I'm definitely leaning into making art for purely selfish purposes these days. I find it leads me to more original thinking, which in turn leads to more people being interested in what I'm doing, so in a way gathering followers/subscribers becomes a side effect of doing what I want. I've made a conscious choice to move away from traditional publishing as my primary source of income this year. I'm shifting into editing and coaching, and building out a 360 business that ties everything together. I'm hopeful that this is a good move to support myself as traditional publishing income is too fickle to rely on. If that doesn't work, I'll sell my house and move somewhere with a lower cost of living, where I can just work an hourly job to support myself. Lots of economic questions these days, and not a lot of answers, so I figure I should let my art be 100% for my own enjoyment.
I'm still putting hope in traditional publishing as an income source -- but the timeline and sporadic nature are leading me to think about other ways to make money. Wait, what's a 360 business?
It's an empire, Julie! Every modern girl needs her own empire :) I'm developing different branches of my business that feed each other, a self-supporting loop of services and passive income products (like your PB revision class)
Are you going to write a post about this? Because I'm super interested in it (uh, alternatively, email me?). The pb revision class was really fun to do, and I do want to do more, and I'm curious about how to do things like this in a way that is flowing and organic and uses what I've got (that's what was fun about the class -- it was like, hey, I've got all this revision knowledge, I might as well document it all). But I have not at all gotten far enough to call it 360. It's like 225. I need the full circle!
The existential crisis of whether it's even worth creating anything amongst all of this is a whole other post (but yes, it is, why not, let's not give up, then we'll be ready to write stories in the apocalypse writing hut on the prairie field or whatev).
OK, so I do hustle (for audiences and writing and editing), and I don't mind it. I hustle to get paying gigs so that I can make money to afford me the time to write or dream. As the main earner in my family, it's also necessary. And I actually think of my hustle more as connecting with other people, and those people just happen to need/want my services and will pay me for them. Perhaps, in this way, I don't suffer burnout from it because it fuels me?? Perhaps that's because I do most of it person-to-person and not via social media? I think the moment I suffer burnout from the hustle, I'd stop it. Or maybe not? Maybe what I'm describing and what I do is not actually "hustle," but I understand where you're coming from with this, Julie, and I'm glad you're differentiating what you want to do from what you don't.
"connecting with other people, and those people just happen to need/want my services" makes SO much sense to me. When I think of hustling (or at least what I understand the definition to be) I think of going out and find people who might not necessarily want/need our services, and trying to connect to them anyway. Which might sometimes work! But feels exhausting. Doing it in person and not via social media is huge, too, I think. Social media feels so much more like connecting with thousands of people who don't necessarily care.
I was thinking on my walk this morning about how it's really the line between looking to everyone else vs. looking inside myself. And if I'm always going "do you want this thing I made? do you? how about you? what do you want me to do?" that's so depleting. But if it's more "I made something, and now I release it to the people who want it" and it's not so...frantic? then it just feels nice. And it sounds like that's more how it's going for you!
Love this so much! I get sucked into the hustle people-pleasing mentality so easily. And I think part of it has been because it is hard for me to understand the difference between hustle and driven. I love that you talked about the difference between those. It really is about looking inside yourself and being driven from that versus being driven by external results. Thanks for your wonderful words! I needed them today.
Thank YOU, Rachel. And yeah, breaking up with people pleasing is such an ongoing task for me. What has helped me more than anything is realizing that no one wants me to put myself last in order to keep them happy. My kids want me to stop doing so much for them. People in this space or in bookstores would rather I dive first into my creativity rather than...what? post on social media, I guess. Or do anything that doesn't light me up. It's really only by lighting myself up that I can spread that light around.
Julie, I love this essay. And I love Alli's comment too. The thing that I've come into a happy rhythm with is developing in-person creative writing workshops for kids. First, I absolutely love every minute of it, and second it's (for me, a small-scale fellow indeed) a really effective way to be engaged with readers. And it is a paying job. But, is it different than writing books? Oh mama, yes. And do I worry about the networking, time, travel, being far away from thinking about my own creativity? I really do. But- it's also really inspiring to meet so many kids who are so unique and amazing and just like the characters I love to write.
