Hey Tom, first of all thanks for the praise, I'll take it!
This post took me back twenty years. I was working the nightshift on reception in a youth hostel in Rome. I'd already mopped the floors and balanced the books, completed all my tasks, the place was in silence, now it was just a case of trying to stay awake until my shift ended. I noticed a guest had left a book on one of the tables, so I picked it up and started reading Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch.
This post reminded me of that book! (Obviously your post is less silly and didn't cause me to make mocking judgements about its author... but other than that it's very similar in style!)
By the way, that's a good set of Don'ts. Especially the first one. I can't be doing with all those posts where people just write about writing or not being able to write. Titles like "What Does Your Writing Space Look Like?" "My Daily Writing Routine Starts With a Bowl of Oatmeal" etc... Who gives a fuck?
Anyway... Cheers mate! (And keep the sunrises and nature photos coming, just find a way to integrate them into your content).
Of course, I hope to never fall out of my cushy spot on that top 20 list of yours. But at this point, I'll consider it a win if you're still talking to me a year from now. 😂
Congratulations on one year, Tom! I look forward to reading more in 2023. I think you're the only writer I subscribe to who is "officially" retired, and I've enjoyed hearing about the adventures you get to take in that retirement. It's a much different life perspective and one I enjoy thoroughly. Keep up the great work!
Hey Tom -- thanks for the shout out! To be mentioned on any list, anywhere in the vicinity of the writers above, is humbling. It's gratifying to know my work resonates with you!
Re: finding your voice. This is such an interesting concept to me that so many writers discuss and debate. IMHO, finding your voice ultimately means being yourself. My voice certainly isn't for everyone, but it's mine. I say what I think, in my own words, in my own style, without fear.
You do as well, which is why I read what you've got to say each week.
Congrats on a year! A major milestone for a great Substack. And thanks for the shoutout!
I did have to chuckle at your #1 "Don't" though. That's the #1 "Do" on my list -- at least indirectly. I (of course) realize different Substacks, different goals. But as I say, it made me chuckle.
I applaud your "build it and they will come" strategy -- and it seems to be working. I imagine one day you'll get a mention on someone else's blog somewhere (because of the great content) and POOF! you'll have a torrent of new subscribers.
Good luck with your next year. I'm glad to be along for the ride!
I've been enjoying your journey here. And writing about writing...well, that's age-old. May we never stop considering the art and wonder of using written language to express what it means to be human. Keep going, Tom!
"Tommy Sunrise"! I almost spit my coffee out with that one. Glad you're going to keep writing. I find your posts interesting on all levels. The personal stories, the little stories (the library one for example), and the big stories. It's part of what makes you YOU.
This conversation, Tom, is just the BEST - it's really cool to read your exchange of thoughts with yourself! Such a great idea! And thank you for including me on such an illustrious list of favourites - I'm humbled.
Congratulations on your milestone, and for all those subscribers. I'm glued to my screen to read everything you'll be writing in your second year!
I was really interested to read your stats - I'm going to take a peek at your Google doc analytics tomorrow - thank you for sharing. 😀
I really enjoyed the dialogue with yourself, and sharing your own rules for your craft. (It feels a bit odd to put “rules” and “craft” in the same sentence, but I suppose any craft needs a measure of discipline, and what that means for each person is unique.) Always look forward to seeing how your voice develops each week. And thank you for including me in your list, I appreciate your readership and insights. 🙏
Really like your dos and don'ts - I've got a similar list that I (mostly) adhere to. The big one being not talking about subscribers, etc. Thanks for the shout-out, too! And great photos, by the way!
Congrats on 1 Year! I love the title of your publication. It resonates with my recent life choice to unplug from the matrix and pursue what I've done and loved for my whole life. So encouraging to see other folks out here doing it. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hey Tom, first of all thanks for the praise, I'll take it!
