Hunkering-Down

A Love Note To All my Readers

Friends, I have a confession.

I came to Substack five months ago for one reason: to share my science fiction story that’s been brewing for ages.

Along the way, I found something I didn’t expect—you.

I had no idea Substack would shower me with positive encouragement, genuine conversations, and endearing friendships,

Meeting fellow creators who understand what it means to wrestle a story onto the page has been the highlight of my experience here.

Your stories captivated me—and they still do. I took the time to read works from every subscriber’s page. Some weeks, that’s all I did.

I had fun. I learned some of you feverishly write like Kermit:

You blow me away.

Here’s the truth: I’ve been spending more hours writing about writing than actually writing. Twenty-one notes per week, an article every Saturday, and the constant droning of the algorithm saying more, more, more had me writing for Substack in my sleep.

Meanwhile, the story I set out to finish was trudging along……like a donkey in mud.

Then I discovered Jessica Brody’s Page One to Done, and something shifted.

She shares her secrets on how to get through drafting and editing—like Kermit. (But more efficiently!)

I feel real momentum now.

So I’m going heads-down to finish the story I set out to write for you.

That doesn’t mean I’m going away.

Here’s my plan:

• Signal From the Outer Rim. On the first Saturday of each month, I’ll publish an honest check-in from inside the draft. I’ll update you on what’s working, what’s going terribly wrong, what this story is teaching me.

• Live conversations. I’ll continue showing up for hosted and guest lives because chatting with you is one of my favorite ways to connect!

  • I host a monthly live series called Stories That Heal, where authors explore the fascinating aspect of psychology behind storytelling. We discuss how to engage readers in a specific genre, the persistence of resonant tales, and the accomplishment of writing a novel. I will announce future dates and times—please join us!

Thank you all for subscribing, following and cheerleading.

You’re amazing, and I appreciate every one of you!

With love,

Linda

Hi! If you enjoyed this story, please consider subscribing. It’s FREE. You’ll be the first to know when my sci-fi novel drops.🛸

And if paid subscriptions aren’t your cup o’ joe, I’d still be grateful for some rocket fuel to keep me going.🚀

💜I appreciate your support!🪐