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👋I'll get us going. I'm Anna and I've been writing this newsletter for the last four years.

I sometimes struggle to explain what this newsletter is about (which I've decided is a Good Thing) but when I looked back over it, I realise there's a central question I keep returning to: how do I build a creative career without burning out? I'm not sure I've figured out the answer yet, though.

Outside of defining myself by work, I live in the UK in the semi-countryside and my time is mainly taken up by my two dogs (Dolly who's a 13-year-old terrier mix I adopted in New York and Jack, a failed career-changer guide dog)

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi all,

Love this newsletter, it regularly makes me feel less lost as a freelancer. I'm Nick, a freelance visual journalist currently based in Tirana, Albania. I've been working in the Balkans for about five years now, mostly covering stories related to the environment and cultural heritage. I've been especially preoccupied with hydropower development in the region, which is being pushed through as a supposed "green" energy source, while causing widespread damage to the environment and rural communities. While photography is my main medium, I also write, and have it as a goal for 2022 to get into audio reporting. You can check out some of my work here: http://www.stoeggerphotography.com/

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi all, and Happy New Year! I'm Katie and I'm a freelance investigative journalist, focussing on human rights, politics and migration. I'm from the UK, but i recently (10 days ago!) moved from Dubai to New York. I'm really looking forward to this new adventure. I've been reading this newsletter for a couple of years - it's always super helpful and interesting. My portfolio website is www.katiemcque.com and here's a link to a story i'm proud of that was published in the Washington Post this week, on migrant workers who are forced to smuggle Iranian oil products: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iran-oil-smugglng-sanctions/2022/01/02/97a6bf90-5457-11ec-83d2-d9dab0e23b7e_story.html

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Hi everyone and happy new year!

I'm a journalist and audio producer covering culture + social issues. I've followed Anna's newsletter since the early days and it actually inspired me to launch one for audio producers and podcasters: https://theaudiostoryteller.substack.com/

I've been freelancing for several years and love having communities of other freelancers to draw support from / share ideas!

Enjoyed reading Anna's advice piece for Substack; I've been trying to mark my own achievements over the last few years, and find this journal really help to track / celebrate them: https://www.thegoodbyehellojournal.com/shop

Outside of work I spend my time cycling, cooking, reading and noodling around with electronic music production and sound design.

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Hello! I'm Ashira, a freelance reporter based between 🐊Tallahassee, FL and 🇧🇬Sofia, Bulgaria. I am interested in "local environments" — place-based reporting that understands issues based on their surroundings, people, and histories. I tend to write about environmental and arts issues through that lens, and you can see my work here: https://ashiramorris.com

I've enjoyed freelancing as a way to push boundaries, both in where I live and the type of work I do — I've been able to try out teaching, audio production, and content writing since quitting my full-time job last year. Appreciate this space to share + connect with you all :)

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Jan 7, 2022·edited Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hello! I've been following this newsletter since day one and am so inspired as I build my own 😘

I'm Tiffany, fellow writer and podcast co-host and I'm always looking to build my audience, think of innovative pitch and writing ideas and stay true to myself and enjoy the process.

💕

My newsletter: https://tiffanyphilippou.substack.com/

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Happy New Year, Anna. I found your newsletter from a post that really resonated, the one about how to pitch editors in 2021. Born in Peru, and now based in Oregon, I am a writer, photographer, and chef. On my newsletter "La Yapa" https://piscotrail.substack.com I enjoy writing about Peru's food & drink culture, through a vegan lens. I am proud that my story about Peru's sacred coca leaves https://tastecooking.com/the-coca-story-goes-way-beyond-the-cola/ made TASTE's top 20 of 2021. This year, I am excited to grow my audience on Substack and continue sharing Peru's unique culture with the world. Cheers!

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Jan 7, 2022·edited Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hey Anna. I've been following you as long as I've been on Substack (about a year now) and I really admire your perspective, your hopefulness and how generous you are with your advice. So thank you for all of it.

