My First Birthday on Substack
One year ago today, I started this journey of writing on Substack. It was May 9, 2022 that I signed up. I released my first post the next day. I didn’t know where it would lead me. Boy has it been exciting.
When I began writing on Substack, I had all the time in the world. Now with working, that takes a lot more of my time. But I continue to write when I get home and when I have free time, which is hardly ever. Somehow I make it work.
One thing that I learned once I joined Substack was that you can make friends quickly, either through your writing or commenting on other’s Substacks. I never thought that was possible. Of course, I had never written on any blogs before but I had seen other blogs and there weren’t many interactions. That is totally different on Substack. You have engagement. And that is what I like. I have made so many friends.
For my sixth-month anniversary I talked about the top five posts in three categories. I decided to switch it up this time.
Favorite Stories
Here are some of my favorite stories. There are so many but these are extra special. When these events happened, I had no idea I would be telling the whole world about them.
If you haven’t read, “Who Stole My Underwear”, you need to. We all need laughs these days. There are so many stressful things happening in our lives and on television. It’s nice to laugh about something. Stay tuned because I have another story about underwear coming soon. I mentioned it to one of my subscribers and I think I’m going to write it. I wasn’t sure if I should or not but what the heck. It will be brief! 🤣
Who writes about getting trapped in the bathroom? It’s embarrassing but I wrote it. Read “Trapped! Now What?” if you need to remember what happened. If this is your first time here, this is a must read.
In “You Don’t Have It So Bad”, I wrote about a woman who I believe has non-verbal autism. It was a touching story about why we don’t have it so bad. We shouldn’t fret over not getting the latest electronic device or piece of clothing. People with afflictions and disabilities may not be able to do everything we can. We don’t know the pain that they might be going through. Or the happiness they are enjoying, even though it might look like they are not happy. An update: I saw her again. I saw her at the same restaurant. This time she was again with the same woman that I think is her Mother, and they were joined by what I believe is her Father. She was munching on some french fries. I noticed that her left hand was bent over. It looked like she couldn’t use that hand.
Presents/Gifts
This is a birthday celebration! Aren’t you supposed to get presents for your birthday? Hmm. You can send gifts to… Just kidding! 🤣
What Day I Publish
I wish I could give you an exact day that I will publish my work but it’s just not possible. I work odd hours and I usually try to publish on my day off. That changes week to week, so I might only find out a few days before. I usually try to post on Wednesday or Thursday but it can change. I try to work on each piece at least a week before that happens but sometimes I only write it the day before. While other stories I have been working on for weeks.
Notes
A note on Notes. The day Substack launched it, I dove in head first. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I think the verdict on it is still open. I have found that whenever I post a link to my stories that I don’t get any interaction. I did get a subscriber from Notes, so that’s a plus. I try not to go on there every day. It can be very addictive.
Subscribers
Since my six-month birthday on Substack, 16 new people have subscribed. That might not sound like a lot but I’m happy to get anyone who wants to read what I have to write.
I’m reaching more people than I ever thought possible. Subscribers come from 10 U.S. states and 9 countries.
Recommendations
Recommendations are where some of your subscribers are going to come from. This is the best because it is other writers who are recommending you. They’ve either written nice talking points about your writing or just hit the recommend button.
Nine people have subscribed from Publications recommending me. So I have to thank these people:
Mark
Seven people have subscribed to Substack’s I have recommended. Congratulations!
Here are my Recommendations.
What’s To Come
I thought I would give you a preview of some of the stories I’ll be posting soon.
The Briefcase Guy, Kid Needing Help, The Guy With Three Names, We Don’t Have Anything For Him To Sign, Senior Year Photo, The Characters Of Cedar Run
Hard Times
In reviewing my six-month post, I mentioned that I was going through some hard times. A few weeks later, with a lot of praying, a miracle happened. Most of the hard times I was going through were erased with that miracle. There are still struggles but not as much. I hope to talk about it at a later date.
Conclusion
I want to thank all of my subscribers and all those who don’t subscribe but still read. It is YOU that keeps me writing. I don’t write for me. I write for you. I enjoy writing and it’s nice that someone gets to read my words.
I have many stories to come. Sometimes I think it’s impossible to get as many words as I need to make it interesting. But then I see so many people who only write 10, 50, and 100 words at a time on their posts. So I guess it doesn’t matter.
All my content will always be FREE.
Some writers have used other means to offer the possibility to receive contributions for their work. I’m not sure if I’ll try that or not. I have to explore it more. If you know me, you know I do a ton of research before I ever commit to something.
Until next time, happy reading!
-Matt
Congratulations, Matt! I’ve been an absentee reader for a few weeks and am catching up on my reading. Love your posts, and I’m so glad things are looking ⬆️ for you!
Happy Birthday and glad to hear you had a miracle in your life. We all could use more of those :)