A Nourishing Pep Talk for Substack Writers

Have you ever skipped a week on Substack?

Deer eating fresh grass in Bushy Park, London.

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Hi friends,

Have you ever skipped a week on Substack, unplanned?

I took a week off here last week.

I haven’t done this before, and had planned to post, but life was ‘lifing.’

I went for a routine hospital test (a mammogram) and I didn’t imagine how hard I would find it.

I fainted.

I have had my fair share of medical trauma after baby loss in the past, and my nervous system goes into meltdown when I go into medical environments: all those harsh lights, implements, and white surfaces. I get truly triggered in the original sense.

Ever the optimist, I imagined I’d be out in ten minutes and back writing at my little desk ready for my Wednesday post to you.

Instead, I fainted, three times, actually, and it took me half the day to recover. I don’t think most people experience this so don’t worry if you haven’t had yours and are approaching a certain age: it is because of my history and for most it is just ‘uncomfortable.’

I was reminded that:

• We have to be kind to ourselves.

• We have to have our oxygen masks on first.

• We have to remember that the universe and our readers lives do not, in fact, revolve around our writing.

I only lost one paid subscriber and I am curious to know if you noticed that I skipped a week?

Letting it go, a hot cup of tea and slice of jam on toast, and some rest with a furry friend will solve many problems and it did in my case!

So that is why I wanted to write you a pep talk today.

Writing on Substack is one of my favourite things, and I have no regrets starting Letters from Therapy in January 2024, or starting Therapeutic Writers on Substack in 2025.

The truth is, I sometimes feel a little despondent here, when I don’t feel sure if my work is being read or appreciated. Maybe you too? It is something I wrote about here.

Maybe like me, you want to keep going, even though your dreams of generating enough income to cover your time, or even make a living are painfully slow in becoming reality. I am making some useful income here, my writing does pay some bills, and my goal is still to have a full income from my newsletter and workbooks.

I was happy to become a Bestselling publication a few weeks ago!

The words you type at 11pm when everyone else is settling down, or while you wait in the car for your kids; or perhaps between sessions: they are changing something in the universe.

They say the wings of a butterfly in China can cause an avalanche in Peru.

Maybe only three people read your favourite piece. But one of those loved it, and for another, tears streamed down their face as they recognised themselves in your words. Shyness or sleepiness crept over them, so they didn’t press the like button.

They didn’t realise you were at the point of giving up.

The butterfly didn’t think to look back, she just got on with her fluttering, and so should you, if it serves you.

1. Let’s not measure worth by subscriber counts, likes and open rates.

   Those numbers don't truly measure the quality of your thinking, knowledge, or the authenticity of your voice. They don't measure your worth as a human being. They measure infinite unknown factors that have very little to do with us. It’s noisy out there.

2. Remember why you started writing in the first place.

   Was it to become famous? Or was it because you had something to say that wouldn't stay quiet? Your burning perspective, in your unique and beautiful voice. We have a true, shining light in us that we know others need to see.

3. Look at how far you've come.

   Remember your first shaky post, that you almost didn't publish? Compare it to what you're writing now. Our development is amazing. It’s ours. Nobody can take that from us.

4. Your writing journey isn't a sprint.

   It's a long walk through changing landscapes and the seasons of our lives. Some days we climb mountains, like me last week. Others we wander through quiet valleys, like me now. Keep going!

5. Your commitment inspires others too!

   When we sit down to write, even when it's hard, we honour the ancient human tradition of storytelling. Contributing to the wider conversation of ideas.

6. Your thoughtful words matter.

   The world is drowning in shallow content designed to manipulate emotions and harvest attention. Our thoughtful, honest writing is the antidote!

7. So what if progress feels slow?

   Real therapeutic writing changes minds and hearts. It takes time, patience, and evolves over seasons that we can’t rush. Flowers bloom when they bloom, and they are beautiful as seedlings, as buds, and when they are turning.

8. Your words are seeds.

   Some will sprout today, others stay dormant for years before peeking out when the conditions are right to grow. So we must keep planting! My drafts folder is always full to bursting, and I choose which one to water next.

9. Keep going!

   The world needs our honest voices and unique perspective. Let’s do it for the love of it, and for the journey of self expression. Our human lives are so beautiful!

Someone out there is waiting for your words. But if the day is lost, like it was for me last week, no-one will mind. They will forgive, just as you wish to be, and there is always tomorrow.

Press the heart if you enjoyed this, and to let me know you’re reading. Do share if you think someone else might like a pep talk!

Have you ever skipped a week on Substack, unplanned? Let me know in the comments!

With love and gratitude,

Kate

In case you missed it: Is Substack Too Saturated with Therapeutic Writers? | Navigating Self Disclosure on Substack | Crickets in the Tumbleweed | Uplifting Songs: Campfire | The Wounded Healer-Writer | 724 New Subscribers: is Going Viral All it’s Cracked up to Be? | Harmonise your Substack with Ikagai | Welcome to the Campfire! | 32 Editing Tips | The Highly Sensitive Therapeutic Writer | Introduce Yourself!