25 Comments
Oct 15Liked by Noor Rahman

You have articulated this so well Noor! Thank you for your paying support of Substack writers. I do the same, with Fay & Makkai & many others for all the reasons you name. I no longer have any streaming subscriptions; i spend time immersed in the wonderful content here when I am not writing for Substack myself or working on my novel or reading novels and poetry. I agree with all of your well reasoned points.

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This is such a great piece, Noor. I know a lot of people have subscription fatigue, but I think part of that is because so much of the Stuff out there all looks and sounds the same. Here on Substack, there are so many wonderful, unique weirdos and misfits, educators and learners, explorers and wanderers. Bravo for your article for highlighting that, and why it's worth supporting them!

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Love this--and not just because of your kind words (thank you!). It's such a smart look at why people pay for Substacks.

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Thanks for this! Super right on point! This is a wonderful platform in which we offer and gain value content without having to 'accept what's there', as Netflix makes us act. In the sense, Substack feels like a DVD rental store: million options and opportunities, and you leave with what fits you. It's a sure relief 🌷

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Fantastic article Noor! I agree with all of our points. I only wish I could pay to subscribe to more creators on Substack. Keeping doing you!

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Yes, Yes, Yes! 🙌

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This is a great perspective.

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Yes! I love this. Well said 👏👌 😀

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Really well done Noor! I am right on track, no pun intended, with this strategy too. I need to make a few more tweaks. However, the selection process, in a nutshell, is "what feeds my soul?" on a few different levels. Thank you for this piece.

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author

Thanks Maria! You always seem to have an eye for good content, I'm curious to know what paid subs you land on, once you've decided!

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Of course!!! : D

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Oooh that interiority linked post was so good! I wonder if you've read "Wired for Story" - just finished the book, and had so many aha moments

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author

Haven’t read it, thanks for the recommend, I’ll check it out! What are you working writing these days?

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Nothing particular - just my Substack (a book in the future, but that's still coming into clarity for me right now)

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I’ve been thinking about slowing down and the power of connection lately and this so beautifully helped me think more deeply about both because it’s all about centering myself in my values. Thank you for sharing your thinking!

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author

Thanks Jen, glad this piece had a positive impact! Totally agree that it’s about values. It took me a while to understand what my values were around consuming content and making connections here.

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Oct 20Liked by Noor Rahman

Wonderful writeup Noor about subscribing to support and encourage writers on Substack and also the benefits derived from such contributions. Really an inspiring write up.

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author

Thanks Chidanand, glad you enjoyed it!

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This essay is very well thought out, but as a romance author I wonder if it fits for serial fiction, too.

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Great strategies!!

Thanks Noor

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Oct 13Liked by Noor Rahman

I love this, and it completely sums up why I’m loving becoming part of several communities on Substack. Also, I’m totally checking out some of your recommendations!

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Oct 13Liked by Noor Rahman

Also also, having read Makkai’s essay on inferiority, it sounds like what she’s describing is very similar to the ‘Psychic Distance’ technique that John Gardner explains in his ‘The Art of Fiction’, which has massively helped me with my writing, too. I really like the way Makkai explains it, though. Thanks for pointing me to her essay!

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Thanks for sharing about John Gardner! I'll check out his stuff!

How's your novel-writing going these days? I'm just started the revision process for draft 1 of my manuscript. It's going to be a journey, lol.

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Oct 13Liked by Noor Rahman

Oh yeah, those early editing days are like climbing through a maze! I’m doing alright thanks! Still drafting book 3 of my Nowhere Chronicles series, but I’m very nearly finished. Hoping to start the first redraft in November!

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Oct 8Liked by Noor Rahman

Couldnt have said it better, Noor!

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