I had breast cancer too. Although, I'm way older than you! I write about messy, hard parts of life. For starters, I'm a realist. Cancer rebel. Introvert. Dog and cat mom. Good luck with your Substack!
Hi Emma. Brought to Substack by my Peloton instructor’s blog, stayed for the writers. I feel like Substack is like the coolest old school magazine rack where we would loiter before the internet. Widowed in the middle of my Substack journey and while I was optimistic at times during my partner’s cancer treatment, I find optimism difficult most days. But, and this is a huge but, I have found optimism in the passion, expressions of fear and trepidation, and artistry of so many writers, many remarkably young.
Hi Chris, thanks so much for commenting, it’s lovely to learn more about you. I’m always happy to see your comments 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your partner’s passing. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been, and still be for you. I’m glad you’re finding writing and writers on here that help you feel a little more optimistic. It is a daily challenge, and the load is lightened when we’re in it together.
P.S. Love your description of Substack as an old magazine rack! It totally is!
Hopeful work-in-progress hiding out in South Australia with a Labrador named Arlo. Currently trying to work out what will do with my final years of work before retirement. Maybe something different than writing software.
No contenders. I have a background in software development and more recently as a GM for one. Unsure if I want the stress of further management. Probably stay in IT. Maybe go back to consulting and work for myself. Possibly sit on some board for different industry exposure.
Hey Emma, I am reading (and writing) from the south east of England. My dogs are Orlagh and Bruno. I’m here for your realism and your writing (both of which I love) ❤️
I can here to follow some favourite writers I had previously received posts only via email - Alex Elle, Elizabeth Gilbert etc.
I am so new, really only a week and decided to be brave and spontaneously join a post every day for 30 day challenge! I have no idea why I am doing it, other than I have written for myself every day since I was a child and trying to be brave and share with others. I’m not entirely sure if I found you via that or a random suggested post but I feel connected to your words.
I am a work in progress optimist, trying to see myself that way, other than a life long survivor, which is how I always viewed myself.
I love writing, reading, nature, animals, music and I’m trying to return to that core of myself.
A London girl, now happily living by the sea in Ramsgate, Kent 🩵🌊
Hi Emma! Great to hear from you. Yesterday I was outside in the woods for quite a while and realised that is my writing- and creativity tip no 1 to anyone!
So many ideas and fully formed sentences and solutions just came to me, gushing out of me like a river while being in nature. I used voice memo to record it all, otherwise you forget.
So changing your environment when you write is awesome for your creativity! Sending support from Stockholm!
Hi Andrea! Thanks so much for coming to the comments 😃
I love that you get inspired being out in the woods! I do, too! My favourite thing to do is go hiking with my dogs, particularly to places where other humans are not. Like you, I often find myself inspired—writing sentences in my head and then texting them to myself!
Hi Emma! Fellow memoirist, here. So happy to see snd respond to your welcoming thread. I’m a long time English teacher turned writer, am currently spending WAY too much time in Substack and completing my MFA in Creative Non-Fiction. Pop on over to my stack, States of Matter, for a look at work, maybe you already have! Love your beautiful positive and open vibe😎🥰
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much for saying hi. It’s great to meet you! Congratulations on getting your MFA, that’s so exciting! I look forward to checking out your work 🙂
A New Year's Eve resolution inspired me to start on Substack. I love reading and wanted to try writing reviews of the books I've recently finished.
I'm naturally optimistic, though life's been a bit challenging lately, so I'm trying to hold onto that positivity as best I can.
I'm writing from Lisbon, Portugal and salted caramel is my favourite ice cream flavour. I might not have a dog, but my plants definitely keep me company.
I’m thrilled to meet you. Thanks so much for coming to say hi!
What a brilliant New Year’s resolution! How has your journey been here so far? I think that’s an excellent idea for a Substack! Do you find yourself reading more as a result?
I’m sorry to hear life’s been challenging recently. I relate to attempting to hold onto positivity 🧡 I’m cheering you on!
I LOVE Portugal. My parents took my brothers and me there for several family holidays as kids. I have many happy memories there, especially of how kind and charming the Portuguese were.
Salted caramel is an excellent choice! Mine is cookie dough! And plants also make excellent companions 🪴
I’m really enjoying Substack—reading so many interesting articles and finding it super easy to engage here. Writing reviews has been great for sharpening my critical thinking and gives me a real sense of accomplishment when I finish one. I’m reading with more focus and truly enjoying the whole experience. I’m not so caught up in the latest book releases, which actually helps me appreciate what I read even more.