I'm Mike, a Yorkshireman and travel writer turned...I'm not sure what I am now, but I'm currently writing about the science of curiosity, attention, awe and wonder - and, increasingly, hopefulness, because I'm finding that's a by-product of leaning into all those things:

https://everythingisamazing.substack.com/about

I also appear to be an idiot in many important ways (particularly the business side of writing), but I have not yet managed to completely plunge myself into ruin and universal mockery from everyone I admire, so I'm taking that as a win, even though it's still early days.

Please to meet you. And hello from a windswept corner of coastal Scotland where the crows and seagulls are literally bracing themselves against satellite aerials and chimneys to avoid being blown into the sea. It's dramatic.

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hello and happy new year!

I’m Chloë and I’m an author and arts journalist based in London. I’ve been freelance (and reading Anna’s newsletter) for just over a year now. I write about art and culture for the TLS, Guardian, frieze and others. My life at the moment is mostly about my puppy, Clover ☘️

Something I’m excited about for 2022 (well, excited and terrified all at once) – my first novel, Wet Paint, is being published by Orion in April! It’s about Eve, a twenty-six-year-old woman who, if you asked how she was, would tell you she’s fine. Since the death of her best friend, she’s learned to keep everything and everyone at arm’s length. But there are painful memories she can’t shake, and it’s not long before her precariously maintained life begins to unravel. Emma Gannon has called it ‘a mesmerising and energetic world of grief, art and self-discovery’.

If any of you like the sound of it, you can preorder here…. https://smarturl.it/WetPaint

Look forward to connecting with you all, and to reading more of your newsletter, Anna!

www.chloeashby.com

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi everyone, Happy New Year!

I'm Cass, I'm a freelance writer and climate activist based in Ghent in Belgium! I'm passionate about making political climate action more accessible, and this year I'm also hoping to spend more time getting involved in environmental projects in my local area.

I also run a climate action newsletter for anyone who wants to do more for the climate but has limited time or energy - it's https://thegreenfix.substack.com/

Would love to connect to other freelancers/climate folk/humans of the earth so do say hi!

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hello! I'm a writer living in a cabin in the San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado. I have a newsletter about living in a tiny town in the backcountry (shangrilogs.substack.com), and I'm trying to figure out this year how to skew my freelance writing toward supporting the newsletter. (E.g., pitching outlets like Outside Magazine)

I have a career in "content" for mental health companies, but I spend all my good time mountain biking, skiing, trail running, and renovating this pile of logs.

Recent subscriber and fast fan. Thanks, Anna!

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Hi everyone. I'm Lily and I chose to switch to freelancing after I felt burnt out from a career in academia. It's the best decision I ever made and I absolutely love freelancing and being in control of my own work. Plus no ridiculous university bureaucracy or endless meetings! I am co-founder of the podcast/newsletter/book/training courses Freelancing for Journalists which celebrate the wonderful world of freelance journalism https://freelancingforjournalists.com/

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Jan 7, 2022·edited Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

G’day, I’m Louise from Australia. Stuck here for two years, which is not ideal as a travel writer! It gets worse: my specialist topic was cruising 😆⚓️

But I’m not a trainwreck, I’m a shipwreck. Shipwreck is at https://louisegoldsbury.substack.com/

To stay afloat (sorry), I’m writing about my funniest and most scandalous experiences at sea, my wild expeditions to remote polar regions, and my (former) love life across several continents.

I love Lance, and I’ll subscribe back to anyone else’s newsletter. I have a lot more spare time to read these days!

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi Anna! Happy new year. Hi everyone! I'm Sophia Waterfield, a freelance journalist and editor based in the Yorkshire Wolds. I run my own publishing business, Paranting (https://parantingmagazine.co.uk) and I'm always looking to meet and chat with parents who are looking for something different from glossy magazines and journalism in general.

Love your newsletter and looking forward to reading more in 2022!

