It's a Milestone. Let's Celebrate!
and First Lines
Something about my Journey
This month marks my second anniversary on Substack, and it feels like a good moment to pause and look back—something I don’t often do.
Two years ago, I started here with zero subscribers. Today, there are 447 of you, and that number genuinely warms my heart. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has shown up, read along, responded, and stayed. This space is special because of you.
Here’s a snapshot of where you’re all reading from—seeing this still amazes me: 32 different states and 7 countries.
This newsletter has given me a place to experiment, reflect, and sometimes wander onto the page without quite knowing where I’ll land. Below are links to three newsletters that either had the top number of views (I wish I knew why. Was it the topic, or did I share it on various platforms more effectively?) or the highest level of engagement(Kittens, of course):
Digging through the Desk Drawer This one had 802 views
The Black Hills, Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore This one had 1014 views
Critics, Kittens and The Big Year This one had 31 likes and 16 comments (highest level of engagement)
I won’t linger too long in reflection—I get uncomfortable if I stay there—but I want to acknowledge this milestone and say thank you. Your time and attention are things I take to heart.
First Lines Videos
A fellow She Writes Press author had the wonderful idea of asking writers to read the first line of their book and then reflect on it in three minutes. I was immediately drawn to the premise, and that enthusiasm may be why Jude recently interviewed me for her video series.
We’d love for you to check it out below and give it a like—it really helps with discovery as Jude begins this journey.
First lines are great and can be iconic- and Dave noted two of the best. I would add: As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect. Not as catchy as the others but it certainly piques your interest.
I like the First Lines idea. It is really just a way to start a conversation. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You gotta start somewhere.
These seem like the two extremes in opening sentences, Call me Ishmael and It was the best of times, it was the worst of times……. You know the rest. I am glad I didn’t have to write about either, though I enjoyed both books.
Happy to see your newsletter readership is international and close to 500.