You've hit on why I don't think Substack would be a "good fit" for me as a member. I'm not a salesman, and I don't see how anyone would know I exist here unless I "sell" myself to people I know, getting them to subscribe. Do you know that only 2 people in my life even know about Quora and my 7-year involvement! And it's free, too. But, still, I think of myself as selling it if I ask friends and others to check out my space. I may not have a complete understanding of how this site works. Maybe the general public can browse around and read the work of various authors and then decide if they'd like to subscribe? I try to imagine myself sending Quora messages to my "regulars", inviting them to consider subscribing...no, no, no, it's not for me! But, if you can do it--Power to You!
I'm going to give it my best shot. I'm beginning to see the ways I don't have to be an outright sales person. 1. Get recommendations. That puts you on other people's pages. 2. The messages and buttons you put on the end of posts. 3. Subscribing (free) to other writers'. 4. Writing good posts people will want to share. That's a few of them anyway--I'd like to see you do those, too. I think you're a lot like me. Try posting some of your excellent writing and see what happens.
The jury is still out on whether it's a 'good' fit. I love it here --I'm challenged and I can easily get inspired, but good to me means will I be able to make it as a "paid writer" here? Getting paid subscribers is the real meat of being a Substack writer. Does that make sense? I haven't found the secret to getting more paid subscribers yet. Is my work good enough to make it here? I'm my own worst critic, Carol! I just don't know. (laughing)
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine how that was for you. I used to volunteer at the USO during Gulf 1 & 2. It seems they all were so very young. My aunt told me: “They’re the same age they’ve always been.” It really hit home.
Thank you! I was haunted for years. He was a sweet boy and watching him grow up was so satisfying. I was so angry at the court. And so in pain for that boy.
This is one of those times when we all look at life and say, "Damnit, it just isn't fair!" With every fiber in my being I wish it could have been different for you and that boy. I want to curse the court and yell at the Almighty, "How could you reach down inside me and rip out my heart?" I remember feeling that way over fifty years ago when my husband, Doug, was killed in Vietnam. The inhumanity of war and loss and grieving was something so alive and so tangible, I could almost reach out and grab it ---I wanted to punish ... "something" ... for my aching heart. It took years and a lot of counseling to get through the stages of grief and really live again. I'm so sorry you're hurting, Karin. Please know, I do understand the emptiness and heartache that comes with loss. You are among friends here. Reach out if you need to. Love and hugs.
So very true. I didn’t have children but I did have 7 stepkids. The youngest one was age 6 when he came to live with me. Watching him bloom was amazing. Nightly bathing, professional haircuts, extra help
with school work and we were so close. Sadly, he was killed in a car accident at 12. That’s been many years ago but my heart still aches for him. I tried so hard to get custody . No one could find his parents so he was staying with grandparents. They couldn’t give me custody as the court couldn’t allow it. I saw him the day before the accident. He asked to come live with me. My heart is still broken. Little kids need love and guidance. Routine days and nights. Most of all, they need to Love back.
Karin, I am so sorry for your loss. He was so young. Your love for him shines like a star and I know he looks down through the windows in heaven and he knows how you love him. 🤍🤍
Oh, that is a mournful burden you carry, my dear. My heart goes out to you. If only he hadn't asked the impossible of you just the night before... but children don't understand courts and rulings. They only understand love, which he received in abundance from you. He had more love and caring and guidance from you in his short life than many, many people receive in a full lifetime. And you are so right about children needing to show love as well as receive it. I have many memories of being so in love with my mother until her rejection of my hugs became so painful that I withdrew and literally fell out of love. I'm sorry for your stepson and I'm sorry for your broken heart. But I'm happy for the tender and loving precious moments you shared. Peace be with you. ~cc
You are a special lady, Carol Cotton. You write so beautifully and it flies like an arrow right into the heart and soul where all the love is. Whenever I read your words, I feel like I've been hugged. I just wanted you to know that.
This touches me deeply, C.J. I feel your hugs, too! I don't know Karin Morris but I could feel her pain and regret in every word she wrote. Some hurts can never be completely healed, especially when young children are involved. People who've been spared the horror of losing children are the most fortunate people in the world. I know that every time she thinks of that boy, which is often, it's like a fresh wound to the heart.