I love this newsletter and every time I see it in my inbox I get a little boost of joy, which is the opposite of unsubscribing and/or hate reading. Just so you know. <3
Thank you for getting a boost of joy from these newsletters!
I am boosted too by your comment! The obvious joy you have in the writing workshops is HUGE! And it sounds like you're listening to yourself and what is right for you, and getting inspired in the process. THAT IS VERY COOL!
Really enjoyed this one. Especially the bit about how you really write these newsletters for yourself. What you find interesting, helpful, etc. with the hope that someone else will find them useful, interesting, etc. as well. That is the attitude I need to have with my own newsletter. I’m of the mind and opinion, that if I have a thought about something, that I’m going to write about anyway, I might as well share it with others. Because maybe it will offer something to them. And even if it doesn’t, it helped me work through something, and I’m okay with that. So on my to do list, is to get my newsletter back up and running on a more regular basis! And do very much enjoy seeing your emails in my inbox. You almost always have a nugget of wisdom, that makes me think, or that I can relate to, or that I can put into practice for my own life/writing! So definitely keep these up. I like to think eventually, the people that we are meant to reach will find us, at some point, even if that is way off into the future. But we won’t know that unless we keep at it.
I feel the same way, especially the last thing -- that the people we need to reach will find us, but only if we keep at it.
The other thing I'm pretty rigid about is not sticking to a schedule (I guess I'm not rigidly not having a rigid schedule, but you know what I mean). When I have tried to "always post on the second Tuesday" or whatever, it feels like so much pressure. But if I post when the essay is more or less ready, I end up posting pretty regularly anyway.
Such a great post! Totally agree with so much of what you said. I feel like I’ve adopted the no hustle lifestyle too. But an interesting thing I’ve been wrestling with now is how to live a no hustle lifestyle in a world of hustlers (even living with a hustler!). It’s hard.
I keep thinking about the alternative definition Elayne and I came up with somewhere else in these comments -- to move with intention. So you can hustle in that way, and the hustly hustlers in the world can move with intention in their way, and hopefully everyone will be on the right path.
I hope that day comes for you (if that's what you want). And that's how I am too, having the social media accounts but not using them much. It took me a while, though. I used to use them all A LOT.
Our friend @bridgitte (hi, Bridgitte!) shared this link on Twitter yesterday, and I was like, "Oooh! Julie would probably feel this!" It was really relatable, even for anyone who is super, super excited to get their hands dirty with book promotion crud. :)
I'm still here, Julie. And a paid subscriber. Almost every time I watch a video of yours or read a post, I think, yeah, she gets it. Yes, we have to put food on the table, and we want to reach readers, but first we are creators. Anyone who knows me, knows I work hard at whatever my task is. But I am passionate about many things.
I post on Facebook and Instagram. I have a website, and hope to soon, restart my blog/newsletter/essay hybrid whatever it is, where I share things that are on my mind and let people know what I have going on in my life. But I am never going to be open to everyone on social media. Do we have something in common? Do I know you or lots of your already friends? Will it cost me an eventual sale? Maybe. I'm okay with that. I'm more interested in the quality of life I live when I'm living my little private, quiet life.
I trust my true audience will find me, just as I have found those writers who speak to me. If we click, we click. No mad-dash buttons needed.
"little private, quiet life" is such a nice sentiment. I have come to value my little private, quiet life so much. I am an extrovert and very loud and love talking to people, but I am now at a point of really loving these moments of quiet reflection, or of connection with one person who lives in my house.
Working hard at any task is huge, too. A friend of mine this morning said that I "gather no moss" even though I might not be working in an office at a company, and it was a nice thing to have someone say.
I really appreciate you being a paid subscriber! Thank you so much.
Funny story: in my email this morning, your email preview on my screen came in as "Julie Falatko from Do the. Hustle." I'm not saying I think you have a future as a disco moves coach. I'm just saying my PHONE thinks you do.
Anyhow, googling "hate read" took me down a VERY interesting rabbit hole--a lifestyle I had not even considered. Thanks, Julie! 😂 I pretty regularly put books others give me (usually as poorly conceived gifts) immediately in the Little Free Library, rather than bothering to read something that did not interest me at all (I like to channel my Boomer dad when I do that), so hate-reading is certainly a different, more committed, way to approach things!
