A lovely piece with amazing insights from so many beautiful people. Thank you, AJ, for creating a space for creatives to share this journey, offer pearls of wisdom, and glorify the Lord. So rewarding, I’m grateful to be included. Blessings!
I’ve actually never used Medium—was it more like a blog space?
When we write, we don’t just want readers—we need community. When you consider everything that goes into researching, writing, editing, publishing, marketing, and more, it’s a gift to look up and see someone just ahead, beside, or behind you, asking the same questions along the way.
Very early in my self-publishing journey, the image God gave me was hiking uphill. The work is real, the terrain changes, and no one moves at the same pace—but there’s deep comfort in knowing you’re not alone on the trail.
And somehow, in the midst of it, we’re all finding our way home.
I’m really glad it was helpful, Rebecca. Knowing what not to worry about can be just as freeing as knowing what to do. Welcome to the space.
Before this piece, I wrote four others that are especially aimed at helping new writers find their footing on Substack. Here’s the first one, if you’d like a little more direction as you get started.
There are so many gifted writers on Substack who are genuinely invested in seeing one another grow in the craft. That spirit of encouragement is one of the reasons I’m enjoying this space so much. I’m truly glad you’re here.
Absolutely loved this link, "It is a library where we enter one another’s thoughts and leave traces of our own". And the dynamic of what Substack truly is to us.
What a beautiful collection of perspectives on so many topics regarding Substack. As a believer and a new writer here, this has been both encouraging and challenging. Substack is turning out to be more of a ministry than I expected (to me and to future readers). I'm learning that it's probably more about growing me than anyone else, but love being able to share the journey. Thanks for the effort in pulling all of these questions and answers together.
This is such a thoughtful look at balancing presence, creativity, and faith in a digital space. I appreciate how it highlights discernment, intentionality, and the importance of nurturing real-life rhythms alongside online engagement. ❤️
This is so helpful. I love the input from the different writers. It'd be nice if Substack implemented some of the suggestions. And I learned a new vocabulary word: Technoference. :-)
This was such a joy to read! Thank you for creating and sharing this, AJ! There is so much wisdom, honesty, and grace offered I read it twice.
I’ve been slow to really ‘engage’ with others in Notes for fear of dragging bad habits I left with Instagram back to the forefront (such as giving too much of myself to an online ‘community’ I had allowed to crowd out real life community) But the suggestions here provide some really practical guidelines for boundaries. Thank you again!
I love the ongoing conversations here! Also the word of confirmation. Isaiah 60:1 is one of my verses for this year!! God’s glory is resting on His people and like the tribe of Israel we have a perpetual light in our dwelling to dispel darkness. I say this because the words the Lord gives us to write are both life and light for others. Therefore, keep writing. Amen.
This is good to hear from others & the various thoughts offered. I’m still learning to navigate Substack & understand how to use what’s available as a platform, but it’s not my primary outlet for writing, so I’m enjoying the interactive nature of it & the sense of community there is. I wrote quite a bit on Medium & have a fair following of subscribers, but very little interaction compared to here on Substack. That’s kept me coming back & now it’s feeling a little more like “home.”
There are some really fantastic insights from so many fantastic authors. It was a blessing to read and to be a part of it! Thanks, AJ.
Every time people gather for a conversation like this, something larger than any one voice takes shape—and that’s always a gift.
Thank you, Grant. I’m so glad you were part of it.
It's always a delight sharing my insights alongside other amazing writers.
AJ, thank you for providing this opportunity.
This is such a RICH piece!! 👏🏽
Love every bit of it!
I love having your voice in the mix—each and every time.
One thing I love about richness is that it doesn’t come from us.
It emerges when we make room for one another and for what God is already doing.
We offer what we have—sometimes little, sometimes much—and God gathers it into something far greater.
I need to read more of your work! Also I have heard some of your audio and your voice is so soothing. 🤍
Oh, you're far too kind, Lyn! 🥺
Thank you so much!
Thank you for including me in this thoughtful post with so many great writers! 🙏🏼
A lovely piece with amazing insights from so many beautiful people. Thank you, AJ, for creating a space for creatives to share this journey, offer pearls of wisdom, and glorify the Lord. So rewarding, I’m grateful to be included. Blessings!
Thank you, Andrea. Grateful for your voice and for how clearly this all pointed back to the Lord.
I’ve actually never used Medium—was it more like a blog space?