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Hi Anna! I'm Tania, a freelance science/policy journalist based in Catalonia. I write on Substack about intrinsic motivation: exploring the reasons we do what we do, and what moves us to do things for their own sake, without a carrot or a stick.

I have your newsletter to thank for that project, as it's where I first heard about the Attuned writer fellowship, which funds my time to write my newsletter :)

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi Anna and everyone!

I'm Emma, a trainee journalist currently studying MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. My tutor recommended your newsletter and so, here we are! I'm interested in food and drink, sustainability, and social justice stories and I've recently started my own blog, theguiltyfoodie.co.uk, which is all about everyday food sustainability. In 2022, I'm excited to graduate and join the real world!!

I'm looking forward to reading your newsletter :)

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Happy new year! I love your newsletter and have been finding it super helpful and motivating. I'm in Toronto. It's cold as hell. This is my go-to emoji right now 🥴

I'm a writer and a parent, although due to the parent role, I often find it difficult to carve out time for writing. But I'm trying to prioritize it more lately.

Here's something I wrote on my substack about how shitty it is to be a parent right now. Apparently I'm not alone in thinking that because this was by far my most shared and viewed post.

https://thankyouforsharing.substack.com/p/being-a-parent-is-the-worst

I'm also here:

https://twitter.com/steph_rebecca

I'm now going to read through all the other comments. Thanks Anna for bringing this community together!

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Hi Anna! I'm a freelance journalist based in the UK, focusing on human rights and social issues around the world. My website is www.jessiewilliams.co.uk and I've recently started a newsletter called Between The Lines (https://jessiewilliams.substack.com). Here is an article of mine that I'm particularly proud of: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jan/31/making-our-home-safe-again-meet-the-women-who-clear-land-mines (which involved walking through minefields in Lebanon!)

I'm a big fan of your newsletter; I've been reading it for the last couple of years and it's been my trusty companion as I experience the ups and downs of freelancing.

Looking forward to reading in 2022!

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Hi anna! Love your newsletter especially how authentic and honest you are.

My name is Jerine and I'm an Emergency Nurse turned freelance writer. I burntout during the pandemic and I dove into the online world for alternative lifestyles. So far, it's been going well.

My personal work includes writing for millennials (nurses) about personal development and introducing them to the creator economy.

In 2022, I'd love to build a product where I can help people stuck in their career transition in the online world with writing. I write on jerinenicole.substack.com and I recently started a YT channel too.

Can't wait to witness your journey in 2022. :)

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Jan 7, 2022·edited Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hello and Happy New Year to you too. I'm Ed, a photographer, writer and multipotentiate. I gave my three-month notice to go freelance in January 2020, which meant my big jump into the unknown coincided with the first lockdown. Whilst the first year was extremely challenging in many, ways Anna's newsletters have helped me navigate the world of freelance work and made sure I went in without rose-tinted glasses on and with my eyes open. In the second year, more opportunities came my way and I am an excited to keep moving forward.

In previous work-related lives I was a scientist (studying influenza for my PhD and postdoc, then multiple sclerosis), then science writer and social media manager for several academic institutions.

I lived in new York for 15 years, where I met my wife and my two sons were born. We have lived in a semi-rural area of the southeast of the UK since 2018, within touching distance of London and a drive to my family in North Wales. I have my own [hibernating] Substack at https://theeditphoto.substack.com/ and you can see some of my photography and writing at https://www.edbrydon.com/.

Thank you Anna!

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Jan 7, 2022·edited Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi Anna. Just discovered your blog and I'm so excited to go on this journey with you.

I'm Fareedah and I write a newsletter about my general experiences and self developmental tidbits I stumble upon in my own journey.

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Hi Anna and everyone :)

Wishing you smiles and happiness in whatever you do or don't do in 2022!

My name is Div Manickam from Raleigh, NC and I am grateful for this creator platform and substack community to share my story. I left my job for my personal mental wellbeing and humbled by your story.