It’s wonderful to hear you have such fond memories of Portugal! Thank you for your kind words—you’re very thoughtful. ❤️
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Substack, Lucia! I love it here, too 🙂 It’s so much fun writing, and everyone seems so nice, too! I hope it stays this way.
I subscribed recently and finally found a moment to leave a word. I saw your photo in one of your notes and was really moved by the words you shared. There’s such a warm and genuine energy in what you do here. I’m really glad we connected.
I’d describe myself as an optimist at heart, fueled by wonder, openness, and transformation. At the same time, I know the voice of my inner critic and the grip of anxiety all too well. So in a way, I carry both. But the truest parts of me are lit by that fire of hope and growth and just joy of being alive. It just comes down to staying close to them...
Thank you so much for stopping by and saying hi! Thank you for your kind words. I remember you and your writing very well, your poetry is just gorgeous! Also, I still adore your profile pic 🧡
I love how you’ve described yourself! I feel quite aligned with your outlook. Like you, I have bad anxiety and a mean inner critic, but I also find myself continually overwhelmed by awe in nature and wonder at being alive. Quite the contradiction!
How has your Substack journey been going for you so far? xx
Hi Emma, I’m on the outskirts of a town in Devon with a field of cows as next door neighbours! I came to Substack initially as a reader and felt so comfortable here that I shared my memoir in the form of essays. I was writing about grief and that’s how I first found your writing.
I’ve finished sharing the memoir now and want to rebrand my Substack and go in a different direction so I’m working on that and also working on the first draft of a novel.
Sharing my memoir has been liberating but I’ve also vulnerable at the same time. I’ve never shared any other writing in public before, let alone something so personal. Now that I’ve done it, the weight that’s been lifted from my shoulders is huge!
I think I’d now like my Substack to include things such as the ups and downs of living with chronic illness, learning to value myself despite not fitting society’s expectations of what ‘success’ looks like….
My novel covers similar themes to my real life experiences - grief, burnout, ultimately finding happiness in a slower pace of life.
Hi Emma, I am a Brazilian writer based in Switzerland. I came to Substack to let my creativity flow, to have a place to express myself and found so much more. Community. Support. Discovered amazing new writers and now some of them are my writer friends!! I could not be happier!!
Hi Gabriela, thank you so much for introducing yourself. I’m absolutely loving learning more about everyone! I’m so glad you’re finding amazing community and support on Substack. That’s been my experience, too. I don’t know quite what I expected when I joined, but it’s even better than I imagined! Hope your week is off to a great start :)
Hi, Emma. My hsuband encouraged me to come to Substack and now we both write Substacks from the wilds of New Hampshire. We do not have a dog right now, but our last dog was Maggie, the best girl in the world. I am optimistic and I can't help it.
Hi Emma.
I had breast cancer too. Although, I'm way older than you! I write about messy, hard parts of life. For starters, I'm a realist. Cancer rebel. Introvert. Dog and cat mom. Good luck with your Substack!
I love it! Thanks for saying hi, Nancy! 🙂
Hi Emma. Brought to Substack by my Peloton instructor’s blog, stayed for the writers. I feel like Substack is like the coolest old school magazine rack where we would loiter before the internet. Widowed in the middle of my Substack journey and while I was optimistic at times during my partner’s cancer treatment, I find optimism difficult most days. But, and this is a huge but, I have found optimism in the passion, expressions of fear and trepidation, and artistry of so many writers, many remarkably young.
Hi Chris, thanks so much for commenting, it’s lovely to learn more about you. I’m always happy to see your comments 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your partner’s passing. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been, and still be for you. I’m glad you’re finding writing and writers on here that help you feel a little more optimistic. It is a daily challenge, and the load is lightened when we’re in it together.
P.S. Love your description of Substack as an old magazine rack! It totally is!
Brought here by your triple positive writing
In LA
Trying to protect my peace
Neither just a realist which often leans pessimistic
Attempting to incorporate gratitude practices into preK curriculum
Hi Nancy! You are so lovely to still be supporting my writing, thank you so much! 🧡
I think your description of yourself is probably how I’d describe myself, too, only with an extra smattering of anxiety lol
I love that you’re trying to incorporate gratitude practices into your preK curriculum! What a wonderful goal!
Twinsies I have the lurking anxiety too.
