Using the Substack Chat function to inspire us to take tiny steps

tiny step by tiny step we get closer to our creative dreams.

I changed my about page a few days ago. I’ve written the following:

Previously this newsletter was called The Anxious Writer. I would describe myself as an unconfident writer, a procrastinator, self-sabotager you name it, I was it.

But I’ve decided I no longer want to define myself by those negative terms. I may struggle with them at times but equally I consistently show up, I keep going, I’ve produced a huge body of work here on Substack, my blog, Instagram and YouTube, I’ve created a workbook about journaling, I’ve written a novel that is currently awaiting it’s final edit, and I’m querying literary agents with my non-fiction book proposal.

So I’ve decided to reframe my outlook and to call this newsletter Brave Words. It’s all about consistently showing up, taking tiny steps, finishing projects and moving closer towards our writing dreams.

The bit I’ve highlighted in bold has been key to my progress since 2019. My former membership club was based around this and my project planning process, where I divide my projects into really small tasks and which I do at the beginning of every month, is massively influenced by taking tiny steps.

What also helps is accountability. If you state out loud what you plan to do in a month, a week or even in one writing session (like I do with

Claire Holden

, my twice-weekly writing buddy) you are more likely to achieve it.

So at the beginning of every week (on a Sunday or a Monday) I’d like to use the Substack Chat function as a way of helping each other to take tiny steps with our writing or creativity. I’ll open the Chat with what I intend to work on in the week ahead and you are then welcome to add what you’re planning to work on. By the Sunday or Monday the following week we can update on our tiny steps.

It’s also going to be a place where we can share our wins as well as our struggles. For example, if someone is struggling with a techy question that is stopping you from making progress, it could be someone else will know the answer to enable you to continue moving forward.

Because I want this to be a community where we can share potentially scary stuff (writing on the Internet that you want to write a book, create a YouTube channel or start a Substack newsletter can feel scary!) that feels awfully vulnerable, this will be behind the paywall so that we can avoid trolls and unpleasant comments.

I have recently significantly reduced the price of an annual membership to just £20 for an entire year. Just imagine if you take tiny steps for 52 weeks with community support, where you could be in twelve months time!

To gain access to this plus all of my articles, alongside a monthly podcast and video from my desk, you can upgrade your subscription below.

I’ll start the first chat very soon. (You may find it easier to access in the Substack app.)