I've got a blank space...

...and I'll write your name. Not in the Taylor Swift way. But still...

“

?”

– every writer ever

Blank page. Blank space in the text editor. A lack of words. Enemy of the writer.

The writer wants to fill the space with…something. Something good. Or at least sufficient. Possibly profitable.

But an obstacle must be overcome. Writer's block. Writer's cramp. Too little coffee. Too little time.

Freedom means options. On Substack – or any blank space – you could write anything. That can be liberating or terrifying.

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Just write. Write anything. You can revise later.

Or start a discussion. Even an open forum. Let any interested person fill the space.

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This newsletter isn't primarily about me. I suppose that's true for many newsletters. To a large extent, a newsletter is about each person who reads and benefits from it.¹

My newsletter is unusual in that it's ideally about (or relevant to) your newsletter, your experience on Substack. I want to help you to deal with challenges and to fulfill your goals, such as connecting with more readers and writers too.

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Taylor Swift's “Blank Space” is mostly irrelevant to this post. But, like any writer, I've got a blank space. And since you are the primary reason for this newsletter, I'll write your name.

Unless the post explicitly mentions you – such as in an interview – only you can see your name. But if I've done my job, you'll know your name is essentially in this newsletter.²

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Whether on your newsletter or this one, the question is how to fill in the space. Personally, I can't do it without you.

1. A newsletter is about the author too. No author, no newsletter. And the author may benefit from writing. Some people are happy to write things, such as secret diaries, that no one else sees. But I presume most newsletter writers want at least one reader.

2. I’ll see your public posts by email and list your newsletter on my profile. If you're not on my list yet, please let me know.