a podcast episode, why substack feels like home, and reflections from my bike commuting

Yesterday, I was on my bike on my way back home and I decided to tune into one of my favorite podcasts of all. I clicked on an episode of the Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach podcast, where Ann was chatting with Jane Friedman about Substack and its role for writers today. I saw a post about it on Ann’s Instagram feed and I got intrigued.

By the time I parked my bike at home, I felt like I’d just had a deep conversation with friends about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately.

So, here are my thoughts about it.

They dug into how Substack isn’t just another newsletter platform—it’s like the ultimate toolkit for writers who want to focus on writing and building a readership. I always felt that, but I was afraid of switching from Instagram to Substack at first.

But here’s something that resonated a lot with me: Jane talked about how Substack combines blogging, social media features, podcast hosting, and email marketing all in one place. For someone like me, who came from Instagram and failed at blogging because Ghost and Wordpress were not fulfilling my needs, what she said and all the simplicity of the platform is a game-changer.

I remember when I first thought about sharing my writing online. The idea of setting up a website, managing email lists, and accounts felt overwhelming. That’s why I went to Instagram first. It was easier. WordPress, Mailchimp, SEO—it was like learning three different languages at once. But with Substack, it’s like the first days of Instagram but for writers. It lets me write and connect with readers without getting bogged down by technical stuff or crazy algorithms.

These whole talk reminded me of why I picked Substack over Instagram, after all these years of an established Instagram account.

As I weaved through traffic, I found myself nodding along to their points. This is exactly why I feel at home on Substack. Unlike Instagram, where the algorithm seems to bury my posts unless they’re picture-perfect, hashtagged just right, or whatever it is the new algorithm food now, Substack lets my writing take center stage. There’s no pressure to post stunning visuals or chase after likes. It’s just me, my words, and readers who actually care.

Instagram always felt like a crowded room where everyone’s shouting to be heard. Substack feels more like that cozy coffee shop where I can have meaningful conversations with people interested in what I have to say. It’s perfect for writers who just want to write and build a readership without getting sucked into the social media grind.

The Real Talk: Pros and Cons

But Ann and Jane didn’t just paint a rosy picture—they kept it real. They discussed how relying solely on Substack might be a bit risky since it’s backed by venture capital and could change as it tries to turn a profit. It’s something I’ve thought about too. But I’m stubborn and an always-experimenting kind of writer. After all, nothing’s perfect, and althought it’s smart to be aware of potential pitfalls, again, Substack feels like home. For now.

They also touched on some controversies around content moderation on Substack. The platform takes a hands-off approach, which has its ups and downs. On one hand, it means more freedom for writers. On the other, it raises questions about what kind of content gets a platform. But still, that’s not a problem for me. Twitter and Instagram are way worse.

Patronage vs. Paid Subscriptions

That was the quote from the Episode that made me want to listen to it right away: “Most writers should really be looking at more of a patronage model rather than a subscriber model.”

I tried both, and I agree: Writers should open their work to everyone, letting readers decide if they want to support them. The subscriber model locks content behind a paywall, shrinking the audience. A patronage model builds trust by offering free content, allowing readers to give what they can. It’s a simpler, more honest way to build a loyal following. Instead of chasing subscriptions, writers can focus on their craft, knowing that those who care will help them keep going. It’s not about transactions but about sharing and supporting.

I created the bookclub for paid subscribers as a way to give something exclusively to those who support my work. I think this makes a two-way exchange.

And in the podcast, they discussed the difference between patronage and paid subscriptions. Jane explained that for most writers, expecting readers to pay a monthly fee for content can be a tough sell unless you’re offering something they absolutely can’t get anywhere else. It’s not just about putting a price tag on your work; it’s about building a relationship.

She suggested thinking in terms of patronage—inviting readers to support your work because they value it and want to see more of it. And despite what I said, it’s less of a transactional exchange and more about fostering a community that’s invested in your success. This approach feels more natural to me. It takes the pressure off having to constantly deliver “premium” or “exclusive” content and allows me to focus on writing from the heart.

Just to be clear, the book club is a premium, exclusive thing, but I’m not doing it with the pressure of constantly having to deliver to people expecting something in return. It’s more about creating a space for real connection, where we can all share and engage without it feeling like a transaction. And it’s a bit of a work to put it all together. So…

But I started considering ways to incorporate this “patronage” idea into my own Substack. Maybe it’s as simple as adding a tip jar or offering the book club like I’m doing. But the whole idea is to give readers the choice to support you if they feel inclined, without making it a barrier to accessing your work and without they always expecting you’ll be giving them more than the best of your free work.

Building Genuine Connections

Another thing that stood out was how Substack fosters a sense of community. Ann and Jane talked about the platform’s features that help writers connect with readers and other writers. For those of us who just want to write and build a readership without getting lost in the social media maze, Substack is a breath of fresh air.

Since joining, I’ve met other writers who share similar interests. We support each other’s work, share feedback, and I feel that we Weill collaborate at some point as well. It’s not about competing for attention; it’s about growing together.

And I liked that Jane reminded the fact that people from Substack also have their publications and spaces and share their stuff here. Proving they also love and use the platform and are somehow inserted in these genuine connections.

The importance for writers who just want to write…

What really resonated with me during my ride with these two amazing women was the idea that Substack is tailor-made for writers who just want to write and build a readership. No gimmicks, no need to become a marketing guru—just a straightforward platform that lets your words reach the people who want to read them.

For someone like me, who juggles a day job and writes whenever I can squeeze in the time, this is invaluable. I don’t have the bandwidth to manage multiple platforms or learn complicated systems. Substack removes those barriers, letting me focus on my craft.

so… wrapping up

You should definitely listen to the episode. By the time I got home, I was feeling inspired. The conversation between Ann and Jane not only validated my choices but also gave me a lot to think about moving forward—especially about how I approach monetizing my work and building a sustainable relationship with my readers.

It also made me think about how I interact with other writers here.

And if you’re a writer looking for a place to just write and connect with readers—without all the unnecessary fluff, again,—I highly recommend giving that podcast episode a listen. It might just help you find your own little corner of the internet, just like I did.

Now, let me read your thoughts on all this.