The templates for politely saying no are great, but I sure wish I had the balls to respond to people as E.B. White did, instead: "I must decline, for secret reasons." Maybe I'll give it a whirl! Once you get a rep for responding to things in that way, people probably grow to accept it pretty quickly. "Ah, well...you know Elayne! So secretive!" 😂 (Said no one ever.)
I'm avoiding talking about hustle, if you can't tell. I guess for me, it depends who we are talking about. I don't care if I have x number of Twitter followers. I care VERY much if the editor I'm totally into follows me back if I just did a workshop with them and then followed them. You know? Social media is not something I do on a schedule or anything (except for my Friday book reviews, though those are to keep me on a pretty decent PB reading schedule). Though, then again, I have come to enjoy that if I love a book and rate it five stars and write a fun review, the creator of that book will often follow me back. I guess that's hustle--I'm targeting that creator of the book I love, I suppose. On the other hand, it's like...one person a week, or two for a picture book with a different illustrator and writer. It's not offering to buy someone a drink and sitting down next to them, I'm just giving them little wink from across the room, before disappearing into the crowd. Maybe I'll see them around some other time, you know?
Similarly, I post whatever Substack thing I feel like once a week, but not on any specific day or time. Just whenever I'm done writing it. 😂 I'm sure my subscriber or likes or whatever numbers reflect that. But, I'm doing it because blogging is my version of "morning pages" and also because I hope to re-use the content in the future, whenever I have, you know, actual book readers (let's hope)--as a place for them to learn more about me and my process, if they are so inclined. :) Is that hustling? Maybe? I guess I slow hustle? Is that a thing?? Maybe? Also, I make like no money. (Yet!) So, there's that.
Anyhow, I am probably not the right responder here. I have always been described as "energetic" or "enthusiastic" which is just a kind and nondenominational way to say full-on or nonstop or perhaps, annoying. So, it's hard for me to parse what actions of mine are hardwired and what are learned and, therefore, fungible, but I also...kind of don't care? I'm in my 40s now and I am far more accepting of myself than I used to be. Even if that may be to my detriment sometimes. LOL!
You've got this, Julie--whatever move(s) you make will be the right ones for you, because you are so thoughtful in your life and work! I love that you ask the big questions--and keep asking them, until you get the answers you feel are right. Bravo!
Ha, I'm glad your phone thinks I'm dancing. I TOO have been described as energetic / enthusiastic / perhaps annoying. And it doesn't sound like your weekly pb reviews are hustling. I think hustling is more, like, actively trying to get followers? While I was reading your comment, I was trying to figure out what might differentiate (or not) what you're doing from hustling, and realized maybe I don't even know what hustling is. I have a societally-influenced notion of scammy marketing, or working 20 hours a day, or saying "hit that subscribe button!" on every YouTube video or posting three times a day. But maybe that's not hustling for everybody. As I understand it, hustling is doing what you think you're supposed to do in order to gain followers. And that doesn't sound at all like what you're doing. And so! I release thee from any worry of improper hustling! And acknowledge that you are navigating the same online life the rest of us are! And sometimes it's weird!
Thank you, Julie! Maybe my view of the word hustle is clouded by the fact that the first time I heard it, it would certainly have been in the context of Blueberries for Sal, where Little Bear is described as hustling. LOL! So, I have to say, I never thought of it as a negative word. But I get what you are saying. To me, there is a fine line (that I can't promise I've never crossed, at least accidentally) between presenting your ideas/stuff to the world in a direct or daring way, and being positively shameless. It's a distinction that some do not acknowledge at all! 😂
I HAVE CROSSED THE LINE SO MANY TIMES. So, so many times. And you're right, Little Bear does hustle. Oh, little bear. I have heard a lot of references not just to hustling ("you've got to hustle for those sales and followers!") to "hustle culture" and like so many things, it's a word that's been negativized for me, at least, when really it just means moving with purpose (or disco dancing). And that's exactly what I want to do: move with purpose! Let's take this word back.
Yes! I love that. For us, hustling (good hustling, if that's still a thing) during our journey can include making our way with purpose and (to the degree we feel comfortable) speed, but also not forgetting to stop for the blueberries. Sign me up!