When we write, we don’t just want readers—we need community. When you consider everything that goes into researching, writing, editing, publishing, marketing, and more, it’s a gift to look up and see someone just ahead, beside, or behind you, asking the same questions along the way.
Very early in my self-publishing journey, the image God gave me was hiking uphill. The work is real, the terrain changes, and no one moves at the same pace—but there’s deep comfort in knowing you’re not alone on the trail.
And somehow, in the midst of it, we’re all finding our way home.
I'm glad your here Trip!
What an absolutely meaningful collaboration. This is how it is done! You're all got me reflecting. 🙌🙏♥️
Thanks, Hannah. That’s exactly what we were hoping for. ❤️
As a new writer here, that was illuminating and helpful, especially the things to avoid.
I’m really glad it was helpful, Rebecca. Knowing what not to worry about can be just as freeing as knowing what to do. Welcome to the space.
Before this piece, I wrote four others that are especially aimed at helping new writers find their footing on Substack. Here’s the first one, if you’d like a little more direction as you get started.
https://jaugur.substack.com/p/when-the-algorithm-finally-decides
There are so many gifted writers on Substack who are genuinely invested in seeing one another grow in the craft. That spirit of encouragement is one of the reasons I’m enjoying this space so much. I’m truly glad you’re here.
This was an awesome collab of writing, thank you to all who contributed! I am blessed and encouraged.
Thank you so much, Chelsea.
I’m really grateful it encouraged you :)
Absolutely loved this link, "It is a library where we enter one another’s thoughts and leave traces of our own". And the dynamic of what Substack truly is to us.
What a beautiful collection of perspectives on so many topics regarding Substack. As a believer and a new writer here, this has been both encouraging and challenging. Substack is turning out to be more of a ministry than I expected (to me and to future readers). I'm learning that it's probably more about growing me than anyone else, but love being able to share the journey. Thanks for the effort in pulling all of these questions and answers together.
Hope, thank you for naming how encouraging and challenging this space can be. I really appreciate that perspective.
👏🏾👏🏾
This is such a thoughtful look at balancing presence, creativity, and faith in a digital space. I appreciate how it highlights discernment, intentionality, and the importance of nurturing real-life rhythms alongside online engagement. ❤️
This is so helpful. I love the input from the different writers. It'd be nice if Substack implemented some of the suggestions. And I learned a new vocabulary word: Technoference. :-)
I’m so glad you found it helpful!
And agreed… if Substack is listening, we’ve basically handed them a pretty great suggestion box.
This was such a joy to read! Thank you for creating and sharing this, AJ! There is so much wisdom, honesty, and grace offered I read it twice.
I’ve been slow to really ‘engage’ with others in Notes for fear of dragging bad habits I left with Instagram back to the forefront (such as giving too much of myself to an online ‘community’ I had allowed to crowd out real life community) But the suggestions here provide some really practical guidelines for boundaries. Thank you again!
Vanessa, thank you. A second read feels like the highest compliment. I'm really grateful the words were worth a return visit.
Your caution as you enter in is wise, and I really respect how intentionally you’re protecting your real, everyday life.
Glad you left Instagram and found your way here. You're in good company!
Thank you for your kind & thoughtful reply! I appreciate that!
This was so good. What a great idea! You are a light in here. Thank you. 🙏
Thank you, Amanda.
This came to mind as I read your words:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
—Isaiah 60:1
I love the ongoing conversations here! Also the word of confirmation. Isaiah 60:1 is one of my verses for this year!! God’s glory is resting on His people and like the tribe of Israel we have a perpetual light in our dwelling to dispel darkness. I say this because the words the Lord gives us to write are both life and light for others. Therefore, keep writing. Amen.
Yesssss, Andrea!!!
Random side note have you seen DAVID? If so “Follow the Light.” That song is poetic light to me.
I haven't seen it. Thanks for sharing, I will check it out🙏🏾
This is one of my all time fav verses! 🤍
YES. Looove this verse.
❤️
This is good to hear from others & the various thoughts offered. I’m still learning to navigate Substack & understand how to use what’s available as a platform, but it’s not my primary outlet for writing, so I’m enjoying the interactive nature of it & the sense of community there is. I wrote quite a bit on Medium & have a fair following of subscribers, but very little interaction compared to here on Substack. That’s kept me coming back & now it’s feeling a little more like “home.”