11 Comments

thanks for sharing this Joy! This is what I needed to hear this afternoon

I was a member of Substance for about a month earlier in the year and absolutely loved it. But was cutting out subscriptions due to finances/ trying to save up some extra cash for a big transition into writing full time come this fall. But I do miss checking it everyday! It was a lovely community and I look forward to enjoying it again. You really do a lovely job of inspiring others.

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You're welcome back any time, friend. <3

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I'll be back soon!!!

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Who needed to hear this? Me!! Thanks for this :)

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Hi Joy! Thank you for this share. I am curious if you could share when (days/times) of when the writing groups and guest speaking happens for sustenance?

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Hi! Yes. We offer quite a few different times to accommodate varying schedules:

Generative writing sessions: Often offered Wednesdays at 12 pm PST

Office Hours: Sundays 10am PST

Guest speakers: 5pm PST on a weekday OR 10am on weekends

We also several monthly pop-ups that happen at other times. Replays are always available. <3

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Hi Joy, do people mostly share/provide feedback on poetry in Sustenance or are essays welcome, too?

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Hi! We have lots of essayists and also have a lyrical essay workshop with a guest author coming up. For formal office hours, I recommended bringing an excerpt of the essay to focus on since each writer gets 10-12 minutes for feedback. In addition, you also have peer review partners (if you choose) focused on your specific genre.

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Oof. I needed to read this as I work on the bones of my novel and the writing feels like walking through tar.

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There will always be a really valid reason for not writing—a new job, a new baby, emails, health problems, depression.

Needed this more than anything right now. I have going through a down period and it makes hard to write consistently because somehow writing makes me overthink and become sadder :(

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such a necessary piece so beautifully written <33 love this

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