Just my 2 cents (as someone who has written and published nonficiton stuff for 210 days in a row, give or take): these tips are just as good for nonfiction writers! Great stuff, S.E.
This. All this. Every single word of it ♥️♥️♥️♥️ I knew I loved your writing. And these lessons are gems for anyone who writes here and genuinely cares about authenticity and connection and their readers. Thank you for taking the time to share this.
Always a tough question! In my opinion (and experience too, I guess) the main thing is to ask yourself if you're likely to have the same audience for your fiction as you would for your nonfiction.
In my case, the audiences are pretty different, so I started a whole new Substack for it, and I'm glad I did. Keeps things tidy when they're separate, and gives your fiction more breathing-room.
But if you think both audiences would be similar, or you're only planning to post fiction occasionally, starting with a section could make way more sense. Hope that helps!
Great post with a variety of advice, from content to the mechanics of this platform. The last point is an especially good reminder. (I just started watching Ted Lasso and it's also a good reminder! Maybe the stars are aligning.) I haven't heard theme defined as the character being "pursued by something they don't know they need," but I like it. Have you unpacked that a bit more in another post? Or maybe an idea for a new one?
Oh, and I never categorize my shorts, I just keep them all in the same drawer. Am I doing it wrong?
Thanks for the comment, Larry! I've considered going into my thoughts on motivation vs theme in a more considered way in a future post; your comment makes me think it might be a good idea! 😁
And categorizing your short fiction isn't always necessary. The whole ethic is just to make sure your readers can find things when they're looking. It's just good practice! ✨
I somehow missed this when it came out. Generally good advice, especially #7.
I will say, I've never heard themes defined in that way before. I'm not sure if I completely agree, but it does give me something to think about. Personally, I've had more luck letting themes emerge organically rather than planning them out. I don't trust myself not to get heavy handed about it, and I hate fiction like that.
Oh, for sure! And I think I should be clear that I don't usually go into a story with themes fully mapped out; no fun in that. It's more that I have a spidey-sense about bigger themes that always seem to pop up for me, while also knowing that certain smaller ones will emerge in the writing. Once I notice the smaller ones, I can go back and make sure the story is consistent.
Ah, that makes sense. I might have misunderstood slightly.
I think (nearly?) every writer has certain themes they tend to go back to time and time again, even if they only realize it in hindsight. You can probably see more of their worldview there than in the characters and plots they choose. Although I could just be making all this up lol.
I so appreciate all your advice, so far I have only shared my poetry for the most part. Getting braver to work on short stories that can turn into chapters for a book. Still so new at all of this. Thank you so much!
That was an excellent post. I've just finished a story to post next week but now I'm going to drag it through the S.E.Reid wringer to make sure it's up to scratch.
Hey, S.E. - I had a lot of thoughts about this as I was reading, and so I organized them and sent them to your Talebones email. I literally just finished writing an essay about the "growth" topic and had this weird cosmic parallel sensation as I read through yours.
I LOVE how you articulated how theme ties into storytelling; I hadn't seen it explained that way before, and it makes total sense!
Also, I so share your viewpoint regarding the value of fiction in improving people's lives. My main story inspiration is to help open minds, touch hearts, incite laughter and inspire positive change <3
That’s it! You expressed a thought within me I never articulated consciously. I am an introvert, so the thought of becoming famous for my writing is scary. But becoming beloved to a group of readers? Oh yes, 100% this! That’s what I wanted more than anything in the world. And now that I am starting to find that audience here, I am so very, very, very — quite — happy.
Write good. Be kind. That’s it.
Good rules for life, I say! 😁
Just my 2 cents (as someone who has written and published nonficiton stuff for 210 days in a row, give or take): these tips are just as good for nonfiction writers! Great stuff, S.E.
This. All this. Every single word of it ♥️♥️♥️♥️ I knew I loved your writing. And these lessons are gems for anyone who writes here and genuinely cares about authenticity and connection and their readers. Thank you for taking the time to share this.
Thanks for this insight. I'm procrastinating over sharing my fiction by starting another substack... Or would you recommend using sections?! TIA 💖
Always a tough question! In my opinion (and experience too, I guess) the main thing is to ask yourself if you're likely to have the same audience for your fiction as you would for your nonfiction.
