Reasons to write
On why I'm joining Substack
Why would someone want to read what I have to say when there are already so many amazing writers, thinkers, and doers putting work out into the world?
That’s the thought that always prevails when I try to muster the energy and discipline to put something down onto paper and out into the world for all eyes to see.
I recently decided to start a newsletter (hello and thank you for signing up!) to share stories about my work, what I’m inspired by and what I’m talking about with others in the material world. I both like and dislike the fact that an email newsletter isn’t judged by a like count or open to comments. It feels safe being able to put work into the world and not comparing it to others by a number of likes. But for that exact reason it can also feels lonely at times - sending work into silent abyss.
Substack on the other hand, despite the promise of a different kind of platform and the chance to actually make a living from writing and content creation via paid subscriptions does still include the like and comment feature more attune to Facebook or Instagram.
I can see that allowing people to comment and ‘like’ posts creates space to show your appreciation for that work and that person's writing. It allows for discussion and shared reflections. But I can’t imagine I’m the only one that dislikes it for fear of comparison. Or just for the feeling that it was time wasted if a post doesn’t get much engagement.
Yet here I am, taking the leap into yet another platform hoping that this will allow me to share my thoughts, my inspiration and my learnings all with the hope of connecting and inspiring others, finding my place in this busy space and figuring out what I can add to the world - despite that looming like count.
I hope I can bring my voice to the topics that captivate me and I hope that I can play a tiny part in creating a better, more just and diverse future for both people and nature by shining a light on the often hidden complexities of the material world. I studied design but I’m not really a designer. I’m a thinker and a writer and a researcher skirting the fringes of the design world. Writing is the way I feel I can best communicate my thoughts and continued engagement with the world of design and craft despite stepping back from producing anything physical myself.
I want to be able to write freely on Substack, to not spend weeks or even months scrutinising and editing a post. I want to write from the heart and hopefully that will invite you into my busy, sometimes chaotic mind that bustles with ideas but continually finds reasons not to action them.
In my next post I will share more about my journey to where I am now, what I hope to write more of on Substack - think material stories, crafts, regenerative design, self-sufficiency and the wild world around us. And perhaps the occasional story of a dog - because in truth my dog takes up a huge portion of my thoughts and time each day so maybe I’ll tell you a little about him too. Oh and there’s also a pig…
I can’t promise to write regularly. But I’m going to aim for once a month. Perhaps I’ll write more when I have time and I’m feeling in the flow.
I look forward to meeting with some of you here, finding my voice and finding out where this will go.
And for those of you signed up to my newsletter, not familiar with Substack or just not wanting to jump onto another platform, you’ll receive my newsletters in the usual way - right to your inbox, but hopefully a bit more regularly!
