This morning I was reading a newsletter, which got me thinking about newsletters, and I realized in a blinding flash of insight that I would like to be a member of the thriving literary community on Substack.com. So I used the gorgeous, streamlined Substack.com interface to create Dispatch From Jewel. A big thank-you goes out to the makers of Substack.com, whoever they are (I don’t read the news), for offering me this platform, which pretty much looks like Wordpress but I guess it also sends emails.
Dispatch From Jewel is a title I can definitely see myself hating 20 minutes from now, but also, I might love it 20 or even 50 minutes after that, and 20 minutes later the tide could turn again. Buddhism teaches that the “self” is an illusion so you can just name your newsletter whatever.
After the cathartic moment when I titled my Substack and brought it into existence via clicking, I Googled “substack tips.” A lot of the tips I found were not helpful. They included things like “pick a good name” (I don’t want to), “write strong headlines” (do not feel like doing this), and “find your niche” (boring/no). One suggestion I did take to heart was:
I believe it is important that I never send out a random newsletter about pet care, and if I do send out a random newsletter about pet care I hope that my audience will hold me accountable.
As far as what my audience IS here for, I’m not sure yet, but I have a few options for what my Substack could include:
Personal essays that seamlessly combine heartfelt revelations with side-splitting anecdotes
Contemporary, millennial-relevant lifestyle tips served with a side of snark and a sardonic eye for the contradictions inherent in modern life
Cathartic musings on mental health meant to help the reader feel less alone, if only for a moment
Absurd, “weird Twitter”-style jokes offered in a tone of total ironic detachment
Book reviews and literary essays from my layperson’s perspective which, while not based in professional critical expertise, are nevertheless insightful…even…genius???
Lists (not sure about what, but would probably be easier than paragraphs)
I guess I’ll find out which direction this is headed when I write my next post. Until then, rock on and stay humble! (← potential “Substack catchphrase”???)
Goodnight!
Jewel