I'm deeply touched by the personal call-out—thank you—but, of course, you over-credit me. I am but a tiny piece of Substack, which is a collective effort from a team of people who care deeply about helping writers and media makers of all sorts.
That aside, this is an incredibly gratifying piece to read, and I personally am very excited to hear that you're betting on yourself as a writer. You will succeed tremendously. Also, I'd be happy to add a letter of recommendation into the mix for your visa application, if that would be helpful.
What makes you think you need an editor for your substack posts? The stuff you write is more delightfully readable than almost anyone else I read regularly. It is so naturally charming and all the more remarkable given that English is not your first language. I love your writing style and would worry that an editor would take away more than they would add to it.
Hahaha, thank you! I agree that many editors are butchers, but some are skilled open-heart surgeons. They delicately revive your piece and its structure while keeping its heart beating.
Personally, I think the quirks make it quirky and relatable. I get to read enough corporate HR speak or stuff that reads like it was written by ChatGPT.
If you do move to the US, consider moving to Hawaii. It isn’t New York, and it isn’t a massively cosmopolitan metropolis. But the people that I have met from Hawaii all moved back there. It seems to me one of the only blue places in the country that isn’t someone’s second choice because they cannot afford NYC, Boston, DC, SF, or LA. It has its own culture. People may shout at me for saying this, but most people in the US live in places with a parochial kind of culture that stands outside the major power centers of the country, and those cultures have little influence over the country, except somewhat through Congress and from bottom up cultural production like music and literature.
I don't think you are saying anything super controversial. I have never been to Hawai, and I am unlikely to move there as I don't know anyone (and I am still not saying I will be moving to the US for sure, it is just a thought) but it is def on my to-visit places.
I am saying that most places in the US are second best, and that the people with talent and options don’t want to live in flyover country (and understandably so; if you are ambitious you want to be in a Tier 1 metro). So I would expect most people in the US to at least disagree with me that say, NYC or DC is a better place than wherever it is that they live (and that you people in NYC and DC make better, more worthwhile neighbors.)
Oh Stella, we don’t want to lose you, we need to see you on our tv panels to brighten things up. However I want the best for you and a move to the US is probably a good career move. You could always move back one day. I can imagine all sorts of opportunities would come your way, especially your writing which is obviously a burning desire and talent, and I will very much look forward to reading all of your output. Think carefully and don’t rush into anything ❤️
I’m so glad to hear that, I feel like you belong to us and we love you. Maybe there will be lots of opportunities here now that you’ve left your 9-5. Credit to you for doing that job for so long, now you are destined for bigger things.
Talk about switching it up a gear, go for it girl. You are a child of the world and you can attain anything you want. Spread your wings and soar in the litteary univers.
It’s always been clear that your writing popped and you had a distinct, empathetic voice. It’s been a pleasure watching you hone that voice over time, and I’m excited to see the next leap that your writing takes
Congratulations on your upcoming move. We will be happy to have you as Rob said. I grew up not too far from where he did in Northern Cal. Everywhere in the United States is interesting imho. A boring small town would be excellent for writing a book, limited distractions.
You sound like the kind of person I’d love to drink too many mimosas with at brunch. If you find yourself in Appalachia let me know and we can go on a blind brunch date. (Don’t worry, I’m extremely gay.)
I'm deeply touched by the personal call-out—thank you—but, of course, you over-credit me. I am but a tiny piece of Substack, which is a collective effort from a team of people who care deeply about helping writers and media makers of all sorts.
That aside, this is an incredibly gratifying piece to read, and I personally am very excited to hear that you're betting on yourself as a writer. You will succeed tremendously. Also, I'd be happy to add a letter of recommendation into the mix for your visa application, if that would be helpful.
Best of luck.
Hamish that's very kind, thank you for the offer :-)
What makes you think you need an editor for your substack posts? The stuff you write is more delightfully readable than almost anyone else I read regularly. It is so naturally charming and all the more remarkable given that English is not your first language. I love your writing style and would worry that an editor would take away more than they would add to it.
Hahaha, thank you! I agree that many editors are butchers, but some are skilled open-heart surgeons. They delicately revive your piece and its structure while keeping its heart beating.
