The Creator’s Guide to Substack

Empowering Writers to Thrive

Doris Walker
Substack on ILLUMINATION
4 min read4 days ago

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Photo by Shifaaz shamoon on Unsplash

Sean and I had a date night the other night, the kind where we actually talk, you know? Not the kind where we debate dog breeds. Somehow, we ended up discussing Substack. I’m a big believer in Substack — it’s a game-changer for writers. It’s a place where writers can connect directly with their readers and own their content.

It’s like a cozy corner of the internet, a space where you can be yourself, explore your passions, and share stories without all the noise. I love that it allows writers to build a community, connect with their audience, and even earn a living doing what they love — all while staying authentic and personal. It’s pretty awesome for anyone who loves to write.

It’s More Than Just Words!

I’ve always been fascinated by languages. Learning new languages is a huge part of my life. It’s all about expanding your perspective, embracing new cultures, and discovering the world in a fresh way.

But I also love sharing what I learn. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering something new, being excited about it, and then wanting to tell everyone about it! So, starting a Substack newsletter about language learning was a natural progression. It’s become my own little corner of the internet where I share tips, tricks, and even my language learning mishaps. It’s been so much fun connecting with other language enthusiasts, sharing resources, and having conversations about all things language. It’s truly amazing to see how engaged people are, how eager they are to learn something new. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m helping others on their language learning journey, making their experience a little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable.

Photo by Shifaaz shamoon on Unsplash

The Money Talk

Building a career you truly love isn’t just about sharing your thoughts, it’s about creating a sustainable future. My husband, Sean, is a lawyer who has found incredible success using Substack for his legal blog. It’s been a game-changer for attracting new clients, and he loves how it allows him to connect directly with people seeking legal advice.

The beauty of Substack lies in building a community and offering valuable content. It even makes it easy to offer paid subscriptions, unlock exclusive content, and host workshops directly on your platform. Picture yourself getting paid to do what you love and building a loyal following — it’s a dream come true, isn’t it?

The Key to Consistency?

Structure is incredibly important to me, especially when it comes to writing. Routines are key, wouldn’t you agree? My sons, Logan, Jack, and little Kevin, they love routines — bedtime, Lego building, it doesn’t matter. They know what’s coming and they excel when they know what to expect.

Writing is no different! I’m a big fan of the Pomodoro Technique, which involves 25-minute blocks of focused work followed by a short break. It keeps you on track and helps you get things done. It’s like those focused Lego building sessions Jack loves — productive and enjoyable. The key is to develop a regular writing habit, to treat it like a routine, just like Lego building with Jack or gardening with Kevin, something you do consistently. It might seem daunting at first, but with a little structure and discipline, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Photo by Xinyi W. on Unsplash

The Spread the Word (and the Love for Language)

Writing is important, but sharing your writing is just as crucial. Promoting my Substack on social media, especially Twitter and Facebook, has been incredibly helpful. I share snippets of my latest posts, engage with readers in the comments, and even run small giveaways to generate excitement. It feels like building a community, one tweet at a time.

Connecting with other writers is equally important. I enjoy guest posting on other Substack newsletters, joining writing challenges, and even chatting with fellow writers in online communities. Building relationships, sharing ideas, and expanding your reach are key to success. You never know who you might connect with or what opportunities might arise. Consistency is essential — keep writing, keep sharing, and keep building your audience. You can do it!

The Substack Journey is Just Beginning!

Substack is a platform that truly empowers writers. It allows them to be their own bosses, connect directly with their audience, and even build sustainable writing careers.

Whether you love building Lego creations, sharing gardening tips, or exploring the world of languages, Substack provides the perfect space for you to share your unique voice and build a community around your passions. It’s a little corner of the internet where you can be yourself, write without distractions, and share your work with the world. Ready to dive in? Give Substack a try! I encourage you to share your experiences in the comments; I’d love to hear your thoughts and learn from your journey. Happy writing!

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Doris Walker
Substack on ILLUMINATION

I'm Doris, a proud Houston native! I love blending productivity with family life! Join me as I share tips on time management and our fun family adventures.