It’s basically my 3rd pet at this point lol
I’m here writing in the wilds of Kansas City, Missouri. I’d call myself a somewhat cautiously optimistic Stoic…
Hi Parrish!
Great to hear from you :D
I LOVE your description of yourself! That’s brilliant! 🧡
Hopeful work-in-progress hiding out in South Australia with a Labrador named Arlo. Currently trying to work out what will do with my final years of work before retirement. Maybe something different than writing software.
Hi Quin!
Thanks so much for coming to say hi! Please give Arlo a chest scratch from me :)
What are the things you’re considering doing with your final work years? Do you have any top contenders?
No contenders. I have a background in software development and more recently as a GM for one. Unsure if I want the stress of further management. Probably stay in IT. Maybe go back to consulting and work for myself. Possibly sit on some board for different industry exposure.
It’s always tough deciding on such a big step. I’m cheering you on!
Hey Emma, I am reading (and writing) from the south east of England. My dogs are Orlagh and Bruno. I’m here for your realism and your writing (both of which I love) ❤️
Hi Kate
I can here to follow some favourite writers I had previously received posts only via email - Alex Elle, Elizabeth Gilbert etc.
I am so new, really only a week and decided to be brave and spontaneously join a post every day for 30 day challenge! I have no idea why I am doing it, other than I have written for myself every day since I was a child and trying to be brave and share with others. I’m not entirely sure if I found you via that or a random suggested post but I feel connected to your words.
I am a work in progress optimist, trying to see myself that way, other than a life long survivor, which is how I always viewed myself.
I love writing, reading, nature, animals, music and I’m trying to return to that core of myself.
A London girl, now happily living by the sea in Ramsgate, Kent 🩵🌊
Welcome! We have all the same interests 🥲
Thank you so much for coming to say hi! And good luck with your 30 day challenge. That’s amazing!
I realised I replied to a reply and not to your actual post I read. And then with the wrong name! See how new I am Emma! So sorry 🤦🏼♀️😂
Haha no worries at all! There’a a lot going on on here! 🤣
Hi Kate! 🧡
Ooo, I don’t think I realised you’re in the South East. Where exactly are you? I grew up in East Sussex and went to college in Brighton 🙂
I love your dog’s names! What breed are they?
Thank you for your support! I’m so glad we met on here!! xx
Hi Emma! Great to hear from you. Yesterday I was outside in the woods for quite a while and realised that is my writing- and creativity tip no 1 to anyone!
So many ideas and fully formed sentences and solutions just came to me, gushing out of me like a river while being in nature. I used voice memo to record it all, otherwise you forget.
So changing your environment when you write is awesome for your creativity! Sending support from Stockholm!
Hi Andrea! Thanks so much for coming to the comments 😃
I love that you get inspired being out in the woods! I do, too! My favourite thing to do is go hiking with my dogs, particularly to places where other humans are not. Like you, I often find myself inspired—writing sentences in my head and then texting them to myself!
I hope you’re having a lovely day 🧡
I love this new format EMMA - and thank you for this sharing and beautiful writing!
Thanks Elizabeth! Jeannie is amazing isn’t she? I’m sorry the comment button took you to this post, I seem to be having a link glitch! 😬
Hi Emma! Fellow memoirist, here. So happy to see snd respond to your welcoming thread. I’m a long time English teacher turned writer, am currently spending WAY too much time in Substack and completing my MFA in Creative Non-Fiction. Pop on over to my stack, States of Matter, for a look at work, maybe you already have! Love your beautiful positive and open vibe😎🥰
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much for saying hi. It’s great to meet you! Congratulations on getting your MFA, that’s so exciting! I look forward to checking out your work 🙂
I love this!
It’s been so lovely hearing about everyone’s lives! 🙂
Hi!
A New Year's Eve resolution inspired me to start on Substack. I love reading and wanted to try writing reviews of the books I've recently finished.
I'm naturally optimistic, though life's been a bit challenging lately, so I'm trying to hold onto that positivity as best I can.
I'm writing from Lisbon, Portugal and salted caramel is my favourite ice cream flavour. I might not have a dog, but my plants definitely keep me company.
Hi Lucia!
I’m thrilled to meet you. Thanks so much for coming to say hi!
What a brilliant New Year’s resolution! How has your journey been here so far? I think that’s an excellent idea for a Substack! Do you find yourself reading more as a result?
I’m sorry to hear life’s been challenging recently. I relate to attempting to hold onto positivity 🧡 I’m cheering you on!