I am trying to reject the hustle. I mean, I'd like more subscribers, more people reading my essays here, more people reading my panda satire, but I have so little energy for the hustle. For now, I'll settle for doing the work. And I won't be one of the people who unsubscribes, even if I'm not one of the ones that pay you. (sorry, sorry...)
I think that is the key to being productive: do what you love, be interesting to yourself, and if other people find it interesting, they will follow. I'm glad to have found you here. I first discovered your (hilarious) books through Janet Reid's blog.
One of my least favorite words on the planet. You have so many other better ones in here. Drive. Dream. Do the work. Play. Create. This is my big question, too. The balance between these things and getting paid in the world as it is.
I loved this post. I find myself going in spurts when it comes to hustling. Inevitably I’ll step back and think “why am I doing this?!” and then I’ll stop hustling until something triggers me to panic and start it up again (usually a book release or a fear that readers are forgetting I exist)
If I could, I would never hustle at all and just write my stories in a bubble. But alas, I think a certain amount is necessary. I’m still trying to figure out what that amount is.
At the end of the day though, I want the RIGHT followers, not any follower. People who want to read my books and posts, people who are engaged. Quality over quantity.
He's like the catnip (dognip?) in this scenario. He draws the eye with his innate cuteness to the bookshelf of intrigue. ❤️ I thank you (and Cosmo) for your service!
BARBARA! Thank you! This is all so nice. It's funny to think I'm here writing with my dog (who is sleeping through it) and then it makes sense to you, today. I'm so glad it's reaching you!
I'm definitely leaning into making art for purely selfish purposes these days. I find it leads me to more original thinking, which in turn leads to more people being interested in what I'm doing, so in a way gathering followers/subscribers becomes a side effect of doing what I want. I've made a conscious choice to move away from traditional publishing as my primary source of income this year. I'm shifting into editing and coaching, and building out a 360 business that ties everything together. I'm hopeful that this is a good move to support myself as traditional publishing income is too fickle to rely on. If that doesn't work, I'll sell my house and move somewhere with a lower cost of living, where I can just work an hourly job to support myself. Lots of economic questions these days, and not a lot of answers, so I figure I should let my art be 100% for my own enjoyment.
I'm still putting hope in traditional publishing as an income source -- but the timeline and sporadic nature are leading me to think about other ways to make money. Wait, what's a 360 business?
It's an empire, Julie! Every modern girl needs her own empire :) I'm developing different branches of my business that feed each other, a self-supporting loop of services and passive income products (like your PB revision class)
Are you going to write a post about this? Because I'm super interested in it (uh, alternatively, email me?). The pb revision class was really fun to do, and I do want to do more, and I'm curious about how to do things like this in a way that is flowing and organic and uses what I've got (that's what was fun about the class -- it was like, hey, I've got all this revision knowledge, I might as well document it all). But I have not at all gotten far enough to call it 360. It's like 225. I need the full circle!
I am planning to do some posts as I develop different parts of my plan! If the world keeps going, at least. LOL *cries in air quality*
The existential crisis of whether it's even worth creating anything amongst all of this is a whole other post (but yes, it is, why not, let's not give up, then we'll be ready to write stories in the apocalypse writing hut on the prairie field or whatev).
I'll stop creating things when I'm dead! :)
And yes, I can share on email sometime after I finish the revision I'm trying desperately to finish. :)
OK, so I do hustle (for audiences and writing and editing), and I don't mind it. I hustle to get paying gigs so that I can make money to afford me the time to write or dream. As the main earner in my family, it's also necessary. And I actually think of my hustle more as connecting with other people, and those people just happen to need/want my services and will pay me for them. Perhaps, in this way, I don't suffer burnout from it because it fuels me?? Perhaps that's because I do most of it person-to-person and not via social media? I think the moment I suffer burnout from the hustle, I'd stop it. Or maybe not? Maybe what I'm describing and what I do is not actually "hustle," but I understand where you're coming from with this, Julie, and I'm glad you're differentiating what you want to do from what you don't.
