I loved this Grace and completely relate to so many things you mentioned. For what it is worth, I'm constantly inspired by your consistency and dedication to creating content for your community. You always show up and answer the call even when it's maybe not clear what we are asking for. You are a trusted resource in this space for me and I admire the way that you work! AND your reels are KILLING ITTTT lately!
Liz! On Substack! Does this mean a move is coming? I hope so :) Thank you for the encouragement. FWIW... I admire you so much; you are one of the people who makes it all look so easy and effortless. xx
Seconding Liz! ~ I completely relate Grace! And have always been inspired by your dedication too!! I think where you may feel you could be doing better (we all feel this way) you make up for in showing up authentically YOU... which shines through!
I had so many different bullet points written down (hahaha, can Substack add a way to highlight and make notes that aren't restacked?) that I wanted to comment on and add to the conversation. I texted you because this was the type of essay I read twice and I needed you to know I loved it. But when it came time to comment, I realized I just wanted to tell you what an incredible job you're doing. You're always someone I look to as an example of the content you create. But even just reading this, the fact that I was physically writing down bullet points and trying to figure out a way to print it out, goes to show that you're creating content that resonates and inspires so many people - regardless of a tight edit. Thank you ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Grace, Lovely essay. I keep secretly hoping that a group of Substackers will band together and you all can hire an editor etc…. Like a mini magazine so you get a little extra support. It’s more efficient and then for us the readers maybe a little less costly. I only pay for 5-6 substacks because it is hard to justify more. This is not to suggest you don’t do a great job. You do. I just think it is always helpful to have someone else supporting your work. I run a nonprofit and see the same issues since I am the “boss.” Though my chair of my board does give me a feedback but she’s not involved in everything I do. I have been able to hire a couple of excellent writers on staff who I can send documents and emails to for review but I still make stupid mistakes. Anyways on to culture. I highly recommend the station 11 tv show. I loved it even more than the book.
Second the Station 11 adaptation. I don't want to spoil it in any way, though I will just say that it's incredibly cinematic and moving. Then, if you haven't read it yet, Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel is simply extraordinary.
This is so so relatable! I just listened to the whole interview with Fohr/Tembe as well—so many valuable little nuggets in that convo. I've often wished I had a collaborator/editor for my long-form writing, too. It can be terrifying to put something vulnerable into the universe without having a second set of eyes on it. But without a formal process or relationship in place, that kind of peer review feels difficult to come by. Like... I'm sure my friends would read anything I needed them to since they're going to read it anyway when I hit send, but it feels awkward to ask.
Adding to the chorus here, but I have long admired the way you continue to show up consistently and grow/adapt to meet your audience where they are. It's evident that you are constantly bringing your best self and working to create value. "The gap between talent and taste" is something I would venture all creators feel. The weird thing I've learned about the internet is also that to stay relevant, I just have to ship things frequently even if they're not up to my ideal standards. Whenever I feel cringey about some of my less great content existing on the internet, I just remind myself that some of the best actors have horrible flops of movies and embarrassing talk show interviews, haha. And that it comes with the territory of putting yourself out there!
I absolutely relate to all of this! I feel like I've been on the content hamster wheel for the last decade and I'm pausing to reflect on my goals. With over 200k followers on both social channels, I find myself wanting to spend more time writing to my 10k subscribers on Substack. I love longform and need to find a better way to hone that craft. I'm not sure if you're allowed to share, but would LOVE to know if the Substack Geneva group is taking new additions, I'd love the opportunity to join!
I love this, friend! Sometimes I feel like I’m always trying to improve in all areas and then it can feel overwhelming. Haha but! Something I’ve been doing recently is trying my hand at habit stacking. I fell off the horse with my reading and the other day I literally felt my body cravingggg some enlightenment and mindfulness from my books on my nightstand. One habit I am always consistent with? Elevating my legs before bed for 10 mins after sitting at the desk all day or standing on set. I know I sleep so much better when I do this. So now I’m using those 10 mins efficiently and reading at the same time. Before I used to just scroll on my phone while elevating. Now I’ve already noticed the difference with just my anxiety with this change! The next thing to improve is planning substack posts ahead of time; I’m inspired by you!!
A great list! I think what is missing from it though, is actually soliciting feedback! When you don’t work for yourself there is a formal person to give you feedback (your boss, your clients etc). You have an audience instead of a boss or clients but I think the principal stands— I think there are ways to mine it for feedback. Kate Kennedy recently distributed a survey to her listener base to solicit feedback on types of content people like, what to see more or less of, areas to improve, ideas like that, etc. I think that could be a valuable source of insights. After all, these are literally the eyes and ears that pay the bills.
That is a great point and something I will think about. If you saw my DMs, email, etc you would see the amount of unsolicited feedback I get on a daily basis.
