Reaching out and connecting with others was hard for this introvert, but when I did everything changed, in my life and on my Substack

Growing Together: How Connection Shapes Our Writing Life

There’s a misconception that writing is a solitary pursuit. We imagine the writer alone at their desk, lost in thought, weaving words into something meaningful. And while there are certainly solitary moments, I’ve found that the moments that uplift me as a writer are moments of connection.

When I started my Substack, I approached it like I had to figure everything out on my own—how to grow, engage, and consistently show up. I followed accounts I admired, trying to piece together what worked, but something always felt just out of reach. It wasn’t until I started intentionally working alongside others—through courses, communities, and interviews—that I saw how growth isn’t just about strategies. It’s about relationships.

The Power of Growing Together

Growth, in both life and writing, thrives through connection. Our creative work is strengthened when we let others in, when we learn together and when we open ourselves to conversation rather than isolation.

For me, there were two pivotal ways this played out:

• Learning within groups – Joining writing-focused courses and communities gave me a sense of momentum. Not because I was learning some special hack, but because I was engaging with people on the same journey, figuring things out together. Hearing others voice the same struggles made the process feel lighter, more possible on the days I needed a little boost..

• Interviewing others – When I started reaching out for interviews, I didn’t just expand my content; I expanded my connections. Conversations sparked new ideas. Sharing others’ perspectives made my own work feel more rooted in something larger.

  

Collaboration Over Competition

Growth isn’t about competing for attention; it’s about creating spaces where others feel seen. When we share generously—whether through interviews, community discussions, or simply responding thoughtfully to someone’s work—we invite reciprocity. We build relationships, not just readerships.

Through my successful Interview Series, Embarking on Eudamonia, I’ve not only expanded my audience but also formed relationships that continue to inspire and shape my work. I’ve seen firsthand how interviewing isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about creating spaces for meaningful dialogue that benefits both the interviewer and the audience.

Substack, and writing in general, doesn’t have to be a solo climb. It can be a shared path where we learn from those ahead of us, walk alongside peers, and extend a hand to those beginning. The more I’ve leaned into this, the more sustainable and rewarding this journey has become.

An Invitation

I’d love to hear from you—how has connection shaped your creative growth? Have there been moments where working alongside others shifted your perspective or momentum? Drop a comment or share your thoughts—I’d love to continue this conversation together.

Unlocking the Power of Collaboration

If you've found yourself navigating your Substack journey alone, unsure of how to elevate your content and engagement, the power of interviews is one I would love to share with you.

I have interviewed people starting out and published authors with over 50,000 followers, honoured and trusted to share their words on my site and link back to theirs. This is a huge responsibility, but it is one that can be navigated to bring amazing people into your online space.

In my Interview Course, Unlock the Power of Interviews; Grow your platform through collaboration, I share everything I’ve learned about crafting compelling interviews that elevate your writing, expand your reach, and build lasting connections.

Designed to amplify your creative process through meaningful connections, the course goes beyond strategies. It empowers you to cultivate relationships that not only enrich your content but also expand your audience. Imagine learning alongside like-minded individuals, discovering shared insights, and igniting fresh ideas through compelling interviews. These interactions not only enhance your writing but also foster a supportive community where collaboration thrives over competition.

More on the Course via this link.

Thanks for joining me today. My writing is shared because I value you here reading, connecting with me in this magnificent unseen way that is the closest thing I have come across to magic: me writing here, but it will then when you read this.