Personally, I think the quirks make it quirky and relatable. I get to read enough corporate HR speak or stuff that reads like it was written by ChatGPT.
Alright lads, I shall spend my coins on more chocolates to fuel my writing sessions!
If you do move to the US, consider moving to Hawaii. It isn’t New York, and it isn’t a massively cosmopolitan metropolis. But the people that I have met from Hawaii all moved back there. It seems to me one of the only blue places in the country that isn’t someone’s second choice because they cannot afford NYC, Boston, DC, SF, or LA. It has its own culture. People may shout at me for saying this, but most people in the US live in places with a parochial kind of culture that stands outside the major power centers of the country, and those cultures have little influence over the country, except somewhat through Congress and from bottom up cultural production like music and literature.
I don't think you are saying anything super controversial. I have never been to Hawai, and I am unlikely to move there as I don't know anyone (and I am still not saying I will be moving to the US for sure, it is just a thought) but it is def on my to-visit places.
I am saying that most places in the US are second best, and that the people with talent and options don’t want to live in flyover country (and understandably so; if you are ambitious you want to be in a Tier 1 metro). So I would expect most people in the US to at least disagree with me that say, NYC or DC is a better place than wherever it is that they live (and that you people in NYC and DC make better, more worthwhile neighbors.)
Oh Stella, we don’t want to lose you, we need to see you on our tv panels to brighten things up. However I want the best for you and a move to the US is probably a good career move. You could always move back one day. I can imagine all sorts of opportunities would come your way, especially your writing which is obviously a burning desire and talent, and I will very much look forward to reading all of your output. Think carefully and don’t rush into anything ❤️
All very much just a thought at the moment! Leaving the UK would be like smashing my own heart into little pieces. Thanks for the support, Andy!
I’m so glad to hear that, I feel like you belong to us and we love you. Maybe there will be lots of opportunities here now that you’ve left your 9-5. Credit to you for doing that job for so long, now you are destined for bigger things.
Talk about switching it up a gear, go for it girl. You are a child of the world and you can attain anything you want. Spread your wings and soar in the litteary univers.
The very best wishes, P.
thank you Phillip, I shall be doing just that :-)
It’s always been clear that your writing popped and you had a distinct, empathetic voice. It’s been a pleasure watching you hone that voice over time, and I’m excited to see the next leap that your writing takes
thank you for supporting me from earlier on Ken :-)
Bring all that immigrant hustle here! The Brits don't deserve you
Ah Amelia, I'd love to meet you in person one day :-) thank you
Congratulations on your upcoming move. We will be happy to have you as Rob said. I grew up not too far from where he did in Northern Cal. Everywhere in the United States is interesting imho. A boring small town would be excellent for writing a book, limited distractions.
I don't doubt it one bit!
You sound like the kind of person I’d love to drink too many mimosas with at brunch. If you find yourself in Appalachia let me know and we can go on a blind brunch date. (Don’t worry, I’m extremely gay.)
Gosh Stephen I would love a very gay, drunk, Appalachian blind brunch date, one for my NY wish list x
Hell yeah, if you find yourself in banjo country in North Carolina let me know. We can talk about writing, politics, and men.
What is the best way to reach out? DM?
either that or my email in my about me :-)
Amazing. Congrats, Stella.
thank you Kim :-)
Congrats, thanks for sharing and putting Tyler Cowen on my radar. Actually, seems right up my alley and I'm surprised I haven't heard of him.
you should read his books, they are very good
yes, maybe in a few months. Podcasts, youtube and substack is my information diet now, since I'm moving around a lot. Do you recommend any?
what kind of stuff are you interested in ?
congrats stella!
thank you Hannah <3
Very excited for you Stella!
thank you David :-)
Many congratulations! Splendid news!
Thank you Henry, I am standing on the shoulders of giants :-)
Come to Chicago, which I almost spelled "Shicago." Have lived here for years btw.
Also, congratulations. I was so caught off guard by "Shicago" that I forgot to write what I intended to write.
I must come, remember the young nazi lives nearby