What I am talking about specifically in this post is that this is about becoming a better writer, photographer, creating better video. Growing my skills as a creator. Less about content topics & what my audience wants to see (I have a really good grasp on that as I read and reply to every. single. message!)
Sorry hit post too quickly — I think the soliciting part is import at so you can ask the questions you’re curious about and encourage people to be creative, constructive and thoughtful in their response.
Grace, this resonated so much!! As someone who works well in a team environment, what I struggle with the most is always being by myself. I LOVE the creative energy that bouncing ideas off of others brings. And you're so right about the editing process. I must remember that whenever I feel rushed to hit "publish." Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
So much yes! Especially when I’m not in the band / on stage and trying to figure out WTF fans want from us / what will work. It’s exciting and infuriating. A lot. All that said, feeling lucky af I get to do it! #hamsterwheellife 😂🤷🏻♀️
I think about this constantly! Thank you for putting such good words to the topic. Definitely agree with working on something and then letting it sit and coming back with fresh eyes…it’s the ideal way!
This piece was like its own keynote on the topic, Grace. Thank you for writing it and reminding me of the need to clip back in to this side of professionalism. I'm so enjoying how your work -- especially The Stripe and this Substack -- is evolving. I adored hearing from you on BoP last month, too!
I very much experience the gap between talent and taste!
I hired Erin Shetron as my editor in January and have been working with her since. The experience has been amazing - Erin has a way of seeing where I’m hiding, where I’m choosing lyrical language over clarity, where I’m being redundant, where the writing is flimsy, etc. She pushes me in the best (and kindest) possible way, and I’m becoming more skillful as a result. Plus, the process is fun!
In part because of this, I now produce less content but of higher quality. And I typically take two weeks to finish an essay.
I love the magic of taking time to edit. As someone who’s always considered myself a decent writer (but who did not, in fact write very often outside of work emails 🤪) taking the time to write then edit (a lot) has been particularly soul nourishing and eye opening. 🩵
I loved this Grace and completely relate to so many things you mentioned. For what it is worth, I'm constantly inspired by your consistency and dedication to creating content for your community. You always show up and answer the call even when it's maybe not clear what we are asking for. You are a trusted resource in this space for me and I admire the way that you work! AND your reels are KILLING ITTTT lately!
Liz! On Substack! Does this mean a move is coming? I hope so :) Thank you for the encouragement. FWIW... I admire you so much; you are one of the people who makes it all look so easy and effortless. xx
Seconding Liz! ~ I completely relate Grace! And have always been inspired by your dedication too!! I think where you may feel you could be doing better (we all feel this way) you make up for in showing up authentically YOU... which shines through!
aw thank you my friend!!!! xx
I had so many different bullet points written down (hahaha, can Substack add a way to highlight and make notes that aren't restacked?) that I wanted to comment on and add to the conversation. I texted you because this was the type of essay I read twice and I needed you to know I loved it. But when it came time to comment, I realized I just wanted to tell you what an incredible job you're doing. You're always someone I look to as an example of the content you create. But even just reading this, the fact that I was physically writing down bullet points and trying to figure out a way to print it out, goes to show that you're creating content that resonates and inspires so many people - regardless of a tight edit. Thank you ❤️❤️❤️
thank you my friend. i appreciate it so much.
Hi Grace, Lovely essay. I keep secretly hoping that a group of Substackers will band together and you all can hire an editor etc…. Like a mini magazine so you get a little extra support. It’s more efficient and then for us the readers maybe a little less costly. I only pay for 5-6 substacks because it is hard to justify more. This is not to suggest you don’t do a great job. You do. I just think it is always helpful to have someone else supporting your work. I run a nonprofit and see the same issues since I am the “boss.” Though my chair of my board does give me a feedback but she’s not involved in everything I do. I have been able to hire a couple of excellent writers on staff who I can send documents and emails to for review but I still make stupid mistakes. Anyways on to culture. I highly recommend the station 11 tv show. I loved it even more than the book.
I can't wait to get further into Station 11!!! Weekend plan :)
I read Station 11 and it left me a little bewildered! Good to know that the show is better - I’m going to watch. ✔️
Second the Station 11 adaptation. I don't want to spoil it in any way, though I will just say that it's incredibly cinematic and moving. Then, if you haven't read it yet, Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel is simply extraordinary.
i'm enjoying it so much. And yes I read that book and liked it! Not as much as station 11 though !
Love the idea of a Substack magazine!
Came here to recommend the show! It is one of the few times I think the visual adaptation surpasses the book. The acting is SO GOOD.
This is so so relatable! I just listened to the whole interview with Fohr/Tembe as well—so many valuable little nuggets in that convo. I've often wished I had a collaborator/editor for my long-form writing, too. It can be terrifying to put something vulnerable into the universe without having a second set of eyes on it. But without a formal process or relationship in place, that kind of peer review feels difficult to come by. Like... I'm sure my friends would read anything I needed them to since they're going to read it anyway when I hit send, but it feels awkward to ask.