Thank you for joining me on this journey called LIFE. My first self-published book is a reflection to how I went from always positive and optimistic to non-stop worry, stress and anxiety, and then how I was able to turn a leaf and bring mindfulness, essentialism, and self-care into my life to focus on what really matters.

I am determined more than ever to #breakthestigma #mentalwellbeingmatters

A Broken Teacup: Filling the cracks with mindfulness, essentialism and self-care

bit.ly/brokenteacup

Thank you for everything!

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Jan 17, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi Anna, I'm Anna, too! I've been following your newsletter for probably a year or so and always look forward to your thoughts. After a long career in special education, I retired from teaching in 2018 and have discovered that I like to write! Who knew? I've done some freelance work and then like many others during the pandemic, decided to start a newsletter on issues important to women. I live in Chapel Hill, NC which I love in spite of having attended the University of Virginia (big basketball rivals back in the day).

In terms of 2022, I am embarking on a journey of unknown length called trying to write my first novel. It will be a piece of historical fiction based on the lives of my mother and aunt. My mother left behind a treasure trove of genealogical information including letters that her parents wrote to her. I only wish that I had seen them when she was alive! Anyway, I really have no idea of how to write a book, but I imagine all first time authors think that. At least, that's what I tell myself! Happy new year!

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi, I'm Jay, former full-time writer for Thump México and Vice en Español (both platforms r.i.p.). I'm from Mexico City, and I first knew about you because I used to translate your articles into Spanish.

Currently, I'm looking to have a full freelance-writer career, that's how I arrived to your substack column. Sadly, here in Mexico City, there are not many places for Spanish writers and English to Spanish translators. So if anyone around here is the editor of any Spanish-language digital media and requires a writer/translator, let me know.

I've seen that many former Thump members have a freelancing career, but I kind of miss having a whole vertical dedicated to the electronic music industry. Every year, there are fewer places to write (and read) about this subject.

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Hi Anna and everyone, I'm one of those new folks. My family has lived in the US South for ten generations, much of that time in Northwest Georgia. My ancestors include slaveholders and Confederate soldiers but also a school board chairman who helped desegregate my hometown schools. I write about my journey of learning overlooked stories of the South and wrestling with how they affect us today, especially as it relates to race, faith, and politics. Most recently, I've been exploring the Cherokee tribe's expulsion from their homeland, which is now my homeland. https://southbound.substack.com/

My writing is still on the side, at least for now. I've spent my career in education, first as a teacher and then in the state government and non-profit sectors. My current role focuses on helping Atlanta students access, afford, and earn a postsecondary degree. I'm also a husband and dad of two elementary-aged kids.

I'm following along to learn the ins and outs of freelance creative work and how to juggle writing amidst the many competing demands on my time.

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Hi Substack community, my name's Caroline and I'm a newbie Freelance Writer/Blogger and Researcher and started in Nov/Dec 2021. So far I've written three blog pieces, two were tips for researchers, but the third blog is an opinion piece on IAR Syndrome (I'm Always Right) syndrome and here's a link if you're interested - https://carolinea.substack.com/p/do-you-have-iar-im-always-right-syndrome (disclaimer I've since found out that I've not stumbled across a brand new condition based on my zero medical experience, IAR could also be known as Dunning Kruger Effect, however in true IAR mode I wrote the blog thinking I'd discovered something brand new!) Enjoy reading!

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi everyone.

I'm Devanshi from India. I spent 3 years managing an online literary magazine I co-founded (https://thecuriousreader.in). In the process, I learnt that I loved editing more than I loved writing. In the past, and what seems like a different life, I was a lawyer.

Currently, I run an editing service called Edit Ops (https://editops.com), which offers on-demand editing with a 24-hour turnaround and unlimited revisions.

I am excited about finding the new normal in 2022.

And finally, Anna, thank you for your writing. I discovered your newsletter after you featured in Sidekick and I've been enjoying it since.

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi everyone!

