I'm fairly new to Substack and Hive.
Joining both only a month apart almost to the day.
Becoming active here was a giant step out of my comfort zone.
An old timer on Twitter/X I've been part of the poetry and writing communities for a while. I've used the platform since 2009, deleted my profiles in 2024, then returned. I couldn't stay away because it was like a social home for me in the poetry and writing community.
The gathering of the poetic and creative collective holds beliefs all over the spectrum on X, yet, we get along. Writing what we write, supporting each other. It's magic a lot of times, imho.
Until becoming active on Substack and now Hive/PeakD, X felt like the only place I can fully be myself. Something that is encouraged in many areas of our lives but when rubber meets the road, it doesn't always feel authenticity is genuinely welcome.
“Oh yes, be yourself! Just not too much yourself!”
I began publishing my work online in 2017 and surprisingly received a warm welcome from the writing community at large on Twitter/X.
I'm finding the same to be the case here on PeakD as well and it's a huge relief.
You guys are the bees knees!!!
I'm grateful to everyone who follows, subscribes and engages me.
You are all talented and well written. I don't feel worthy among such greatness, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
The most repeated advice I see for swimming out in the waters of finding readers for your work is- “have your friends and family read, like and share” Which is what I didn't and would not do personally.
That's just me and not my advice to you.
Still won't. It's been a slower go for me too as a result and I'm cool with it.
Here's why-
There wasn't interest shown in what I write, or even that I write.
I don't have offline relationships that are into poetry or creative writing, save for one & they are not able to take my work in at the moment.
Most importantly, for me personally & this is only how I view this for myself- I wanted reads for the sake of reading & enjoyment. I didn't want captive reads so avoided creating hostage situations with my work for my friends & family.
I'm not giving you a how to be successful in “x” number of steps here either. If you are surrounded by people interested in your work- go for it! It'll help you with exposure & metrics. If they show interest, jump in man!
I'm just sharing the path my endeavors have taken. I’m the least active on Facebook/IG/Threads, so haven't shared much of my work there but that is changing. Maybe?
They are a tough crowd. (Chortle!)
I've gotten, “Who does she think she is” or “Who does she think she's trying to be,” because I have professional modes turned on my socials. There's extra account security included so I find it useful especially since I'm not on the platforms as often. Do I actually think I'm going to hit it big with my terrible poetry?
No, I really don't but apparently some have decided for me that's what I believe (I'm laughing as I write this part).
Maybe they have more faith in me than I do?
First & foremost my intention with sharing my work is finding the sense of community I've found here on PeakD, Substack,and X. For me, it's about community and engagement with other creatives that love the same thing I do. Iron sharpens iron, so I end up improving and stretching. I read a lot too. That helps!
When I finally monetize and some greenbacks start coming in, great! That's what I'm hoping for to supplement my income when I exit 9-5 someday.
This is what I love doing!!!
Honestly, I don't see any shame in it, as some would prefer I feel.
Let people think what they will. None of our concern.
In a way, I may have alienated myself taking this approach. When I get together with my offline people I think they are worried I'm going to start gushing about writing, fishing for reads and this simply just isn't the case. I'll have non of that awkwardness or give them the opportunity to roll their eyes, “here she goes again.” If we're gonna talk writing, they’ll be the ones bringing it up. (Not this girl.)
I'm the oddball, black sheep, “Dear God, what's gonna come out of her mouth next” one in the family. The one they cautiously ask to cook dishes for at holiday get-togethers because I see recipes as suggestions (except with baking). Pretty much, I'm a straight up dork.
Maybe another reason for coolness towards my work?
I don't know, I also don't care anymore. I love them all & care deeply for them, I'm not saying I don't. I'm just saying I'm no longer influenced by another's negative opinion of me.
Here's the bottom line—
Validation is an inside job just like happiness.
If we are dependant on external validation, when life happens to distract our external validators it'll feel like a rug pull. An unintentional rug pull— we're all doing life.
In addition to dancing when no one is watching- Write your heart out regardless of reads. Do it for the love of doing it. That's what I've been doing.
Likes, hearts, and shares are greatly appreciated, but it all comes down to views.
Readers will come & they will read.
Patience grasshopper.
What I am saying along the lines of advice from talking about my experience in the communities, is it's important to engage. Follow other writers, poets, and creatives. Read & enjoy their work. Learn from each other. Comment. Have great discussions. Start getting to know them in as much as an online platform & presence will allow. Just like our offline individual relationships, so it is with being a part of an online community—
A collective of poets, writers, and creatives.
That's what I'm here for.
It's give and take.
Both are important for a solid community.
May the odds be ever in your favor. -Effie Trinket (Hunger Games)
(Both digital AI Art generated images created by author using starryai.)
Add to the above snap—
Facebook,IG, and threads are like having to go out in public for me. I've tried joining the poetry and writing communities in years previous on Meta platforms. A bit too toxic for me. I've cruised the hashtags there for engagement and community building opportunities but most don't seem receptive.
Thoroughly, I'm enjoying snaps here.
I'm enjoying Hive and grateful to find it.
(Thank you @prydefoltz)
My profile picture is an AI and fully accurate representation of me with a hat tip to my love of nature- created with wonderAI.
My header image was created using starryai.
All of my written work will find a permanent home on Hive and cement itself to the block chain.
Thanks for taking the time to read my introduction.