Also, most people do not pick up a book after high school or college - fact! How does one grow - by reading your work👍 BE CONFIDENT - we need more spiritually inclined humans - less selfish and shallow to heal our beautiful world🙏🏾‼️

[@deonb6106]

Thank you for this most encouraging overview Helen. It's encouraged me immensely, and I'll be starting on Substack and following you there and on Medium to see how you utilise each. All the best!

[@missmaisiearcher]

I'm so glad I found you here - I've been wishy washy about Substack for a few months now and I think this is what I needed to get started. Thank you for the encouragement and practical advice.

[@theyoungempath]

Thanks very much, Helen. This was very comforting and also inspiring for me. Subscribed!

[@LisaParkesWildheart]

This was so helpful. Thank you 🙏🏻 I set up an account ages ago and didn’t do anything with it… now I’m feeling inspired 🎉❤😊

[@DeborahCarrAuthor]

Thanks very much for this useful information/advice about Substack, Helen.

[@HelenRedfern]

Any questions just shout!

[@cynthiahillian]

Thanks for the permission. I really need this.. Thank you. I will let you know how it goes

[@AngelaSealana]

Thank you for making this video. It provided the encouragement I need.

[@HelenRedfern]

I’m so pleased, Angela.

[@KarlizeSalvador]

Thank you for this video. I do not want to resent myself by trading it with pressure of getting subscribers

[@HelenRedfern]

Yes, exactly!

[@zurilyons457]

Thank you so much for this post! Basically answered many of the questions swirling around in my head.

[@arewecrazyyet]

One of the best things I have gotten from this video is how you put those sticky notes in a folder because I get my best ideas right after I wake up and I should write them down. It can get pretty messy so your solution is exactly what I need.

[@Dinda_AyudiaL]

This video got in to my recommendation because I've been watching so many videos about starting a Substack. I'm an introvert and this video helped me so much and it makes me feel comfortable with my own ideas. Thank you so much Helen for the inspiration ❤

[@HelenRedfern]

You’re welcome - I’m so pleased it’s helped!

[@skiddwister9143]

Thanks for the pep talk. It is needed.

[@splufford]

I love this! I felt as if you were talking directly to me! I have all the same issues you do. Thanks from a fellow Brit 🙂

[@elizabethp17]

Brilliant advice! Thank you for saying what I needed to hear ❤

[@clc688]

Helen, im grateful for you ❤️. Thank you! I skipped over about 10 videos before i found yours. Introvert / INFJ here and your video is so refreshing. I'll certainly be watching more! Keep being you, and please keep encouraging us nervous, fearful writers. What you're doing is beautiful! ~ Chris

[@HelenRedfern]

Ah Chris, hello! And thank you.

[@ChrisM-o5d]

Great explanation of substack! Been on it 3 months, still trying figure it out!

[@retrococonut6437]

Helen, thank you so much for this encouraging video! I really needed to hear this!!

[@LocasMindset]

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm about to start. What I really want to achieve with this is to spread the word about the importance of being heard and seen from a psychology perspective. I'm not a writer but I want to share many essays and research about topics that might be interesting in Spanish and English. I really appreciate your advice!

[@dinafoxm]

You're a star, thank you.

[@anaelisagalantefeliconio515]

"Just start." True.

[@bart_heart]

so refreshing! thank you!

[@TonyCuckson]

Helen. Fabulous guide. Really valuable information for someone who has just signed up to Substack.

[@HelenRedfern]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@SynchroDiaries]

Absolutely brilliant! I couldn’t hit “Subscribe” fast enough! Thank you for such brilliant advice and support. 💕

[@HelenRedfern]

Ah, thank you so much!

[@juliefrost7571]

Thank you!:)

[@mandylealj]

Thank you for this video. It's great to know that I'm not the only one scarried about starting.

[@HelenRedfern]

No you’re definitely not on your own!

[@maureenkritzer-langemswlcs1459]

Thanks Helen, I am so nervous to start and feel like I need to do all the launch preparation even though I have written my first post. Do I just start by putting it out there? I feel passionately about what I do and my message. Your video is inspiring.

[@VenkatachalamRavindran]

Wonderful points.

[@AngelikaDV]

Thank you for dispelling some of the common myths related to Substack, like the niche thing. Very informative, authentic, and inspiring!

[@JohnnyBloodyJohnny]

thanks for th'e encouragement Helen. I have taken 'heed'. Sub'd & Liked.

[@Onajourney519]

Ohh this vídeo is so lovely!! Just want I needed to hear!!!

[@groovycoyote]

This was so encouraging and helpful, thank you so much

[@theawakenedyou]

Absolutely GREAT!!!

[@bia-zz4sj]

Thank you for this video!!!!

[@DigitalOfficeatHome]

I loved this video. THANKS so much!!