I'm Laura, I'm *not* a writer or journalist of any kind (which is best for the world by far, my copy is abominable). All the same, I find the newsletter and especially your book Anna to be hugely helpful and a catalyst for my making the jump to go independent last Autumn!

I work in innovation, service design and new product development, mostly for charities but with the odd NHS, government or political project thrown in.

If any of that sounds interesting, you can find me on LinkedIn! /laurabotsford

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Hi Anna! I'm an American who has been living in Wales for ten years. I've only gotten into freelance writing in the last 18 months. I love and am equally very stressed out by it! I'm mainly covering human rights at the minute in the form of feature writing. Trying to figure out what I need to do to train to become better and more qualified. Would love to move into investigative journalism at some point.

I've also got three little boys, a lab, and work two other little jobs. That's me!

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Hello Anna,

Happy New Year all!

I moved to Luxembourg last year, write my first book “Seva, The Art of Hospitality”, felt like I was planted here to do this!

Worked at Stanford Healthcare in California for over 16 years prior to my move here!

Have my own blog on substack. I write about food, travel, hospitality….

Thank you

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Jan 7, 2022·edited Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi Anna and everyone!

This is Prince from India.

I read every newsletter that speaks to me in an intimate way.

So glad to be here.

I do things around activism.

Thanks. :)

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Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hello! Happy new year, all. I'm a freelance journalist and I've been subscribing for at least 3 of the years Anna has been writing this newsletter — and in that time I've been based in London, Paris, and Dakar!

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Feb 1, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

A little late to this, as the mail was languishing in my inbox.

Hi, I'm Sid. I'm a freelance copywriter by profession and write a substack on the relation between Nature and Technology. My background is tech, but I have a deep interest in how we're looking to deal with the degradation of nature. I'm trying not to define the boundaries of my substack as it's more about finding a topic that I want to learn about. Green ships for example. And it's a great excuse for me to share my learning with others. Still experimenting and seeing where it leads me.

Writing has sort of consumed my life but I'm also trying to see if I can pull off a digital nomad lifestyle. A pandemic is probably not the best time to explore such a venture, but might as well. Anna, I really like your writing and some of your thoughts have led me down an interesting path for myself. I look forward to reading more.

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Hi Anna and freelancers, great to see this thread! Only just plucked up the courage to join in with a polite hello. I'm not a freelancer (yet) but have been dreaming about it for years while hatching a thousand different plots on how to make good my escape from the balmy clutches of PAYE. Currently working on freelancing escape plan 1,001 and I think it might be a goer... (combination of writing, coaching and consulting on purpose).

In the meantime, I've recently started a Substack on the meaning of life and, most importantly, how to try to find it - brucethemoreno.substack.com. It's a collection of pretty tangential thoughts on that central question (hence the name) but having loads of fun with it and finding more and more food for thought among fellow Substack writers.

Anna, your writing is an important part of that, so thank you for giving me the inspiration and realism to see what life might be like on 'the other side'!!

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Jan 16, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hello all, it's lovely to e-meet you all! I'm Lia, I do not have a newsletter, but I find Anna's one very insightful on all things freelancing... something I do in my nights and weekends after I finish my day job at the University of Sydney.

I write because I love it and sometimes I'm lucky enough to get published too, which is great! If anyone on this thread is interested in higher education, expat topics (I've lived in 3 continents) or science communication, please reach out - I'm quite a latecomer to the networking game and I'd love to connect with similarly-minded writers around the world :-).

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I love how people are so much nicer here than on Twitter! 💛

Hello there! I think it’s my first time participating in a thread so please excuse my awkwardness (and tardiness).

I’m Amélie (the accent is important) Pascutto, writing to you from France. Not Paris but a beautiful place in the south west between mountains and ocean: the Bask Country!

I recently graduated from a master’s degree program in art journalism, based in Chicago, that I had to finish from France because of Covid obviously

I have been really reading Anna's newsletter for more than a year now. I appreciate her very much for being honest and human about the hardship of freelancing. It made me realize that I might not be ready for this kind of life right now, even though I aim to be a fulltime art journalist.

