You know how you can be doing something non-writing related and a thought comes to you? That’s literally just happened to me in the shower. My mind drifted to my Substack and one thought led to another until I thought: how do people see my Substack? What is it I’m known for? What messages do people get from my writing? And I couldn’t answer definitively - so thought I’d ask YOU.
I’d love to know what you associate me, my writing and Substack with. Is it writing? Being online? Being in my 40s? Lacking in creative confidence? Reading? My desk?! Or something else? If you could take two seconds to drop a word or two in the comments I’d really appreciate it.
From what I've seen of you so far Helen you come across as really down to earth and relatable. Giving voice to the thoughts that so many of us have and being gently nurturing and supportive. You seem to be so hugely creative, a lover of beautiful things and a real talent for putting this all together in an inspirationally visual way. I'm in awe. 🌻🌺
Hi Helen, what strikes me most about you is your entrepreneurship, creativity and bravery to try new things! I personally love how you started the Confident Creative Club (which I was a part of ) and then had the confidence to close it so you could focus more on your own writing. I love how you know what you want and aren't afraid to make hard decisions.
Helen I don't know if my comment counts seeing as I've gotten to know you so well in this last year but I have to say that what continues to come through for me in your writing and voice and videos is a brand that is all about living one's creativity with confidence. And it's all lovely!
I'm new to Substack and new to you, so I don't yet have enough experience of you and your work to give you a helpful answer. But I wanted to pop into the comments to say that asking this question is genius! We can know our intention etc, but asking about outer people's experience of us/our work can be so insightful. I hope you enjoy all the love that I'm sure this question will bring your way. Signed, a new fan : )
Like someone else mentioned, I save all your emails. Each one has something special that will either encourage me, introduce me to a new book, inspire me beyond words, or take me to a relaxing video that I'll watch multiple times while enjoying a cuppa. Oh! And, dogs. That's another that I associate with you. :)
Jan 18, 2023·edited Jan 18, 2023Liked by Helen Redfern
I can identify with you in so many ways, Helen. I love your confidence, and the fact that sometimes you're NOT confident; I enjoy your posts about how to write, how to plan, how to journal; the stages you're going through in writing your fabulous book; and, cards on the table, I am sharing your journey as a lady of a similar age.
I associate you mainly with writing, and with your YouTube videos. I avoid most social media - I just lurk on YT to educate myself on journalling, budgeting and writing - but Substack is the only platform I actively USE. In fact it's you who introduced me to Substack - I think you know this - and to be honest, your influence and your introducing me to it is what basically MADE me start writing.
Back to your original question: I'd say that I associate you all of the above things. And I'm so grateful to you for every single one of them. ♥️
Hi Helen, I’m new to your substack, but have followed you elsewhere for awhile. Your content brings to mind calm, intention, savoring, and persistence. Not really a cohesive description, sorry!, but it is a great reminder to instill those in my own practice.
I am new to your substack. Looking very forward to reading it every month! I feel that I already know you because love these things about your videos: when you walk your dogs, when you organize your books, when you show us how you use index cards to organize your plot, when you write in your notebooks, when you talk about what you look for in a notebook, when you show us your desk - the lighthouse lamp, the stringed lights on your wall, your pens, when we are "in" your attic writing room, I feel that you are a trusted friend, a wholesome person, a gifted writer, someone who cares about the important things in life. I love how you talk to us like you know and care about us. I think you are the sweetest, kindest, most honest person I have come across. Cozy is definitely a word that I associate with you, as well as brave, true, facing forward, settling in and enjoying the journey of writing by making it friendly.
When I see your emails in my inbox I save them as a cosy treat.
Your writing and videos are perfect for putting me in the mood to write - there's something in the cosiness, the simple luxuries, the gentleness in acknowledging how overwhelming or scary it can feel but doing it anyway. You create a sort of aspirational place that is re-creatable in my own home.
