Ramblings and Reflections

Visit me at LinkedIn
  • Goodbye Substack In 2022 I published my first novel, a mystery title Murder is Revealing. Before taking that step, I analyzed how to approach self-publishing. An author’s journey can lead in many directions.
  • Publish one and done.
  • Pursue literary awards.
  • Vanity publishing to share with friends and family.
  • Seek an agent and traditionally publish.
  • Start a solo self-publishing career.
  • Though I chose the latter, marketing proved (proves) to be a hurdle. To engage with readers and fellow writers, I joined various platforms: Twitter, Instagram, Medium, Bluesky, and Substack. For six months I podcasted. Each platform provided a level of growth, but they also required an expense of time and effort.
  • Podcasting lasted the shortest time because I dislike hearing my recorded voice. Adios to podcasts. Twitter ended when X arrived. Bluesky appeared to be a viable alternative, but I never understood how to interact with it. Instagram dwindled when they began using messaging to train AI.
  • Medium and Substack both provided the ability to post articles. Substack advanced further with expansion into chat. I met and shared with authors through Substack. Medium felt flat, thus I closed the account within months of my first post.
  • Substack, however, delivered on the community I desired. Its multiple avenues for engagement provided the outreach an author requires. In time, though, my views declined. Partially, because I pulled back. Why? Time.
  • There is a finite amount of time available to all persons, authors, writers, or mere human beings. We cannot create it or contain it. I lacked the time to devote to Substack.
  • Self-publishing is hard. I can write all day, but I cannot. Besides a full-time job, I have other responsibilities. So, with a heavy heart, I will depart Substack in December. I will miss the small community. Perhaps in the future I will rejoin the community. For now, my focus will narrow to my website and newsletter.
  • Interestingly, I will continue on LinkedIn. Unexpectedly, my articles receive much larger views on LinkedIn. Last year, I planned to depart LinkedIn. My dear friend Maria suggested I remain. After following her advice, I increased my time on the platform, interacted and posted more. It worked. If you are on LinkedIn, send me an invite.
  • For those who followed me along this journey, you know I have tried many things. As a businessperson, you must grow the business. How? By trying new ventures, a businessperson learns what works. Self-publishing is a business—and not for the faint of heart. A significant number of authors will only publish one book. Now, I understand why.
  • MrsDoctor Writes is still in the game, fighting to tell our stories our way. If you are an aspiring author, research. Try something outside your comfort level. Writers, keep it up. You never know what vistas await.
  • As this year comes to a close, I thank all who have supported MrsDoctor Writes. Whether you buy a book or email, I appreciate positive feedback. Through difficult times, we must support each other. Sign up for MrsDoctor Writes newsletter, visit the website, or visit us on LinkedIn.
  • Happy reading and writing, and be blessed.