"connecting with other people, and those people just happen to need/want my services" makes SO much sense to me. When I think of hustling (or at least what I understand the definition to be) I think of going out and find people who might not necessarily want/need our services, and trying to connect to them anyway. Which might sometimes work! But feels exhausting. Doing it in person and not via social media is huge, too, I think. Social media feels so much more like connecting with thousands of people who don't necessarily care.
I was thinking on my walk this morning about how it's really the line between looking to everyone else vs. looking inside myself. And if I'm always going "do you want this thing I made? do you? how about you? what do you want me to do?" that's so depleting. But if it's more "I made something, and now I release it to the people who want it" and it's not so...frantic? then it just feels nice. And it sounds like that's more how it's going for you!
Love this so much! I get sucked into the hustle people-pleasing mentality so easily. And I think part of it has been because it is hard for me to understand the difference between hustle and driven. I love that you talked about the difference between those. It really is about looking inside yourself and being driven from that versus being driven by external results. Thanks for your wonderful words! I needed them today.
Thank YOU, Rachel. And yeah, breaking up with people pleasing is such an ongoing task for me. What has helped me more than anything is realizing that no one wants me to put myself last in order to keep them happy. My kids want me to stop doing so much for them. People in this space or in bookstores would rather I dive first into my creativity rather than...what? post on social media, I guess. Or do anything that doesn't light me up. It's really only by lighting myself up that I can spread that light around.
💪” It's really only by lighting myself up that I can spread that light around.” -- beautifully put!
Julie, I love this essay. And I love Alli's comment too. The thing that I've come into a happy rhythm with is developing in-person creative writing workshops for kids. First, I absolutely love every minute of it, and second it's (for me, a small-scale fellow indeed) a really effective way to be engaged with readers. And it is a paying job. But, is it different than writing books? Oh mama, yes. And do I worry about the networking, time, travel, being far away from thinking about my own creativity? I really do. But- it's also really inspiring to meet so many kids who are so unique and amazing and just like the characters I love to write.
I love this newsletter and every time I see it in my inbox I get a little boost of joy, which is the opposite of unsubscribing and/or hate reading. Just so you know. <3
Thank you for getting a boost of joy from these newsletters!
I am boosted too by your comment! The obvious joy you have in the writing workshops is HUGE! And it sounds like you're listening to yourself and what is right for you, and getting inspired in the process. THAT IS VERY COOL!
Really enjoyed this one. Especially the bit about how you really write these newsletters for yourself. What you find interesting, helpful, etc. with the hope that someone else will find them useful, interesting, etc. as well. That is the attitude I need to have with my own newsletter. I’m of the mind and opinion, that if I have a thought about something, that I’m going to write about anyway, I might as well share it with others. Because maybe it will offer something to them. And even if it doesn’t, it helped me work through something, and I’m okay with that. So on my to do list, is to get my newsletter back up and running on a more regular basis! And do very much enjoy seeing your emails in my inbox. You almost always have a nugget of wisdom, that makes me think, or that I can relate to, or that I can put into practice for my own life/writing! So definitely keep these up. I like to think eventually, the people that we are meant to reach will find us, at some point, even if that is way off into the future. But we won’t know that unless we keep at it.
I feel the same way, especially the last thing -- that the people we need to reach will find us, but only if we keep at it.
The other thing I'm pretty rigid about is not sticking to a schedule (I guess I'm not rigidly not having a rigid schedule, but you know what I mean). When I have tried to "always post on the second Tuesday" or whatever, it feels like so much pressure. But if I post when the essay is more or less ready, I end up posting pretty regularly anyway.
Such a great post! Totally agree with so much of what you said. I feel like I’ve adopted the no hustle lifestyle too. But an interesting thing I’ve been wrestling with now is how to live a no hustle lifestyle in a world of hustlers (even living with a hustler!). It’s hard.
I keep thinking about the alternative definition Elayne and I came up with somewhere else in these comments -- to move with intention. So you can hustle in that way, and the hustly hustlers in the world can move with intention in their way, and hopefully everyone will be on the right path.
While I have social media accounts, I don't really use them much.
I write to write. But also, not in the position to have any published works that need promoting, so all may change if that day ever comes.
I hope that day comes for you (if that's what you want). And that's how I am too, having the social media accounts but not using them much. It took me a while, though. I used to use them all A LOT.
