Greetings!
I’m reflecting on reaching 50 (not my age), and writing on Substack. Plus a driving video, a cat photo and two photos taken in London, plus a few links.
But enough of this persiflage! On with the newsletter.
Terry
Number 50
If there’s one thing I don’t like much it’s those gushing posts that begin “I’d never have believed, when starting out six months ago, that I now have 10,000 subscribers. You guys rock.” Presumably it’s meant to encourage people like me, people who’ve been here nigh on two years and yet haven’t reached that magical milestone of 1,000.
This is strange, because many people have told me, on other platforms, that they love my writing — but few of them are here on Substack. It very much reminds me of something someone said to me when I went independent: none of the people who tell you they’ll be in touch to buy your services will be; it will be people you’ve never heard of before.
So that’s the positive side, or one positive side. I’ve “met” new readers and writers here, and discovered truly brilliant writing.
One thing I should like to celebrate, if i may, is reaching #50. Not so much because of that number, but because being on Substack has infused me with renewed vigour. I used to write every day or thereabouts on two other blogs, but that went pear-shaped because I ran out of time, energy and zest, because of family circumstances. Being here has caused me to write regularly (some would say too regularly, given how much I churn out!).
As well as writing the Start the Week, Experiments in Style, Behind the scenes/Experiments in style Extra posts, I’ve also been in regular correspondence with
, whose writing is delightful.Of course, her writing dramatically improved once she applied my fast reading method to her own book review:
Seriously, though, I felt very flattered that Rebecca should try that method out and adapt it for her own purposes. Do go off and read that, but remember to come back here afterwards!
Next week or thereabouts (I lose track: I even forgot my own wedding anniversary but tried to explain that by saying I didn’t know the date was the same every year), Rebecca and I will have been corresponding for a year. Amazing.
Finally, for this section, thanks to all my subscribers, especially the ones who laugh at my lame jokes!
A country drive
I knew my bike cam would come in handy. Here’s a short video of a country drive in England. I was doing between 50 and 60 mph once the speed limit sign (below) had appeared:
That sign means: National Speed Limit, which is 60 mph on a single carriageway and 70 mph on a dual carriageway. Enjoy, noting some mega puddles on the left along the way, as this was shot soon after some dreadful flooding:
A few photos
First, the obligatory cat photo.
The one on the right is my brother, Willow, and the one on the left is his girlfriend, Minty.
Lumino City, in London:
Another noir London scene:
Elsewhere on Substack
and discuss whether a (writing) workshop should be a safe space.And
discusses trying and trying again — very much the lot of the average writer I think!I’m afraid that’s it from me for now. I’ve been fighting off a cold and the post-cold despondency and listlessness. Look out for my reply to Rebecca’s recent letter., on Wednesday.
I look forward to reading your comments, if you have time.
I should love to ride my bike on the road that is featured in the video. However, the road doesn't look wide enough for cars and my bike. Someone would have to yield . . . . I am one of your readers that loves your jokes and your drawings. Write on!
What lovely, big trees you have there. :).
Willow looks so pleased in that photo. Ha ha!
Lastly, I hope that you are soon feeling better.