I LOVE Portugal. My parents took my brothers and me there for several family holidays as kids. I have many happy memories there, especially of how kind and charming the Portuguese were.
Salted caramel is an excellent choice! Mine is cookie dough! And plants also make excellent companions 🪴
I’m really enjoying Substack—reading so many interesting articles and finding it super easy to engage here. Writing reviews has been great for sharpening my critical thinking and gives me a real sense of accomplishment when I finish one. I’m reading with more focus and truly enjoying the whole experience. I’m not so caught up in the latest book releases, which actually helps me appreciate what I read even more.
It’s wonderful to hear you have such fond memories of Portugal! Thank you for your kind words—you’re very thoughtful. ❤️
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Substack, Lucia! I love it here, too 🙂 It’s so much fun writing, and everyone seems so nice, too! I hope it stays this way.
Hi Emma,
I subscribed recently and finally found a moment to leave a word. I saw your photo in one of your notes and was really moved by the words you shared. There’s such a warm and genuine energy in what you do here. I’m really glad we connected.
I’d describe myself as an optimist at heart, fueled by wonder, openness, and transformation. At the same time, I know the voice of my inner critic and the grip of anxiety all too well. So in a way, I carry both. But the truest parts of me are lit by that fire of hope and growth and just joy of being alive. It just comes down to staying close to them...
Hi Helena!
Thank you so much for stopping by and saying hi! Thank you for your kind words. I remember you and your writing very well, your poetry is just gorgeous! Also, I still adore your profile pic 🧡
I love how you’ve described yourself! I feel quite aligned with your outlook. Like you, I have bad anxiety and a mean inner critic, but I also find myself continually overwhelmed by awe in nature and wonder at being alive. Quite the contradiction!
How has your Substack journey been going for you so far? xx
Hi Emma, I’m on the outskirts of a town in Devon with a field of cows as next door neighbours! I came to Substack initially as a reader and felt so comfortable here that I shared my memoir in the form of essays. I was writing about grief and that’s how I first found your writing.
I’ve finished sharing the memoir now and want to rebrand my Substack and go in a different direction so I’m working on that and also working on the first draft of a novel.
I love your writing ❤️
Hi Angela! It’s great to ‘meet’ you :)
Oh, I love Devon! I’m hoping to take a trip there soon. It's such a beautiful part of the world.
How amazing that you shared your memoir here on Substack. I’d love to hear about your experience of doing that!
Do you have any ideas for how you want to rebrand your newsletter? What’s your novel about?
Thank you so much for reading! 🧡
Really nice to ‘meet’ you too!
Sharing my memoir has been liberating but I’ve also vulnerable at the same time. I’ve never shared any other writing in public before, let alone something so personal. Now that I’ve done it, the weight that’s been lifted from my shoulders is huge!
I think I’d now like my Substack to include things such as the ups and downs of living with chronic illness, learning to value myself despite not fitting society’s expectations of what ‘success’ looks like….
My novel covers similar themes to my real life experiences - grief, burnout, ultimately finding happiness in a slower pace of life.
☺️
I’m scared of sharing my memoir, too. I’m happy to hear that, although it was vulnerable for you, it was also liberating! That gives me hope 🥲
Your new Substack focus sounds great! As does your novel. I’m cheering you on! 🧡
I knew when the time felt right to share it, so my advice would be to trust your gut instinct.
I’m really glad I found your Substack, it’s inspiring in lots of ways! Thank you 🙏
Ah, thanks, Angela! 🧡
Hi Emma, I am a Brazilian writer based in Switzerland. I came to Substack to let my creativity flow, to have a place to express myself and found so much more. Community. Support. Discovered amazing new writers and now some of them are my writer friends!! I could not be happier!!
(Ps. love reading your pieces :)))
Hi Gabriela, thank you so much for introducing yourself. I’m absolutely loving learning more about everyone! I’m so glad you’re finding amazing community and support on Substack. That’s been my experience, too. I don’t know quite what I expected when I joined, but it’s even better than I imagined! Hope your week is off to a great start :)
Hi, Emma. My hsuband encouraged me to come to Substack and now we both write Substacks from the wilds of New Hampshire. We do not have a dog right now, but our last dog was Maggie, the best girl in the world. I am optimistic and I can't help it.
Hi Mary, thanks so much for introducing yourself! It’s so great to learn more about you :)
Brought in by a beautiful photo and you acknowledging I exist in this space.
Staying because I'm moving to LA and your trepidations and observations resonate with my upcoming chapters.