Our friend @bridgitte (hi, Bridgitte!) shared this link on Twitter yesterday, and I was like, "Oooh! Julie would probably feel this!" It was really relatable, even for anyone who is super, super excited to get their hands dirty with book promotion crud. :)
https://lithub.com/i-really-didnt-want-to-write-this-promotional-essay-tied-to-my-book-release/
Oooo, that's really good. Thank you for linking to it.
I'm still here, Julie. And a paid subscriber. Almost every time I watch a video of yours or read a post, I think, yeah, she gets it. Yes, we have to put food on the table, and we want to reach readers, but first we are creators. Anyone who knows me, knows I work hard at whatever my task is. But I am passionate about many things.
I post on Facebook and Instagram. I have a website, and hope to soon, restart my blog/newsletter/essay hybrid whatever it is, where I share things that are on my mind and let people know what I have going on in my life. But I am never going to be open to everyone on social media. Do we have something in common? Do I know you or lots of your already friends? Will it cost me an eventual sale? Maybe. I'm okay with that. I'm more interested in the quality of life I live when I'm living my little private, quiet life.
I trust my true audience will find me, just as I have found those writers who speak to me. If we click, we click. No mad-dash buttons needed.
"little private, quiet life" is such a nice sentiment. I have come to value my little private, quiet life so much. I am an extrovert and very loud and love talking to people, but I am now at a point of really loving these moments of quiet reflection, or of connection with one person who lives in my house.
Working hard at any task is huge, too. A friend of mine this morning said that I "gather no moss" even though I might not be working in an office at a company, and it was a nice thing to have someone say.
I really appreciate you being a paid subscriber! Thank you so much.
Funny story: in my email this morning, your email preview on my screen came in as "Julie Falatko from Do the. Hustle." I'm not saying I think you have a future as a disco moves coach. I'm just saying my PHONE thinks you do.
Anyhow, googling "hate read" took me down a VERY interesting rabbit hole--a lifestyle I had not even considered. Thanks, Julie! 😂 I pretty regularly put books others give me (usually as poorly conceived gifts) immediately in the Little Free Library, rather than bothering to read something that did not interest me at all (I like to channel my Boomer dad when I do that), so hate-reading is certainly a different, more committed, way to approach things!
The templates for politely saying no are great, but I sure wish I had the balls to respond to people as E.B. White did, instead: "I must decline, for secret reasons." Maybe I'll give it a whirl! Once you get a rep for responding to things in that way, people probably grow to accept it pretty quickly. "Ah, well...you know Elayne! So secretive!" 😂 (Said no one ever.)
I'm avoiding talking about hustle, if you can't tell. I guess for me, it depends who we are talking about. I don't care if I have x number of Twitter followers. I care VERY much if the editor I'm totally into follows me back if I just did a workshop with them and then followed them. You know? Social media is not something I do on a schedule or anything (except for my Friday book reviews, though those are to keep me on a pretty decent PB reading schedule). Though, then again, I have come to enjoy that if I love a book and rate it five stars and write a fun review, the creator of that book will often follow me back. I guess that's hustle--I'm targeting that creator of the book I love, I suppose. On the other hand, it's like...one person a week, or two for a picture book with a different illustrator and writer. It's not offering to buy someone a drink and sitting down next to them, I'm just giving them little wink from across the room, before disappearing into the crowd. Maybe I'll see them around some other time, you know?
Similarly, I post whatever Substack thing I feel like once a week, but not on any specific day or time. Just whenever I'm done writing it. 😂 I'm sure my subscriber or likes or whatever numbers reflect that. But, I'm doing it because blogging is my version of "morning pages" and also because I hope to re-use the content in the future, whenever I have, you know, actual book readers (let's hope)--as a place for them to learn more about me and my process, if they are so inclined. :) Is that hustling? Maybe? I guess I slow hustle? Is that a thing?? Maybe? Also, I make like no money. (Yet!) So, there's that.
Anyhow, I am probably not the right responder here. I have always been described as "energetic" or "enthusiastic" which is just a kind and nondenominational way to say full-on or nonstop or perhaps, annoying. So, it's hard for me to parse what actions of mine are hardwired and what are learned and, therefore, fungible, but I also...kind of don't care? I'm in my 40s now and I am far more accepting of myself than I used to be. Even if that may be to my detriment sometimes. LOL!