This post took me back twenty years. I was working the nightshift on reception in a youth hostel in Rome. I'd already mopped the floors and balanced the books, completed all my tasks, the place was in silence, now it was just a case of trying to stay awake until my shift ended. I noticed a guest had left a book on one of the tables, so I picked it up and started reading Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch.
This post reminded me of that book! (Obviously your post is less silly and didn't cause me to make mocking judgements about its author... but other than that it's very similar in style!)
By the way, that's a good set of Don'ts. Especially the first one. I can't be doing with all those posts where people just write about writing or not being able to write. Titles like "What Does Your Writing Space Look Like?" "My Daily Writing Routine Starts With a Bowl of Oatmeal" etc... Who gives a fuck?
Anyway... Cheers mate! (And keep the sunrises and nature photos coming, just find a way to integrate them into your content).
Well said Tom. And Tom.
Of course, I hope to never fall out of my cushy spot on that top 20 list of yours. But at this point, I'll consider it a win if you're still talking to me a year from now. 😂
Congratulations on one year, Tom! I look forward to reading more in 2023. I think you're the only writer I subscribe to who is "officially" retired, and I've enjoyed hearing about the adventures you get to take in that retirement. It's a much different life perspective and one I enjoy thoroughly. Keep up the great work!
Hey Tom -- thanks for the shout out! To be mentioned on any list, anywhere in the vicinity of the writers above, is humbling. It's gratifying to know my work resonates with you!
Re: finding your voice. This is such an interesting concept to me that so many writers discuss and debate. IMHO, finding your voice ultimately means being yourself. My voice certainly isn't for everyone, but it's mine. I say what I think, in my own words, in my own style, without fear.
You do as well, which is why I read what you've got to say each week.
Here's to year two!
Congrats on a year! A major milestone for a great Substack. And thanks for the shoutout!
I did have to chuckle at your #1 "Don't" though. That's the #1 "Do" on my list -- at least indirectly. I (of course) realize different Substacks, different goals. But as I say, it made me chuckle.
I applaud your "build it and they will come" strategy -- and it seems to be working. I imagine one day you'll get a mention on someone else's blog somewhere (because of the great content) and POOF! you'll have a torrent of new subscribers.
Good luck with your next year. I'm glad to be along for the ride!
~Graham
I've been enjoying your journey here. And writing about writing...well, that's age-old. May we never stop considering the art and wonder of using written language to express what it means to be human. Keep going, Tom!
You really are a bit of a nerd Tom...just say'n.
I really enjoyed the conversation with yourself!
"Tommy Sunrise"! I almost spit my coffee out with that one. Glad you're going to keep writing. I find your posts interesting on all levels. The personal stories, the little stories (the library one for example), and the big stories. It's part of what makes you YOU.
This conversation, Tom, is just the BEST - it's really cool to read your exchange of thoughts with yourself! Such a great idea! And thank you for including me on such an illustrious list of favourites - I'm humbled.
Congratulations on your milestone, and for all those subscribers. I'm glued to my screen to read everything you'll be writing in your second year!
I was really interested to read your stats - I'm going to take a peek at your Google doc analytics tomorrow - thank you for sharing. 😀
Congratulations on an excellent first year! Also: your footnotes are the best!
I really enjoyed the dialogue with yourself, and sharing your own rules for your craft. (It feels a bit odd to put “rules” and “craft” in the same sentence, but I suppose any craft needs a measure of discipline, and what that means for each person is unique.) Always look forward to seeing how your voice develops each week. And thank you for including me in your list, I appreciate your readership and insights. 🙏
Aw, thank you Tom! My favorite reader :)
Really like your dos and don'ts - I've got a similar list that I (mostly) adhere to. The big one being not talking about subscribers, etc. Thanks for the shout-out, too! And great photos, by the way!
Congrats on 1 Year! I love the title of your publication. It resonates with my recent life choice to unplug from the matrix and pursue what I've done and loved for my whole life. So encouraging to see other folks out here doing it. Thanks for sharing your story.