Hi Helen. I see you as someone who helps give women confidence to do their writing. I also like how you have talked openly about peri-menopause and HRT. I'm a few years older than you (I'm 56) and recently started on HRT. You were one of a few voices who helped shape my decision.
I'm just getting to know you! So far it's your desk and your thoughtful comments about having a n inspiring place to create. I sure this will evolve over the next few posts :)
From what I've seen of you so far Helen you come across as really down to earth and relatable. Giving voice to the thoughts that so many of us have and being gently nurturing and supportive. You seem to be so hugely creative, a lover of beautiful things and a real talent for putting this all together in an inspirationally visual way. I'm in awe. 🌻🌺
Hi Helen, what strikes me most about you is your entrepreneurship, creativity and bravery to try new things! I personally love how you started the Confident Creative Club (which I was a part of ) and then had the confidence to close it so you could focus more on your own writing. I love how you know what you want and aren't afraid to make hard decisions.
Helen I don't know if my comment counts seeing as I've gotten to know you so well in this last year but I have to say that what continues to come through for me in your writing and voice and videos is a brand that is all about living one's creativity with confidence. And it's all lovely!
I'm new to Substack and new to you, so I don't yet have enough experience of you and your work to give you a helpful answer. But I wanted to pop into the comments to say that asking this question is genius! We can know our intention etc, but asking about outer people's experience of us/our work can be so insightful. I hope you enjoy all the love that I'm sure this question will bring your way. Signed, a new fan : )
Like someone else mentioned, I save all your emails. Each one has something special that will either encourage me, introduce me to a new book, inspire me beyond words, or take me to a relaxing video that I'll watch multiple times while enjoying a cuppa. Oh! And, dogs. That's another that I associate with you. :)
I can identify with you in so many ways, Helen. I love your confidence, and the fact that sometimes you're NOT confident; I enjoy your posts about how to write, how to plan, how to journal; the stages you're going through in writing your fabulous book; and, cards on the table, I am sharing your journey as a lady of a similar age.
I associate you mainly with writing, and with your YouTube videos. I avoid most social media - I just lurk on YT to educate myself on journalling, budgeting and writing - but Substack is the only platform I actively USE. In fact it's you who introduced me to Substack - I think you know this - and to be honest, your influence and your introducing me to it is what basically MADE me start writing.
Back to your original question: I'd say that I associate you all of the above things. And I'm so grateful to you for every single one of them. ♥️
Hi Helen, I’m new to your substack, but have followed you elsewhere for awhile. Your content brings to mind calm, intention, savoring, and persistence. Not really a cohesive description, sorry!, but it is a great reminder to instill those in my own practice.
I am new to your substack. Looking very forward to reading it every month! I feel that I already know you because love these things about your videos: when you walk your dogs, when you organize your books, when you show us how you use index cards to organize your plot, when you write in your notebooks, when you talk about what you look for in a notebook, when you show us your desk - the lighthouse lamp, the stringed lights on your wall, your pens, when we are "in" your attic writing room, I feel that you are a trusted friend, a wholesome person, a gifted writer, someone who cares about the important things in life. I love how you talk to us like you know and care about us. I think you are the sweetest, kindest, most honest person I have come across. Cozy is definitely a word that I associate with you, as well as brave, true, facing forward, settling in and enjoying the journey of writing by making it friendly.
When I see your emails in my inbox I save them as a cosy treat.
Your writing and videos are perfect for putting me in the mood to write - there's something in the cosiness, the simple luxuries, the gentleness in acknowledging how overwhelming or scary it can feel but doing it anyway. You create a sort of aspirational place that is re-creatable in my own home.
Thank you!
Hi Helen. I see you as someone who helps give women confidence to do their writing. I also like how you have talked openly about peri-menopause and HRT. I'm a few years older than you (I'm 56) and recently started on HRT. You were one of a few voices who helped shape my decision.
I'm just getting to know you! So far it's your desk and your thoughtful comments about having a n inspiring place to create. I sure this will evolve over the next few posts :)