Memoirous

I have a new series underway at https://janehertenstein.substack.com/ What’s the difference between Freeze Frame (Substack) and Memoirous (the blog you’re reading)? I’m trying to build up the professional side of my writing and promote my Flash Memoir Workshops. Right now my Substack articles are FREE but would eventually like to use Substack commercially, a bit like Patreon. The plan is for Substack and the workshops to supplement my writing career.   I know, a bit too late when you’re past 65—but, hey, never give up! The biggest difference between content on the two sites: Memoirous acts as my everyday platform. Here you’ll read ubiquitous observations, Zen-like meditations, rants, and insights into writing and life and the writing life. It’s a bit more nimble than my Substack, as I post more frequently. Freeze Frame on Substack consists of articles geared toward those who are intentionally seeking to write—either memoir, novel, flash—or blurred genre. I put a lot of...

 Why I’m on Substack This question is one I often ask of anything: How can I align the stars? I’d like to be a working artist. I’d like to get paid for my content, for being a creative. I’d like to be a real author. If only the universe allowed me. I’ve been doing this shtick for over 35 years and I’m not a spring chicken anymore. For instance, random strangers ask me if I’m retired. The answer is no and I often don’t even know what it means to be retired. But, again, I’d like to. Some days all I want to do is write and feel like I’m reaching an audience, that my work has meaning. Substack is, hopefully, one more way to engage a reader and grow my audience. It’s about having a platform—something writers are constantly asked about particularly if they want an agent. It’s a lot like Wordpress.com especially as I’ve noticed at Wordpress more premium options. The difference is Substack is free. Whereas at Wordpress you have to pay—if even just to make sure your site is fr...

The past few weeks I’ve been busy building a Substack account. Now, to be honest, I’m still not sure what Substack does and how it’s much different from Blogger Wordpress And all the other platforms I use to generate interest in me, my books, and the workshops I offer. And, again, if I’m honest. I’m not sure how much time and effort I want to put into building a presence—especially when it cuts into my creative writing time—which is very limited these days. I’ve asked to go down on hours at my “day” job so that I can devote more time to writing and summer hang out. I feel like I need to refill the tank, as it were. Substack is an all-in-one site for those authors interested in linking Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and their podcast and where they can also blog and leave updates. Newsletters, etc are directly mailed out to subscribers. There are also levels of subscribers. Some are lurkers who don’t subscribe, but are just checking the site out. Some folks might subscribe but ...