[@DavePuckett]

Hi Helen, I loved this video. It is so encouraging for me. You are so inspiring and your advice takes the pressure off to wait until I'm good enough. Now I know I should just do it now. Thank you so much.

[@HelenRedfern]

I’m glad you’re encouraged, Dave. And yes do it now and get better by doing.

[@VitalSparkTV]

Thank you!!

[@surendranc3160]

Wonderful! Inspiring.

[@SeraphimRose17]

Thank you for the great information!

[@QuranKareem563]

This is one beautifully-made video. I just subscribed.

[@clip012]

Thank you for your video. Just curious, will AI steal our writing in Substack?

[@AnjiMarples]

Thank you so much for this Helen. It's so good to have the validation that the way I feel called to approach substack, is okay. I've subscribed to your substack. Do you have any videos on making the writing and webpage look pretty please? I really appreciated this so thanks again. x

[@HelenRedfern]

I do have one for paid subscribers on my Substack but this is more about the back end of Substack generally. I could have a go at creating one about design this week…no promises but I’ll try! And thank you! 😘

[@NightShadow16]

I'm really glad i stumbled across this video, very interesting

[@HelenRedfern]

Thank you. I’m glad too!

[@courtxkatrina]

I needed this, appreciate the thoughtful video! 💗

[@ontherailmedia]

Thank you!

[@OmariBroussardHSCEO]

thank you...

[@ogboifavourifeanyichukwu1424]

Proud of you

[@MuscadineMarlon]

Thanks!

[@MAST1]

wow this was such a great video I wasn't expecting it haha. Thank you for answering so many questions / doubts that felt hit a little close to home for me.

[@HelenRedfern]

Thank you - and you’re welcome!

[@badflwrr]

Thank you so much!

[@dreamstateshealing]

Thank you so much for this!

[@breath3easy.]

thank you for this video

[@toddjacksonpoetry]

I'm liking the idea of Substack. I have a pretty sizable KZbin presence, largely thanks to promotions, but it's not the best place for building community. Plus, it's easy to see how KZbin and Substack pair up nicely.

[@toddjacksonpoetry]

"Just start." I will.

[@mirandalevy1451]

So helpful, thank you ❤

[@BlizzyBry]

whew Helen! THANK YOU for this. I am over here having a whole ass panic attack over starting my substance and this video popped up at the perfect time. Thanks for talking a bitch off the ledge lol 🥰

[@HelenRedfern]

Oh I’m so pleased it’s brought you back off a ledge!

[@toosweet0303]

Very helpful thank u

[@spyman52]

Good video.

[@TonyCEOofSelf]

Great content

[@melanieannauthor]

Hi Helen! What a great video! I'm a longtime author, mainly of romance novels through traditional publishing. After a decade of doing more research rather than writing, I decided to have the rights to my books returned, Now, I am considering publishing them, along with current articles, through Substack or Medium. At the moment I am so confused as to which platform I should use. Totally confused. Unfortunately, I left publishing before social media became large so I lost my considerable fan base and consequently I am starting from practically 0. Kind of neat in a way to be starting all over, but scary too! LOL Any thoughts on which platform might be best? Again, thanks for making this great video!

[@HelenRedfern]

There have been a lot of changes on Medium since I was writing on there so I can’t say with any accuracy but I would bend towards Substack. You can create a loyal community on there, you can put writing behind a paywall (if that’s you aim) and it’s (in my opinion) easier (though not ‘easy’) to grow on Substack as they have a recommendation feature. Plus they have lots of extra features like podcasting. I really enjoy it.

[@melanieannauthor]

Thank you so much for your advice! I appreciate it! 🙂Happy New Year! 🎆@@HelenRedfern

[@ResellDecadence]

I just joined ! Great insight, may I ask do you know any other writers from Substack who are also within the UK? I subscribed today after listening to clips like this. Ours is called Resell Decadence and we attempt to do follow the HOPE principle! I.E Help, One, Person, Every day! I thought your advice was focussed and in-depth, yet simple and encouraging!

[@HelenRedfern]

Thank you. Yes there are lots of writers from the UK on Substack!

[@ResellDecadence]

@@HelenRedfern ah, any recommendations I will have a look

[@rhondaw2753]

Thank you I really appreciate your post. I started recently. My Substack name is the fierce menopausal traveler. What I'm struggling with is I'm hoping I'm able to dictate post information with the iPhone app do you have any idea if that's possible I have yet to figure it out. Thank you so much and thanks for the little chat you're very helpful I'll be following you in the future!

[@raising_arrows_mama]

I guess my question is that as a mama trying to find a way to make money is this better than trying to blog & vlog, or should I just stay in my lane with blogging?

[@contessatou1373]

Helen this is Zarin. How do I create a link on a post to seamlessly be able to read my previous post related to the current post, please? Thank you so much

[@HelenRedfern]

Hi Zarin. Not sure if I’ve understood you correctly but click on the share button in the post you want to link, then copy,, then just paste into the text of your current post. It’ll then appear as a preview.

