The Scary Truth About Going Paid (and Why I Did It Anyway)
Okay, real talk. Going paid on Substack is terrifying. It's vulnerable, it's putting myself out there, and it's a risk. But it's also something I believe in. I believe in the power of this community and the value of the work I'm doing.
This past year has been a roller coaster. Getting ugly surprises at work and taking those setbacks to reroute with resilience has taken a lot. It has amplified the reason for engaging in my writing and art and spreading it as much as I can. In retrospect I wonder if I would have decided to give my writing a serious shot if I had not gone through the trauma of my previous role. Being through something unpalatable sharpens your grit in ways you didn’t think you had in you.
Writing this book, while also creating content for you all, has stretched me thin. But I'm driven by a deep desire to share this journey, the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful process of bringing my book to life. This substack isn’t just about this book writing journey but a sign to pursue that thing latent in you, getting buried in the debris of daily life.
Going paid gives me an assurance of being seen and valued and accountability that I thrive on. It makes me feel less alone in going big in this eventful experience of my life. It feels like having that green flag plus one while going to an event you once dreaded because you felt like a misfit or a nobody. It feels less like I am creating into the void hoping it will reach the kindred souls. If the past year of my articles has spoken to you in any way, you will not regret going for a paid subscription.
Ready to go deeper? Becoming a paid subscriber unlocks a world of exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and direct support for my creative journey. Here's what you can look forward to:
The "Why" Behind my book: Get the inside story on the inspiration behind my book – the personal experiences and burning questions that fueled its creation.
Navigating the Creative Landscape: Discover how I navigate the pressures of creating content in the digital age and how I stay true to my authentic voice.
Exclusive Sneak Peeks: Get first looks at chapters from my book giving you a head start on the stories and themes before anyone else. Next week I am revealing the NAME OF THE BOOK!
The Artist & Writer Within: Explore the intersection of art and writing in my creative process and how I integrate these two passions into my work and how you can too!
My Creative Bible: Learn about the one book that has been a game-changer for me and how it can also be your guide to creative freedom, no matter your medium.
Unlearning and Becoming: Discover the things I'm unlearning on this journey of self-discovery and growth.
Taking Space at the Table: Learn how I'm finding my voice and creating space for myself in a world that often overlooks minority voices.
And much more! Including intimate details about the writing process, my research, and the challenges and triumphs along the way.
I'm committed to providing consistent, high-quality content for my paid subscribers. You can expect weekly newsletters packed with valuable insights and exclusive access.
For this week alone, I am offering a 20% discount!
If you're ready to join me on this journey and support my work directly, I'd be honored to welcome you as a paid subscriber. Click here to subscribe and join the inner circle!
With love and gratitude,
Urmila Menon (educator, artist and soon-to-be author)