Adding to the chorus here, but I have long admired the way you continue to show up consistently and grow/adapt to meet your audience where they are. It's evident that you are constantly bringing your best self and working to create value. "The gap between talent and taste" is something I would venture all creators feel. The weird thing I've learned about the internet is also that to stay relevant, I just have to ship things frequently even if they're not up to my ideal standards. Whenever I feel cringey about some of my less great content existing on the internet, I just remind myself that some of the best actors have horrible flops of movies and embarrassing talk show interviews, haha. And that it comes with the territory of putting yourself out there!
it is a really great conversation!
I absolutely relate to all of this! I feel like I've been on the content hamster wheel for the last decade and I'm pausing to reflect on my goals. With over 200k followers on both social channels, I find myself wanting to spend more time writing to my 10k subscribers on Substack. I love longform and need to find a better way to hone that craft. I'm not sure if you're allowed to share, but would LOVE to know if the Substack Geneva group is taking new additions, I'd love the opportunity to join!
it's quite a hamster wheel! (And thank you for the interest. We've capped the group for now but if that changes, I'll reach out!)
I love this, friend! Sometimes I feel like I’m always trying to improve in all areas and then it can feel overwhelming. Haha but! Something I’ve been doing recently is trying my hand at habit stacking. I fell off the horse with my reading and the other day I literally felt my body cravingggg some enlightenment and mindfulness from my books on my nightstand. One habit I am always consistent with? Elevating my legs before bed for 10 mins after sitting at the desk all day or standing on set. I know I sleep so much better when I do this. So now I’m using those 10 mins efficiently and reading at the same time. Before I used to just scroll on my phone while elevating. Now I’ve already noticed the difference with just my anxiety with this change! The next thing to improve is planning substack posts ahead of time; I’m inspired by you!!
Taking that time away for inspiration/creativity is so key! Loved this. xx
thank you <3 xx
So relate! Thank you for the great read.
i’m so glad! xx
A great list! I think what is missing from it though, is actually soliciting feedback! When you don’t work for yourself there is a formal person to give you feedback (your boss, your clients etc). You have an audience instead of a boss or clients but I think the principal stands— I think there are ways to mine it for feedback. Kate Kennedy recently distributed a survey to her listener base to solicit feedback on types of content people like, what to see more or less of, areas to improve, ideas like that, etc. I think that could be a valuable source of insights. After all, these are literally the eyes and ears that pay the bills.
That is a great point and something I will think about. If you saw my DMs, email, etc you would see the amount of unsolicited feedback I get on a daily basis.
What I am talking about specifically in this post is that this is about becoming a better writer, photographer, creating better video. Growing my skills as a creator. Less about content topics & what my audience wants to see (I have a really good grasp on that as I read and reply to every. single. message!)
Sorry hit post too quickly — I think the soliciting part is import at so you can ask the questions you’re curious about and encourage people to be creative, constructive and thoughtful in their response.
Grace, this resonated so much!! As someone who works well in a team environment, what I struggle with the most is always being by myself. I LOVE the creative energy that bouncing ideas off of others brings. And you're so right about the editing process. I must remember that whenever I feel rushed to hit "publish." Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
it's so hard!!! Thanks for chiming in. Miss you and NYC, hope life is treating you well.
Love the idea of switching my perspective from criticism to betterment! The next time I get a particularly rough top edit I’ll keep that in mind.
right? It’s a good mindset shift!!!!
So much yes! Especially when I’m not in the band / on stage and trying to figure out WTF fans want from us / what will work. It’s exciting and infuriating. A lot. All that said, feeling lucky af I get to do it! #hamsterwheellife 😂🤷🏻♀️
I think about this constantly! Thank you for putting such good words to the topic. Definitely agree with working on something and then letting it sit and coming back with fresh eyes…it’s the ideal way!
thank you! I’m glad I’m not alone here.
This piece was like its own keynote on the topic, Grace. Thank you for writing it and reminding me of the need to clip back in to this side of professionalism. I'm so enjoying how your work -- especially The Stripe and this Substack -- is evolving. I adored hearing from you on BoP last month, too!
thank you, so kind of you to say!
I very much experience the gap between talent and taste!
I hired Erin Shetron as my editor in January and have been working with her since. The experience has been amazing - Erin has a way of seeing where I’m hiding, where I’m choosing lyrical language over clarity, where I’m being redundant, where the writing is flimsy, etc. She pushes me in the best (and kindest) possible way, and I’m becoming more skillful as a result. Plus, the process is fun!
In part because of this, I now produce less content but of higher quality. And I typically take two weeks to finish an essay.
i love this. thank you for sharing!
I love the magic of taking time to edit. As someone who’s always considered myself a decent writer (but who did not, in fact write very often outside of work emails 🤪) taking the time to write then edit (a lot) has been particularly soul nourishing and eye opening. 🩵
i couldn’t agree more.