The Power of Writing with Passion and the Rise of Substack

The Power of Writing with Passion and the Rise of Substack

Introduction:
In the realm of great writing, there are certain secrets that successful authors have uncovered. Stephen King, the acclaimed writer with over 350 million copies sold, has shared three key principles that contribute to great writing. Additionally, the concept of the Lindy Effect, which applies to our passions, plays a significant role in identifying our true callings. On a different note, the emergence of Substack has revolutionized the way we consume information, emphasizing the importance of high-quality content and providing a platform for writers to monetize their work. Let's explore the connections between these ideas and uncover actionable advice for aspiring writers and content consumers.

Writing with Passion:
Stephen King's philosophy on writing revolves around the idea of pursuing topics that ignite our passion. He believes that great writers first write about things that make them come alive, rather than trying to cater to an audience's preferences. This sentiment is echoed by the words of Carl R. Rogers, who emphasized that what is most personal is most universal. Our cumulative life experiences shape our interests, and it is crucial to be passionate enough about a topic to consistently dedicate significant time to it. Marc Cuban further supports this notion, stating that the things we find ourselves putting effort into are often the ones we excel at. Therefore, aspiring writers should focus on their fascinations, curiosities, and passions, ultimately leading them to discover their true callings.

The Lindy Effect and Identifying our Callings:
The Lindy Effect, a concept that applies to various aspects of life, including our passions, plays a significant role in identifying our callings. By observing the oldest passions that have persisted for decades, we can uncover our true callings. This principle suggests that the longer a passion endures, the more likely it is to continue thriving in the future. By recognizing and nurturing these deep-rooted passions, we can align ourselves with our life's purpose and find fulfillment in our chosen paths.

The Rise of Substack:
In the digital age, where information overload is a prevalent issue, Substack has emerged as a platform that prioritizes high-quality content. It recognizes the value of trustworthy and filtered information, acknowledging that time and attention are finite resources. Substack operates on a revenue-sharing model, taking a 10% cut of subscription revenue. The company's focus is on empowering writers and increasing their revenue streams. This can be achieved by increasing the number of readers who convert from free to paid subscriptions, boosting the average number of subscriptions per paid reader, or raising the average cost per subscription. Additionally, Substack aims to enhance user experience by developing discovery tools such as a recommendation engine, which would benefit both writers and readers.