For a while now, I’ve been considering changing up how I do things here on Story Cauldron.
Initially, this was just supposed to be a periodic newsletter for people interested in my fiction, but it evolved into so much more. Right now I’m struggling to explain what Story Cauldron is about because it’s such a hodgepodge, and I’m guessing it’s likewise confusing to potential subscribers.
My current idea (not set in stone) is to simplify Story Cauldron, turning it into a place to display my fiction and personal writing updates (and maybe occasional articles about writing and storytelling, rather than the other way around). I’m even toying with the idea of making the first Favor Faeries novel free for all subscribers—or maybe all of the novels that I’m serializing.
In addition, I’m considering spinning off my St. Louis local history content onto a separate Substack newsletter called Unseen St. Louis that I’d send out 1-2 times a month, and I wonder how many of you would be interested (or maybe more interested?) in that.
All of this would require some big changes and I don’t know if it’s the best way to reorganize my materials, or if it even appeals to any of my current subscribers. Frankly, I’m scared that I’ll run everyone off and be back to square one.
So I’m turning to you, my loyal subscribers, to ask your opinion. What do you think? Why did you subscribe, and what are you most interested in reading from me in the future?
Your newsletter is called Story Cauldron. If you focus on stories I think you will be on point. Articles about stories also fit the title.
The St. Louis history does seem like it might be popular and better served on its own since it is niche market that would likely be very loyal. Although they might not be interested in fiction.
Thanks for the feedback. The St. Louis history came about because my novels take place here, so there is a connection, but I definitely feel like it needs its own home. But even with it being pulled out, I'm not sure if Story Cauldron still makes sense as it is, with the nonfiction pieces and the serial novels.
Jan 24, 2022·edited Jan 24, 2022Liked by Jackie Dana
It is tough to mix fiction and non-fiction. I do the rare non-fiction story, but it is usually, light-hearted or humorous, so it seems to work well with my short fiction and humor. In fact, my most popular story was my silly story about eggnog, of all things.
I think if you go with your passion, that is usually the best route.
I like the idea of fiction, person writing updates, and notes on writing. It's like zooming in then zooming out to examine concepts. The St. Louis offshoot is nice too. They have great history and are very well done. I really like those. Getting yourself organized if you feel like things are getting scattered is self-aware. It's nice that you're doing it instead of readers wondering about it down the line.
Yours was among the first Substack I subscribed to because you were writing fiction and I was still getting the impression a lot more people were doing current events, politics, and generally in the non-fiction sphere. It's been a great time reading Story Cauldron. Hope you're happy with however the Substack turns out.
Thanks. In my head it all fits, but other people don’t live in my head. 😄 I feel like it needs a little bit of streamlining and cohesion. Plus I need to back off on a little of the writing because it’s just so much.
I think everything together fits well - they're all stories and plays into the theme of your newsletter being a witch's brew of stories. If you'd really like to create a more clear separation, maybe add sectional instructions on the main subscribe page and in the welcome email? Even if you don't though, I don't see it as being a huge problem - people just don't read the ones they're not interested in!
I think this is a very good plan. Go with your gut! Your readers will follow.
My gut is feeling very insecure right now. (Maybe I need probiotics? 🤣 )
Your newsletter is called Story Cauldron. If you focus on stories I think you will be on point. Articles about stories also fit the title.
The St. Louis history does seem like it might be popular and better served on its own since it is niche market that would likely be very loyal. Although they might not be interested in fiction.
Keep tweaking until you find what works.
Thanks for the feedback. The St. Louis history came about because my novels take place here, so there is a connection, but I definitely feel like it needs its own home. But even with it being pulled out, I'm not sure if Story Cauldron still makes sense as it is, with the nonfiction pieces and the serial novels.
It is tough to mix fiction and non-fiction. I do the rare non-fiction story, but it is usually, light-hearted or humorous, so it seems to work well with my short fiction and humor. In fact, my most popular story was my silly story about eggnog, of all things.
I think if you go with your passion, that is usually the best route.
I like the idea of fiction, person writing updates, and notes on writing. It's like zooming in then zooming out to examine concepts. The St. Louis offshoot is nice too. They have great history and are very well done. I really like those. Getting yourself organized if you feel like things are getting scattered is self-aware. It's nice that you're doing it instead of readers wondering about it down the line.
Yours was among the first Substack I subscribed to because you were writing fiction and I was still getting the impression a lot more people were doing current events, politics, and generally in the non-fiction sphere. It's been a great time reading Story Cauldron. Hope you're happy with however the Substack turns out.
Thanks. In my head it all fits, but other people don’t live in my head. 😄 I feel like it needs a little bit of streamlining and cohesion. Plus I need to back off on a little of the writing because it’s just so much.
It’s good to reset every once in a while to get yourself on track. Your head’s got it figured out, I think.
I think everything together fits well - they're all stories and plays into the theme of your newsletter being a witch's brew of stories. If you'd really like to create a more clear separation, maybe add sectional instructions on the main subscribe page and in the welcome email? Even if you don't though, I don't see it as being a huge problem - people just don't read the ones they're not interested in!