I am just at the beginning of my journey and trying to figure out if I can balance my time between editing and writing activities. Weirdly, from the job interviews I had so far, recruiters don’t think both skills are related, and it's in these moments that I think I should directly freelance haha!

I see 2022 as my challenge where I stop being afraid and start my new/professional life ✈

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Jan 15, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

This is such a nice thread. I’m Gemma, a Chartered PR from beside the seaside in Kent. I have been reading this newsletter for a couple of years and relate to so much of what you write, Anna. It’s one of the emails I recommend most to other freelancers. I don’t have a link to the thing I’m most proud of as currently (and unusually!) the thing is me as this month marks ten years since I signed my first freelance contract 🙌🏼 I feel genuinely proud to still be going strong after a decade. Keep on trucking, everyone x

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✨ This is an incredible idea! Thank you, Anna! ✨

I've been enjoying your newsletter for.... two years now? It's one of only two emails I can name that I enjoy receiving (the other is an obscure knitting store missive!).

I'm interested in the intersection between technology and humans, and how we can use the former to help the latter ascend (in the day-to-day, but also the more grandiose sense). I work in communications and write here on Substack to help creative people who don't follow tech get excited about ways they can use it in their work. There's enough othering of technology, so this is my way of showing my small community that it is nothing more or less than a tool, to be picked up one day, or not the next.

When I'm not doing that, I'm knitting (surprise!), or trying to figure out how to get more time to write. I love writing travelogues and started a travel-specific thing over on Medium (https://medium.com/@thelifeweknow), but I don't keep it up to date.

In 2022 I'm excited about designing life and my actions more intentfully. Being the driver, not the passenger. Here's wishing you all every excitement, for excitement is the root of happiness.

GPF

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Hello there, everyone! Thought I'd hop onto the thread, albeit a week (?) late. I'm Steph, a freelance writer and editor based in NJ. I write primarily about sexuality (and published a book on the topic in 2018) and, these days, my focus is on sex ed in particular. In the fall of 2020, I launched a sex ed site (https://guerrillasexed.org/) and its existence fills me with excitement. But lately, I struggle to see my future. I've just come out of my lowest-income year and... I feel lost? For the past 15+ years, I've loved setting goals and getting shit done. But how can I set new goals if I don't know what I'm working toward? All I do know is that I want to build out my sex ed site and continue writing my own tiny newsletter (https://tinyletter.com/thunderthighs). Other than that? Read all the books. Play the ukulele. Do embroidery. Snuggle my cat. Be with my daughter. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I enjoy reading this newsletter because it makes me feel less alone in this very isolated life. I look forward to scrolling through these comments and seeing where everyone else is at. :)

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Jan 14, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

This is a fun idea, thank you for doing this Anna! I'm a cartoonist and I starting writing on Substack March last year. I think I've discovered your newsletter through a recommendation by Substack and I always read them and learn things.

I live in the Netherlands with a man and 3 kids.

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Jan 13, 2022·edited Jan 13, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi Anna and congrats for all your work on this newsletter !

I'm Marius, a freelance reporter based in Marseille, France. I work for french and swiss press, mainly on environment issues. All of my pieces are here : https://ginkio.com/mariusriviere

I'm reading your newsletter since a year and a half. It's always a relief to read your thoughts about how to pitch stories, take some time to rest or be proud of our accomplishements :)

I've launched my Youtube channel (www.youtube.com/c/BlockbusterLittérature) this month and I think part of my motivation come from your testimonials, so thank you for that 🦸‍♂️

So cool to see where you all come from !

Happy 2022 to all of you 🎆

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Jan 10, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi Anna and fellow freelancers, I'm a wedding and personal branding photographer based in London UK. Also trying to figure out how to own my own business and not burn out!

I'm a bookworm, murder documentary enthusiast and pinot grigio groupie who love to party.