In my case, the audiences are pretty different, so I started a whole new Substack for it, and I'm glad I did. Keeps things tidy when they're separate, and gives your fiction more breathing-room.
But if you think both audiences would be similar, or you're only planning to post fiction occasionally, starting with a section could make way more sense. Hope that helps!
Yeah, it does actually! Thinking more objectivly about it. Cheers love!
Great post with a variety of advice, from content to the mechanics of this platform. The last point is an especially good reminder. (I just started watching Ted Lasso and it's also a good reminder! Maybe the stars are aligning.) I haven't heard theme defined as the character being "pursued by something they don't know they need," but I like it. Have you unpacked that a bit more in another post? Or maybe an idea for a new one?
Oh, and I never categorize my shorts, I just keep them all in the same drawer. Am I doing it wrong?
Thanks for the comment, Larry! I've considered going into my thoughts on motivation vs theme in a more considered way in a future post; your comment makes me think it might be a good idea! 😁
And categorizing your short fiction isn't always necessary. The whole ethic is just to make sure your readers can find things when they're looking. It's just good practice! ✨
Wow, I made a similar comment regarding not having seen theme articulated that way, and it so makes sense!
I somehow missed this when it came out. Generally good advice, especially #7.
I will say, I've never heard themes defined in that way before. I'm not sure if I completely agree, but it does give me something to think about. Personally, I've had more luck letting themes emerge organically rather than planning them out. I don't trust myself not to get heavy handed about it, and I hate fiction like that.
Oh, for sure! And I think I should be clear that I don't usually go into a story with themes fully mapped out; no fun in that. It's more that I have a spidey-sense about bigger themes that always seem to pop up for me, while also knowing that certain smaller ones will emerge in the writing. Once I notice the smaller ones, I can go back and make sure the story is consistent.
Thanks for reading, Leigh! ✨
Ah, that makes sense. I might have misunderstood slightly.
I think (nearly?) every writer has certain themes they tend to go back to time and time again, even if they only realize it in hindsight. You can probably see more of their worldview there than in the characters and plots they choose. Although I could just be making all this up lol.
“Spidey” sense is critical.
It’s unwise to begin a story with a preset theme. It can sabotage creative potential.
However, “Spidey” sense does indeed guide us.
You can feel its ghost-like presence. It whispers in shadows. Imagery draws us like sirens toward irresistible mysteries.
These are ways that “Spidey” sense speaks of those deeper themes that prance along the darker corridors of mind.
In luckier moments, “Spidey” sense even elucidates our themes.
I so appreciate all your advice, so far I have only shared my poetry for the most part. Getting braver to work on short stories that can turn into chapters for a book. Still so new at all of this. Thank you so much!
That was an excellent post. I've just finished a story to post next week but now I'm going to drag it through the S.E.Reid wringer to make sure it's up to scratch.
Thank you for this.
Hey, S.E. - I had a lot of thoughts about this as I was reading, and so I organized them and sent them to your Talebones email. I literally just finished writing an essay about the "growth" topic and had this weird cosmic parallel sensation as I read through yours.
Brilliant advice!
Hoo ra. For the love of green apples. :D
Reid, you're good people.
You make me want to write fiction.
Oooh to be a part of the gang you run with 💞
Thank you
I LOVE how you articulated how theme ties into storytelling; I hadn't seen it explained that way before, and it makes total sense!
Also, I so share your viewpoint regarding the value of fiction in improving people's lives. My main story inspiration is to help open minds, touch hearts, incite laughter and inspire positive change <3
GREAT post on important topics for writers--thank you for sharing the tips!
The Expert Writer. Your title is exactly what I wrote.😂 Nice article. All in good fun.
11 Signs You're a Basic Substacker
https://thalias.substack.com/p/serious-signs-youre-a-basic-substacker
That’s it! You expressed a thought within me I never articulated consciously. I am an introvert, so the thought of becoming famous for my writing is scary. But becoming beloved to a group of readers? Oh yes, 100% this! That’s what I wanted more than anything in the world. And now that I am starting to find that audience here, I am so very, very, very — quite — happy.