Unless I missed something, it looks like Lamb was available AFTER being serialized. I'm curious if this is the right way. Should the book have been available to buyers all along? Cuz with each installment, there are readers who will (hopefully) say enough! I want to buy this book!
I think that's a great idea, Richard - publish first, then serialize - though at least on Substack it's usually done the other way around. It was a boon for a new writer like me to see the support as I was serializing, it gave me the confidence I was lacking. Also, having the deadline to publish on Substack helped me because I was writing it as I went - also not usual, but that's how I did it. Thanks for your comment!
This is exactly right. The weekly Substack is a great motivator as you work on a book, chapter by chapter. Then when the book's done it gets published and offered for purchase as a whole. However, if the book is already done, possibly the best way is to publish, then immediately start running as a serial, for the reason I stated.
“The whiff of lunacy.” We all need a little of that to get by. I, too, came to Substack after being told that having an audience would be necessary to land an agent for a book proposal I’m still working on as we speak. And I, too, have found a community of writers and friends here that is everything. Pretty fucking delighted both of you, Eleanor and Troy, are part of that community. ♥️
I love how different each set of answers is. And I totally agree monsieur Troy; this platform is fertile ground, good soil, seedlings and fledglings have a fair chance to find their form among more developed writers that are so wonderfully accessible. I often feel like being part of an ongoing writers convention, with new 'workshops' and exchanges every single day. A free range chicken on the best courtyard full of live animals (sorry, just build a chicken-coop for the new arrivals at our farm). Thank you both Eleanor and Troy, this was the one closest to my heart so far.....
Wonderful words, Troy. Really loved reading all of this. It's been so great to have been with you here since early on. I don't even remember how we connected, but I'm so glad we did, because reading Lamb (well, anything you write!) continues to be one of the highlights on Substack. My mouth went 😲 (emoji for you ;) ) when you said "I’d also never written in first-person before because I found the frame of it limiting, but telling Lamb’s story through the eyes of the unnamed narrator has opened up a whole new dimension of storytelling for me." -- it's impossible to imagine the story being told in anything *but* first person!!
Thanks Nathan - I know, now that I've done Lamb, I fear I might be spoiled for third person! 😂 Gosh I don't remember how we connected either, but that IS the beauty of Substack - thanks for being there for me from the start. 💜
Your reflection on the paid model and workshop/criticism are interesting to read and spot on, I think. I also love the GIF and emoji tangent because it’s not really a tangent — it’s a personal style. You’ve really made something unique here, Troy, and it’s such a joy to read your work! 💫🤗
Thank you so much Kate - your support has been one of the shining examples of what we can do together on Substack, supporting each other in our early days. 💙❤️💛
Congratulations, Troy! You deserve all the success and plaudits coming your way.
Many thanks, Jeffrey!!
What a delight to return to this and celebrate you, Mr. Ford 😉. I love your sensibility and wisdom and thank my lucky stars we’ve connected.
PS. Very much looking forward to what emerges in Lamb’s voice.
Thank you my dear ❤️🖤🩵
Unless I missed something, it looks like Lamb was available AFTER being serialized. I'm curious if this is the right way. Should the book have been available to buyers all along? Cuz with each installment, there are readers who will (hopefully) say enough! I want to buy this book!
I think that's a great idea, Richard - publish first, then serialize - though at least on Substack it's usually done the other way around. It was a boon for a new writer like me to see the support as I was serializing, it gave me the confidence I was lacking. Also, having the deadline to publish on Substack helped me because I was writing it as I went - also not usual, but that's how I did it. Thanks for your comment!
This is exactly right. The weekly Substack is a great motivator as you work on a book, chapter by chapter. Then when the book's done it gets published and offered for purchase as a whole. However, if the book is already done, possibly the best way is to publish, then immediately start running as a serial, for the reason I stated.
Correct. Published in bound copy after being serialised.
Congratulations, Troy.
Thanks David!
Congrats Mr Troy Ford. Can't wait to meet you some day.
Thanks D! I believe we will, someday... ;)
“The whiff of lunacy.” We all need a little of that to get by. I, too, came to Substack after being told that having an audience would be necessary to land an agent for a book proposal I’m still working on as we speak. And I, too, have found a community of writers and friends here that is everything. Pretty fucking delighted both of you, Eleanor and Troy, are part of that community. ♥️
Likewise, Holly 🙌🏻
💜🥂Love this series, Eleanor. Especially when I can learn more about people who already intrigue me. (@Mr. Troy Ford 😉)
🤗
I love how different each set of answers is. And I totally agree monsieur Troy; this platform is fertile ground, good soil, seedlings and fledglings have a fair chance to find their form among more developed writers that are so wonderfully accessible. I often feel like being part of an ongoing writers convention, with new 'workshops' and exchanges every single day. A free range chicken on the best courtyard full of live animals (sorry, just build a chicken-coop for the new arrivals at our farm). Thank you both Eleanor and Troy, this was the one closest to my heart so far.....
haha Thanks Bertus - a chicken-coop for the soul? Sign me up! 🐥🐣🐤
Wonderful words, Troy. Really loved reading all of this. It's been so great to have been with you here since early on. I don't even remember how we connected, but I'm so glad we did, because reading Lamb (well, anything you write!) continues to be one of the highlights on Substack. My mouth went 😲 (emoji for you ;) ) when you said "I’d also never written in first-person before because I found the frame of it limiting, but telling Lamb’s story through the eyes of the unnamed narrator has opened up a whole new dimension of storytelling for me." -- it's impossible to imagine the story being told in anything *but* first person!!
Keep it up, my friend. Long haul!
Thanks Nathan - I know, now that I've done Lamb, I fear I might be spoiled for third person! 😂 Gosh I don't remember how we connected either, but that IS the beauty of Substack - thanks for being there for me from the start. 💜
Your brain cells are doing just fine Troy, I’d say you might even have a few to spare so I’m getting in line if you ever offer to share.
So fun reading this and poking around your “behind-the-scenes.” And because you can’t live without ‘em: 🤩🤘📖
🤣🎩🐈⬛🫵❤️💯🤗😘
I’ve been reading Mr. Ford’s Substack for a year or so - always entertaining and insightful and clever!
Merci A.C.! Love the new new title... :D xo
thanks, it is the most apt so far...
Your reflection on the paid model and workshop/criticism are interesting to read and spot on, I think. I also love the GIF and emoji tangent because it’s not really a tangent — it’s a personal style. You’ve really made something unique here, Troy, and it’s such a joy to read your work! 💫🤗
Thank you so much Kate - your support has been one of the shining examples of what we can do together on Substack, supporting each other in our early days. 💙❤️💛
Orwell's Brave New World?
You got it!