My photography is all about capturing personalities through photos. For weddings I'm more like an enthusiastic guest with a camera, fitting in with your guests to make sure everyone's comfortable. For personal branding I'm all about learning about your business and photographing everything you need! Here's my website: www.lottiepovallphotography.com

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Jan 8, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

👋Hi all,

I'm currently working as a freelance web back-end developer from India. Your newsletter helps me to understand some aspects of freelancing. I don't know but I don't feel that I am utilizing my full potential with my current job, it might be due to burnout or I am getting bored with the same work again & again. I want to switch my current work to something more interesting, but I couldn't find a path. I will try my best to find more satisfactory work.

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Hi Anna,

I haven't actually read you yet and am not even sure how I stumbled into this "room," but I like the vibe. I read all of the comments, and you have quite a devoted following, congratulations! I see why... I don't think I often see greetings such as yours in these blogs, and your invitation to introduce ourselves... nice touch.

Thank you.

I'm Christy White, from Oakland, California, a mom of two grown kids (23 and 20). I write a Substack loosely based on my wanderings -- walks through forests and towns, and the thoughts that arise therein. I'm struggling with honing my focus and deciding what I REALLY want to write about. I'm interested in food, mental health, self-development, family, love... beauty.

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Jan 7, 2022·edited Jan 7, 2022Liked by Anna Codrea-Rado

Hi, I’m Michael… I’m a high school film teacher in BC, and drawn to so many things. Maybe a multipotentialite? Ha! I love to write, make short films, act, or just make things. I started a blog when I did Seth Godin’s Akimbo Creative’s Workshop and had fun with it and then stopped after realizing it was taking away time from working on my screenplay (which was the reason I did the workshop), but I had a ton of fun with it.

Check it out here:

https://thoughtsofmichael.substack.com/

On a random note… I’m a big fan of The Moth podcast.

Looking forward to reading more of Lance! Cheers!

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Hello! I'm Ayesha, I work in communications in London and write about gender/women's experiences at https://auntieayesha.substack.com/. I like Anna's newsletter because it's easy to ready, not stuffy and sounds like a regular person thinking out loud -- which is rarer writing than you would think.

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Hi all! I'm Adele, I used to write for HuffPo, have written a few books and am a content freelancer after working in various startups. I'm currently in Hong Kong (where I grew up, although I'm a Kiwi) but have spent the last 12 years in London. Right now, I'm figuring out how to start a family and grow a business while navigating some health and immigration challenges, and blogging here has been a useful outlet - https://adelebarlow.com/blog

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Hi, I'm Eva and I'm a freelance science writer based in London. I do a combination of journalism (mostly on the overlap of science and culture - I also have a substack about that topic) as well as work-for-hire for scientific publishers and industry.

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Hi all! I'm pretty new to Substack - started my newsletter in late November!

I'm actually exploring a super similar topic to you, Anna-- looking at how to have a side "hustle" without burning out. My own side gig has been writing fiction for a long time, but also have an academic background in counseling and am really interested in wellness/well-being. I'm loving diving deeper into these topics in more of a non-fiction/essay format here. I've also been thinking some about doing some freelance work- and am interested to explore that more.

I live in Richmond, Virginia (in the US/Mid-Atlantic region). I love cooking and am struggling not to subscribe to every single food newsletter here as I'm a sucker for pretty food pictures! I also took a hand-lettering class this fall and have a just for fun goal to make 2 holiday cards a month- so I can send out handmade cards next year- we'll see if I have a set of 1 or 24 by next year (could go either way)!

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Hi y'all! I'm Shelby. I'm a freelance writer, bookseller, and writing tutor based on the East Coast of the US. I write a newsletter about mental health and being sensitive. My word for 2022 is "confidence," which is partially why I decided to comment in the first place (I'm typically too self-conscious to do something like this!). Here's a link to my portfolio: https://www.shelbynewsome.com

I am also interested in connecting with other writers and creatives! Let's chat :)

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