Emily, this felt like a breath of fresh, real air. Thank you for saying what so many writers feel but are afraid to say aloud: that creativity becomes heavy when it has to justify itself to a price tag.
Your honesty about the internal tug-of-war between worth and value, soul and strategy, hit me hard. I love that you're reclaiming your space on your own terms. There’s something radical in saying, “I’ll write when it moves me,” especially in a world obsessed with algorithms and content calendars.
Also, your line—“I know myself pretty well, at least when it comes to my writing”—was quietly powerful. That kind of clarity is a lighthouse for the rest of us who are still figuring it out.
Thank you so much Anton for your thoughtful and kind comment. Just yesterday I was thinking, "I really should write on Substack, it's been a while" and then I remembered that I removed the paywall for a reason, to eliminate the need for 'shoulds'.
It is a really tricky one though because we, as creatives, must value our work and be able to put a price on it because no-one else will. I suppose if writing on here were my main form of income I'd be more comfortable doing that, but it is one of many things I do and so I find myself unable to commit to regular writing in the way others on here do.
I think it's important to find a path that works for you, whether it's a strict content calendar, sporadic writing, or somewhere in between.
Wishing you the best of luck on whichever path is right for you.
This really is food for thought for me. I feel like the whole paid aspect has been niggling at me for a while. I recently started accepting charitable donations (to a local dog rescue) in place of paid subs, but maybe the way forward is to open it up completely. Thank you for sharing!
It was a difficult decision to make because I believe everyone - writers/creators included - should be paid for their work. But it didn’t sit right with me, knowing how hard it is for people to pay for one more subscription, let alone dozens on here, says the platform grows. For now I’m sticking with it to grow my subscribers on the platform and then we’ll see. My readers still can - and do - have paid subs which is so appreciated considering they don’t have to.
I very much understand how you feel about asking to be paid for writing when you might not feel like writing about something specific, or on a particular day. I've never even been brave enough to set up paid subscriptions, and have no idea really what the future will bring. I will enjoy reading your posts though - I have some of your books which I love and getting the know the author behind the photos is always lovely.
Thanks so much for your comment Vanessa. I’m so pleased you’re enjoying reading my work. It was a difficult decision to make regarding paid subs especially since I’m a writer by trade, but in the end it felt right.
From day one I’ve said Substack will have to change its pay model. It’s totally unsustainable. How they do it? God knows. I would love for mine to be free again as it has been for the previous five years, but I just can’t afford to spend that much time writing and researching with no recompense. I applaud you though.
I’m with you on the amount of time spent. For now I’m happy to be gaining so many more free subscribers who can get a taste for my style and choose to pay if they want to be generous 😊
I would want - if I didn't have, so many paid subscriptions (I must have a cull). It is all a bit bonkers. I share your feelings and I am so very grateful for my paid subscribers. And have constant anxiety that I'll lose them.
Hi, thanks for this decision! I am a mother of two small kids on a parental leave, currently struggling for every euro. Your newsletters are one of the things that bring me joy, calm me and bring me "back to myself". I am looking forward to start a job soon (hopefully) and get a paid subscription and buy some of your books!
I have purchased all your books and am happy to pay for your Substack. You’re one of only two I pay for… I just feel the need to support anyway I can! Thanks for your honesty 💛💛
Thank you so much for choosing to make them readable to all! I so wish I could afford loads of subscriptions, but you’re correct…I don’t think the model is sustainable long term. I have a few of your books and LOVE all things interiors, but that can only feed me so much. I am here for all of the deep things of the mind and heart. 💜
Thanks for sharing this, Emily! I’m currently struggling with the paywall issue for my own blog on home organization and other topics for mature women that I just started. My subscriber list is obviously much smaller than yours (no books written yet either!) and my mom is my only paid subscriber so far. But I was also wondering about which articles were worthy of payment and which should be free. And really, I just want to write so I was never thinking this would be a money maker - I have an in-person business and will be creating digital courses in the future. But having a paywall seemed like the thing to do, so I’m glad to hear other writers talk about this issue. I also just placed a hold at the library for two of your books - I’m excited to read them!
I'm glad it resonated with you Brooke. I always know if I'm feeling something - even if it goes against the grain - others will be as well. Your business sounds so interesting. I hope you enjoy my books when you get them - thank goodness for libraries!
Thank you for understanding that many readers may only be able to afford two or so substack subscriptions, in total. I have one of your books and enjoy reading what you write.
Thank you for this. I am a big fan and have all your books but I only subscribe to a few sub stacks and will probably cancel those because they are too expensive. Blogs were great and accessible- Substack not so much.
It's so tricky isn't it. With blogs, many had ads or sponsored content and I suppose Substack is a way for writers to get paid to write without all that. But I totally get that it's not feasible to pay for everything you read even if you love the writer. Thanks for reading!
Emily, this felt like a breath of fresh, real air. Thank you for saying what so many writers feel but are afraid to say aloud: that creativity becomes heavy when it has to justify itself to a price tag.
Your honesty about the internal tug-of-war between worth and value, soul and strategy, hit me hard. I love that you're reclaiming your space on your own terms. There’s something radical in saying, “I’ll write when it moves me,” especially in a world obsessed with algorithms and content calendars.
