The Secret Ingredient to My Writing Journey? You.
An Ode to My Readers: The Heartbeat of My Words
Last week, I shared something deeply personal milestone in my journey as a writer. For 52 weeks straight, I’ve shown up here, pouring my thoughts onto the page, hacking away at my consistency demons with a three-step process that kept me going when doubt crept in. If you missed it, go back and read it-it’s tried and tested, and maybe even something you can borrow for your own goals.
But today? Today isn’t about me or my streak. It’s about you. Because what is a writer without a reader? A voice shouting into the void, hoping someone hears-but never quite knowing if they do. And I am lucky. So incredibly lucky. Because I know you’re out there. You hear me. You see me. And because of that, I keep showing up.
Writing is often called self-expression, but let me tell you a secret: it’s so much more than just me talking to myself. It’s a conversation-a beautiful, messy, imperfect exchange between me and all of you. Sometimes you respond directly; sometimes you silently nod along from afar. Either way, your presence makes this whole thing worth it.
So today, I want to take a moment to celebrate you, honor the different ways you show up for me, and make this space feel alive. This is where it all started, after months of overthinking if I should give the written word a shot despite the world being increasingly attention deficit.
This was my first-ever article here.
#1: From "Jack of All Trades" to Joyful Multihyphenate: Unmasking My Passions Beyond Expectations
Have you ever felt like a "Jack of all trades, master of none"? Especially coming from a culture where passions are relegated to mere "hobbies"? This was my reality, growing up in an Indian upper-middle-class family. Art and writing were seen as distractions, not paths. But Emma Gannon's "The Multi-Hyphen Life" ignited a spark. Could I embrace my many f…
I will always be grateful for these initial comments from
and many others on social media that made it so special for me.
Let me break it down into four kinds of readers who have touched my heart in ways I’ll never forget.
1. The Relaters: Those Who Read, Feel, and Comment
These are the ones who leave little sparks of joy in my inbox or comment section. They say things like, “This hit home,” or “I needed this today.” Sometimes, they share their own stories, adding layers to mine that I hadn’t considered before. These exchanges remind me why I started writing in the first place to connect, to resonate, to remind us all that we’re not alone.
One comment that stuck with me was when a reader said, “Your words felt like a warm hug on a cold day.” Honestly? That was one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. It reminded me that writing isn’t just about clever turns of phrase or perfect metaphors. It’s about creating moments of understanding, empathy, and belonging. Thank you, dear relaters, for being brave enough to step forward and let me know I’m not shouting into the void after all.
2. The Silent Lurkers: Quiet Witnesses to This Journey
Then there are the silent lurkers-the ones who don’t comment, don’t reply, but still read every word. Maybe you skim through during your morning coffee or save posts for later, only to revisit them when life feels heavy. I may never hear from you, but I know you’re there. Analytics tell me so.
And honestly? That’s okay. Not everyone needs to shout their support from the rooftops. Some people simply show up quietly, faithfully, and consistently. There’s beauty in that too.
To my lurkers: Please know that your quiet companionship means the world to me. Even if you never type a single word, your energy is felt. Your curiosity keeps me going.
When I got my first paid subscriber
3. The Silent Supporters: Cheerleaders Behind the Scenes
Now and then, I get messages from friends, family, or fellow writers saying, “Hey, I read your latest piece-it was great!” It might be brief, but it’s meaningful. These supporters don’t always engage publicly, but they reach out privately to let me know they’re rooting for me.
It’s humbling to realize how many people care enough to check in, even if they don’t always leave a public trace. To my silent supporters: Thank you for reminding me that this work matters beyond numbers or flashy metrics. Your encouragement fuels me more than you’ll ever know.
I am always grateful to my husband who is the sounding board, the punching bag, and my mindmap on this creative journey of mine. He is the reason I had one of my biggest realisations!
I have been lying to myself all this while (so have you)!
I couldn’t stop ugly crying with an egg pack on my hair. We were getting late to go to the AIA carnival and all the fun we had planned for our Saturday. But this realization hit me like a brick.
4. The Supportive Writers: Kindred Spirits on the Same Path
Finally, there are the other writers I’ve met here on Substack-people who understand the grind, the vulnerability, and the joy of putting words into the world. They leave thoughtful comments, share advice, or simply cheer each other on.
Writing can feel lonely sometimes, but these connections remind me that I’m part of a community. I am looking at you
These writers have redefined what this platform means to me-they’ve turned it from a place where I posted and ghosted into one where I genuinely connect. To each of you: thank you for showing up, sharing your light, and reminding me we’re building something bigger than ourselves.
A Grateful Heart
When I first decided to dive headfirst into this writing journey, I hesitated. Would anyone care? In an age where visuals dominate and attention spans shrink, would anyone bother reading long-form pieces like these?
But then you came along, showed up, stayed, and made this space feel alive. Whether you’re a relater, a lurker, a silent supporter, or another writer cheering me on, you’ve proven that connection still matters. That words still hold power. That we’re all searching for meaning, comfort, and understanding and sometimes, we find it in unexpected places.
So thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. For reading, for relating, for supporting, for simply being here. Without you, this wouldn’t be half as magical.
Here’s to many more weeks (and years) of sharing this journey. After all, a writer without their reader is just… well, incomplete.
Love this, Urmila! So many writers take the wonderful readers who comment and support them for granted. It’s inspiring to see how your community lifts you up, and how you support them right back.
Neela recommended this post - and it was worth the read - thanks Urmila