[@NeuralNewsletters]

TLDR: Substack can be a transformative platform for writers to overcome self-doubt, find joy in writing, and build a loyal audience through email lists. 00:00 📝 Overcoming self-doubt and finding joy in writing on Substack, a platform that combines blogging with newsletters, has been a transformative experience for the speaker. 01:51 📧 Owning your audience through email lists is crucial, Substack helps grow subscribers steadily and not to worry about fluctuations as an unconfident writer. 04:05 📝 Starting a Substack can be intimidating, but losing followers can be a good thing and it's okay to feel nervous. 05:52 📝 Substack is for everyone, from novice writers to experienced ones, and it doesn't have to be perfect before you launch. 07:28 📝 Write for yourself, don't worry about pleasing your audience, and let your writing evolve over time. 09:53 📝 Consistency in writing is good but not mandatory, and it's okay to adjust your schedule as needed; also, consider turning on the paid option from the beginning if that's your goal. 11:18 📝 Launching a newsletter was nerve-wracking, but going paid helped overcome imposter syndrome and focusing on enjoying the writing process, while extra content for paid subscribers is not necessary. 13:43 📝 Trust your instincts, focus on your writing, and don't compare yourself to others on Substack.

[@olliebee2835]

I have no audience to bring to Substack. I don’t know if anybody would care to read my stories, either. I have just started a Substack account and I don’t understand how can anybody see what I am writing. Should we keep writing notes so that people can see we exist? I don’t get the platform yet. Thank you for the video x

[@HelenRedfern]

Notes are a good idea. And visiting other people's Substacks and leaving thoughtful comments. Look around and see if there is a community you can join. It takes time so don't put pressure on yourself. Keep writing, keep posting and keep commenting. Good luck!

[@olliebee2835]

@@HelenRedfern thank you

[@Clicks-Prosper]

What would be the difference between the content in the blog article versus the content in the newsletter? Is it exactly the same, copied and pasted? Should the newsletter be more exclusive with higher quality information compared to the blog article?

[@HelenRedfern]

I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer to this. It’s whatever you want it to be. That being said - if you want someone to part with their email address they need to get something they couldn’t just read on your blog - maybe…

[@marie-claireallington851]

Hi - On the subject of followers do you OK each one or are they added anyway? I don't do much with any social media since I delayed launching my fiction series due to carer-duty but the set ups are still there and I find I randomly get a request to follow and I always check this as I am so surprised anyone would 'follow' a more or less silent middle aged woman! It's usually a bloke who doesn't 'look' like a writer - ( I know that's me judging:( ) but I always get them gone. LOL apparently it was Vigo Mortensen last week and I laughed so hard I felt off my swivel chair - it had his picture and my ego nagged me ( LOL) and I hexed it but I can see that some one like yourself might spend a lot of time checking folk - do you do this or are they auto added please?

[@HelenRedfern]

Do you mean on Instagram? Anyone can follow me because my account isn’t private. You only get requests when your account is private. Is that what you mean?

[@marie-claireallington851]

Hi - Yes I suppose that is what I mean - it is a long time since I set up my Instagram account and I've never used it beyond a few photos - it was looking at it again that must have triggered your work to pop up - I will go an have a look - I can see I won't ever grow any numbers or do any work at all if I check everyone out and make some kind of judgement :) It's probably one a month or so :) but then I am not using it :) I'll go check and see what I set it up as - Thanks :) @@HelenRedfern

[@AuthorQuinnkey]

I just started Substack... Until now I'm still not sure because my content are all about web novel reviews and also my very own web novel.. 😅 I'm not really good at promoting stuff but i enjoy creating my own web page. 😂😂😂

[@HelenRedfern]

You can but experiment and give it a go! Congratulations on starting!

[@marjoriedybec3450]

I'm curious if you have proactively tried to convert substack followers to subscribers (either paid or free.) Were you successful? How did you do it?

[@HelenRedfern]

I find, personally, if I try too hard to convert then nothing happens. I think that's partially because I feel icky about doing it. But if I create good quality content I find it happens automatically.

[@Nate1975]

@@HelenRedfernicky indeed, hence I just can’t stomach it. The only way is just focus on writing what you want to write as if no one is going to read it. For me any deviation from that into notes, comments, reading other things throws me off and I want to leave and have done twice, in fact

[@Clicks-Prosper]

Do you get to collect emails for your email list for free?

[@HelenRedfern]

Yes. You only pay Substack when you accept paid subscribers then Substack take a small percentage of your earnings.

[@Nate1975]

All those stats and followers and things drive me mad and put me off big time. I started twice and I am a writer in the business for years and dropped again.

[@js_guyman]

I don't understand. How did you start out with 900 subscribers? Most of us watching would be starting with 0 subscribers