Also, your line—“I know myself pretty well, at least when it comes to my writing”—was quietly powerful. That kind of clarity is a lighthouse for the rest of us who are still figuring it out.
Thank you so much Anton for your thoughtful and kind comment. Just yesterday I was thinking, "I really should write on Substack, it's been a while" and then I remembered that I removed the paywall for a reason, to eliminate the need for 'shoulds'.
It is a really tricky one though because we, as creatives, must value our work and be able to put a price on it because no-one else will. I suppose if writing on here were my main form of income I'd be more comfortable doing that, but it is one of many things I do and so I find myself unable to commit to regular writing in the way others on here do.
I think it's important to find a path that works for you, whether it's a strict content calendar, sporadic writing, or somewhere in between.
Wishing you the best of luck on whichever path is right for you.
Thank you for reading.
This really is food for thought for me. I feel like the whole paid aspect has been niggling at me for a while. I recently started accepting charitable donations (to a local dog rescue) in place of paid subs, but maybe the way forward is to open it up completely. Thank you for sharing!
It was a difficult decision to make because I believe everyone - writers/creators included - should be paid for their work. But it didn’t sit right with me, knowing how hard it is for people to pay for one more subscription, let alone dozens on here, says the platform grows. For now I’m sticking with it to grow my subscribers on the platform and then we’ll see. My readers still can - and do - have paid subs which is so appreciated considering they don’t have to.
I very much understand how you feel about asking to be paid for writing when you might not feel like writing about something specific, or on a particular day. I've never even been brave enough to set up paid subscriptions, and have no idea really what the future will bring. I will enjoy reading your posts though - I have some of your books which I love and getting the know the author behind the photos is always lovely.
Thanks so much for your comment Vanessa. I’m so pleased you’re enjoying reading my work. It was a difficult decision to make regarding paid subs especially since I’m a writer by trade, but in the end it felt right.
From day one I’ve said Substack will have to change its pay model. It’s totally unsustainable. How they do it? God knows. I would love for mine to be free again as it has been for the previous five years, but I just can’t afford to spend that much time writing and researching with no recompense. I applaud you though.
I’m with you on the amount of time spent. For now I’m happy to be gaining so many more free subscribers who can get a taste for my style and choose to pay if they want to be generous 😊
I would want - if I didn't have, so many paid subscriptions (I must have a cull). It is all a bit bonkers. I share your feelings and I am so very grateful for my paid subscribers. And have constant anxiety that I'll lose them.
Hi, thanks for this decision! I am a mother of two small kids on a parental leave, currently struggling for every euro. Your newsletters are one of the things that bring me joy, calm me and bring me "back to myself". I am looking forward to start a job soon (hopefully) and get a paid subscription and buy some of your books!
I’m thrilled that my newsletter brings you joy and a sense of calm! You have a lot on your plate - I’m happy to spread the joy
I have purchased all your books and am happy to pay for your Substack. You’re one of only two I pay for… I just feel the need to support anyway I can! Thanks for your honesty 💛💛
Thanks so much Jackie! That’s really generous of you and it is greatly appreciated. And you have ALL my books 🥰
Thank you so much for choosing to make them readable to all! I so wish I could afford loads of subscriptions, but you’re correct…I don’t think the model is sustainable long term. I have a few of your books and LOVE all things interiors, but that can only feed me so much. I am here for all of the deep things of the mind and heart. 💜
I'm so pleased to hear that Anne-Marie! Thanks for buying my books and for reading along here.
I really look forward to reading your news letter, thank you x
That's such a lovely thing to read Katrina! Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this, Emily! I’m currently struggling with the paywall issue for my own blog on home organization and other topics for mature women that I just started. My subscriber list is obviously much smaller than yours (no books written yet either!) and my mom is my only paid subscriber so far. But I was also wondering about which articles were worthy of payment and which should be free. And really, I just want to write so I was never thinking this would be a money maker - I have an in-person business and will be creating digital courses in the future. But having a paywall seemed like the thing to do, so I’m glad to hear other writers talk about this issue. I also just placed a hold at the library for two of your books - I’m excited to read them!
I'm glad it resonated with you Brooke. I always know if I'm feeling something - even if it goes against the grain - others will be as well. Your business sounds so interesting. I hope you enjoy my books when you get them - thank goodness for libraries!
Thank you for understanding that many readers may only be able to afford two or so substack subscriptions, in total. I have one of your books and enjoy reading what you write.
I do understand. And it will become more and more difficult as more people use the platform. Thanks for reading - and for buying one of my books!
I love reading what you have to say- it’s always from the heart and genuine. Thank you for the inspiration that you provide to so many! x
Thanks Lucy! x
Thank you for this. I am a big fan and have all your books but I only subscribe to a few sub stacks and will probably cancel those because they are too expensive. Blogs were great and accessible- Substack not so much.
It's so tricky isn't it. With blogs, many had ads or sponsored content and I suppose Substack is a way for writers to get paid to write without all that. But I totally get that it's not feasible to pay for everything you read even if you love the writer. Thanks for reading!