You've got this, Julie--whatever move(s) you make will be the right ones for you, because you are so thoughtful in your life and work! I love that you ask the big questions--and keep asking them, until you get the answers you feel are right. Bravo!
Ha, I'm glad your phone thinks I'm dancing. I TOO have been described as energetic / enthusiastic / perhaps annoying. And it doesn't sound like your weekly pb reviews are hustling. I think hustling is more, like, actively trying to get followers? While I was reading your comment, I was trying to figure out what might differentiate (or not) what you're doing from hustling, and realized maybe I don't even know what hustling is. I have a societally-influenced notion of scammy marketing, or working 20 hours a day, or saying "hit that subscribe button!" on every YouTube video or posting three times a day. But maybe that's not hustling for everybody. As I understand it, hustling is doing what you think you're supposed to do in order to gain followers. And that doesn't sound at all like what you're doing. And so! I release thee from any worry of improper hustling! And acknowledge that you are navigating the same online life the rest of us are! And sometimes it's weird!
Thank you, Julie! Maybe my view of the word hustle is clouded by the fact that the first time I heard it, it would certainly have been in the context of Blueberries for Sal, where Little Bear is described as hustling. LOL! So, I have to say, I never thought of it as a negative word. But I get what you are saying. To me, there is a fine line (that I can't promise I've never crossed, at least accidentally) between presenting your ideas/stuff to the world in a direct or daring way, and being positively shameless. It's a distinction that some do not acknowledge at all! 😂
I HAVE CROSSED THE LINE SO MANY TIMES. So, so many times. And you're right, Little Bear does hustle. Oh, little bear. I have heard a lot of references not just to hustling ("you've got to hustle for those sales and followers!") to "hustle culture" and like so many things, it's a word that's been negativized for me, at least, when really it just means moving with purpose (or disco dancing). And that's exactly what I want to do: move with purpose! Let's take this word back.
Yes! I love that. For us, hustling (good hustling, if that's still a thing) during our journey can include making our way with purpose and (to the degree we feel comfortable) speed, but also not forgetting to stop for the blueberries. Sign me up!
I am trying to reject the hustle. I mean, I'd like more subscribers, more people reading my essays here, more people reading my panda satire, but I have so little energy for the hustle. For now, I'll settle for doing the work. And I won't be one of the people who unsubscribes, even if I'm not one of the ones that pay you. (sorry, sorry...)
I think (hope!) that if we keep at it, and keep posting what interests us, we'll steadily add subscribers.
And it's really ok to not be a paying subscriber! I am glad to have you here!
I think that is the key to being productive: do what you love, be interesting to yourself, and if other people find it interesting, they will follow. I'm glad to have found you here. I first discovered your (hilarious) books through Janet Reid's blog.
One of my least favorite words on the planet. You have so many other better ones in here. Drive. Dream. Do the work. Play. Create. This is my big question, too. The balance between these things and getting paid in the world as it is.
I loved this post. I find myself going in spurts when it comes to hustling. Inevitably I’ll step back and think “why am I doing this?!” and then I’ll stop hustling until something triggers me to panic and start it up again (usually a book release or a fear that readers are forgetting I exist)
If I could, I would never hustle at all and just write my stories in a bubble. But alas, I think a certain amount is necessary. I’m still trying to figure out what that amount is.
At the end of the day though, I want the RIGHT followers, not any follower. People who want to read my books and posts, people who are engaged. Quality over quantity.
The best is when he is gently snoring. It's like the ocean. Kind of.
Hilariously enough, I did look at Cosmo, of course, but then I was like, really zooming in on the picture books shelf! Nosy Elayne!
Anticipating that, I rejected a shot of him that didn't show as many of the titles.
He's like the catnip (dognip?) in this scenario. He draws the eye with his innate cuteness to the bookshelf of intrigue. ❤️ I thank you (and Cosmo) for your service!
BARBARA! Thank you! This is all so nice. It's funny to think I'm here writing with my dog (who is sleeping through it) and then it makes sense to you, today. I'm so glad it's reaching you!