You've hit on why I don't think Substack would be a "good fit" for me as a member. I'm not a salesman, and I don't see how anyone would know I exist here unless I "sell" myself to people I know, getting them to subscribe. Do you know that only 2 people in my life even know about Quora and my 7-year involvement! And it's free, too. But, still, I think of myself as selling it if I ask friends and others to check out my space. I may not have a complete understanding of how this site works. Maybe the general public can browse around and read the work of various authors and then decide if they'd like to subscribe? I try to imagine myself sending Quora messages to my "regulars", inviting them to consider subscribing...no, no, no, it's not for me! But, if you can do it--Power to You!
I'm going to give it my best shot. I'm beginning to see the ways I don't have to be an outright sales person. 1. Get recommendations. That puts you on other people's pages. 2. The messages and buttons you put on the end of posts. 3. Subscribing (free) to other writers'. 4. Writing good posts people will want to share. That's a few of them anyway--I'd like to see you do those, too. I think you're a lot like me. Try posting some of your excellent writing and see what happens.
It looks like Substack is a good fit for you, C.J. I wish you continued success!
The jury is still out on whether it's a 'good' fit. I love it here --I'm challenged and I can easily get inspired, but good to me means will I be able to make it as a "paid writer" here? Getting paid subscribers is the real meat of being a Substack writer. Does that make sense? I haven't found the secret to getting more paid subscribers yet. Is my work good enough to make it here? I'm my own worst critic, Carol! I just don't know. (laughing)
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine how that was for you. I used to volunteer at the USO during Gulf 1 & 2. It seems they all were so very young. My aunt told me: “They’re the same age they’ve always been.” It really hit home.
Thank you, Karin. You're very kind. It was a long time ago and a lot of counseling has made it possible to go forward with my life.
Thank you! I was haunted for years. He was a sweet boy and watching him grow up was so satisfying. I was so angry at the court. And so in pain for that boy.
This is one of those times when we all look at life and say, "Damnit, it just isn't fair!" With every fiber in my being I wish it could have been different for you and that boy. I want to curse the court and yell at the Almighty, "How could you reach down inside me and rip out my heart?" I remember feeling that way over fifty years ago when my husband, Doug, was killed in Vietnam. The inhumanity of war and loss and grieving was something so alive and so tangible, I could almost reach out and grab it ---I wanted to punish ... "something" ... for my aching heart. It took years and a lot of counseling to get through the stages of grief and really live again. I'm so sorry you're hurting, Karin. Please know, I do understand the emptiness and heartache that comes with loss. You are among friends here. Reach out if you need to. Love and hugs.
Thank you for the kind words. His birthday was February. 20th. I get antsy and anxious and make sure to offer up for him.
So very true. I didn’t have children but I did have 7 stepkids. The youngest one was age 6 when he came to live with me. Watching him bloom was amazing. Nightly bathing, professional haircuts, extra help
with school work and we were so close. Sadly, he was killed in a car accident at 12. That’s been many years ago but my heart still aches for him. I tried so hard to get custody . No one could find his parents so he was staying with grandparents. They couldn’t give me custody as the court couldn’t allow it. I saw him the day before the accident. He asked to come live with me. My heart is still broken. Little kids need love and guidance. Routine days and nights. Most of all, they need to Love back.
Karin, I am so sorry for your loss. He was so young. Your love for him shines like a star and I know he looks down through the windows in heaven and he knows how you love him. 🤍🤍
Oh, that is a mournful burden you carry, my dear. My heart goes out to you. If only he hadn't asked the impossible of you just the night before... but children don't understand courts and rulings. They only understand love, which he received in abundance from you. He had more love and caring and guidance from you in his short life than many, many people receive in a full lifetime. And you are so right about children needing to show love as well as receive it. I have many memories of being so in love with my mother until her rejection of my hugs became so painful that I withdrew and literally fell out of love. I'm sorry for your stepson and I'm sorry for your broken heart. But I'm happy for the tender and loving precious moments you shared. Peace be with you. ~cc
You are a special lady, Carol Cotton. You write so beautifully and it flies like an arrow right into the heart and soul where all the love is. Whenever I read your words, I feel like I've been hugged. I just wanted you to know that.
This touches me deeply, C.J. I feel your hugs, too! I don't know Karin Morris but I could feel her pain and regret in every word she wrote. Some hurts can never be completely healed, especially when young children are involved. People who've been spared the horror of losing children are the most fortunate people in the world. I know that every time she thinks of that boy, which is often, it's like a fresh wound to the heart.
I know her only through Substack and she is a very sweet soul, another that I'm proud to know and have as a friend.