Another excellent and insightful interview. I found it really interesting to hear about your process A. Jay, as well as your thoughts on paid, especially this:
"On the contrary, all evidence indicates that people pay for my writing not for exclusive content or as a result of reduced-price subscription sales or any other kind of special pitch but when the writing moves them, in appreciation, to do so and when they think they can afford it. That’s what the pattern of paid subscriptions shows."
I have said it before and it's worth saying again: Stunning writer, lover of literature, poetry that moves you, totally readable, a generous heart ...and more
Such a thoughtful interview! I really enjoyed finding out more about your experience on Substack, Jay. Your writing is compelling and your reading is incisive. You bring a lot to the platform and make it a better, saner place.
I've been reaching for sane all my life, Jeffrey. Maybe I've finally achieved it? 😌 Thank you. You're readership (and your own writing) is highly valued.
"To pay or not to pay?" Substack only makes money on paid content. When you start, you know this. Mine is a how-to site, disguised as humor. Or vice versa : ) When I monetize, it will be my fiction. I am always interested in others who do this, and welcome their interaction
Yes! Glad to see Jay's responses to Eleanor's wonderful questions. I was in a bit of a hurry this morning and didn't really have time to read anything in my inbox but noticed this and had to hit pause on my day for a moment to relish this. Eleanor, thanks so much for providing this wonderful platform to interview amazing writers. It is truly beautiful.
Jay - always wonderful to get a further peek behind the curtain of one of my friends. I am excited for you as you embrace this change in publishing routine so you have time to invest in larger projects.
Jay, I think the effect of longer pieces is that the quality of the readership increases even if the quantity goes down. But as you say each post ends up exactly as long as seems fitting to you. And I also relate to writing on Substack (and commenting on the ones I read) as making it harder to do other writing.
Nice. Thanks for doing this interview, it’s very interesting and always great to have more encouragement to just do your own thing on substack. I hope he finishes his novel!
Another excellent and insightful interview. I found it really interesting to hear about your process A. Jay, as well as your thoughts on paid, especially this:
"On the contrary, all evidence indicates that people pay for my writing not for exclusive content or as a result of reduced-price subscription sales or any other kind of special pitch but when the writing moves them, in appreciation, to do so and when they think they can afford it. That’s what the pattern of paid subscriptions shows."
I was about to quote that same part too! Really interesting to hear what people have found helpful.
And how writers are using Substack.
This really stood out to me, too.
Great thoughts on writing on Substack from an experienced writer.
I have said it before and it's worth saying again: Stunning writer, lover of literature, poetry that moves you, totally readable, a generous heart ...and more
Such a thoughtful interview! I really enjoyed finding out more about your experience on Substack, Jay. Your writing is compelling and your reading is incisive. You bring a lot to the platform and make it a better, saner place.
I've been reaching for sane all my life, Jeffrey. Maybe I've finally achieved it? 😌 Thank you. You're readership (and your own writing) is highly valued.
Seconded
I second that.
"To pay or not to pay?" Substack only makes money on paid content. When you start, you know this. Mine is a how-to site, disguised as humor. Or vice versa : ) When I monetize, it will be my fiction. I am always interested in others who do this, and welcome their interaction
Yes! Glad to see Jay's responses to Eleanor's wonderful questions. I was in a bit of a hurry this morning and didn't really have time to read anything in my inbox but noticed this and had to hit pause on my day for a moment to relish this. Eleanor, thanks so much for providing this wonderful platform to interview amazing writers. It is truly beautiful.
Jay - always wonderful to get a further peek behind the curtain of one of my friends. I am excited for you as you embrace this change in publishing routine so you have time to invest in larger projects.
Many thanks, you know, Matthew, for your support. And that's one of the things writing is, isn't it, peeks behind the curtain?
Jay, I think the effect of longer pieces is that the quality of the readership increases even if the quantity goes down. But as you say each post ends up exactly as long as seems fitting to you. And I also relate to writing on Substack (and commenting on the ones I read) as making it harder to do other writing.
I appreciate the insight, David. I think you're right on all counts. The struggle continues!
“In real life” or “on real life”? A professor whose speciality is the role of English on real life sounds very interesting, so it could be that one!
Knowing Jay, it's an intentional, "a writer who plays a professor of English on Real Life" ....
It was, indeed. :)
Nice. Thanks for doing this interview, it’s very interesting and always great to have more encouragement to just do your own thing on substack. I hope he finishes his novel!