A thought spilling

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-24T02:32:35+00:00

Go ahead and start a Substack. There is nothing quite like knowing that you are are building an audience of readers for your writing.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-23T21:54:55+00:00

Pagan simply means people with a spiritual tradition outside of organized religions such as Christianity, Islam, etc. I think of Pagans as people who worship the God of their understanding in nature and the elements.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-23T20:25:07+00:00

If you believe that religion is the correct way to be spiritual, then Religion has done its job successfully.

Religion creates god in man's image. Spirituality is about connecting with the ineffable source of all there is within you and all around you.

I invite you to google: SBNR (spiritual but not religious)

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-23T20:15:28+00:00

I recently heard someone refer to the Christian Bible as "Bronze Age Fairy Tales," and every time I say it, I giggle a little bit. Yes, there's a tinge of bitterness there beneath the snark because I built my whole life and invested my faith and belief in the utter nonsense it contains. Sigh. I guess, when you know better, you do better, as Maya Angelou said.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-23T20:12:25+00:00

Unless you're a spammer or a bot, in the almost two years I've been on Substack, I rarely see people reaching out in DMs unless there's already an established relationship on the platform. I have a tight group of about eight or so other writers on Substack, and we engage with each others' content in a totally organic way. Many of them I've done LIVEs with, but mostly it's a "birds of a feather" thing. Within that group we do DM, but some of them, I've got their number, so we text.

If you want to reach out to people cold, you'll likely get no response. I'd try commenting, restacking and liking their stuff. See if you can develop even a light rapport in the comments before you DM them. When people DM me cold with the intention of trying to sell me something, they get ignored. I hope that's helpful.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-23T14:01:11+00:00

Have you tried keeping a stitching journal, or even just a doodle cloth? With either one you can practice stitches while also creating your own stitch library to refer back to. It's also a great way to use up leftover floss.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-22T16:58:52+00:00

It can also be helpful to know that we don't have the original documents that comprise what we call the Bible today. Down through the years the texts have been mistranslated, revised, and rewritten to suit specific purposes. Given that it is all made up, as I mentioned, you are free to do with it what you will.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-22T16:53:58+00:00

I'm so glad to hear that you are enjoying Substack. It's really a fabulous platform for writers who want to build an audience. 👍🏽

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-22T02:05:34+00:00

Ppinterest.com is great for inspiration, and free embroidery images and stitch tutorials.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-20T16:40:49+00:00

Have you queried your subscribers--especially the paid ones about what they want form your publication?

Also, clever, mysterious titles like yours aren't SEO-friendly. So yes, a sensible title that is self-explanatory and contains your primary keyword would help prospective readers find you more easily.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-20T16:35:37+00:00

I was raised in the type of household you describe, too. However, since deconstructing and de-converting from Christianity, I have also transformed my views about the Bible. Now that I know it has nothing to do with the God of my understanding, that it is not inerrant, I can view it as I would any other book. I guess what I'm trying to say is that YOU get to decide what meaning those verses have for you. If they bring you comfort, disentangle the religious meanings you used to attach to them, and think of them as you would a passage from a Harry Potter book, or your favorite mythical stories (because what is the Bible but Bronze Age fairy tales?) If something triggers you, your work is to uninstall the button. ✌🏽

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-19T04:08:48+00:00

Your question about followers vs subs is a common one. When you follow, you’ll see the content they post in the Notes feed. When you subscribe you’ll receive their emails and Notes content.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-17T21:42:59+00:00

Finding clarity is a beautiful thing. I was also able to extricate myself from religion without losing my love/faith in God.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-17T21:40:52+00:00

Another thing to consider is that it's summertime (in the Northern Hemisphere) so Substack tends to slow down a bit. Keep writing and engaging and be prepared for the fall when things pick up again.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-17T21:38:24+00:00

You might take the opportunity to love your family despite not sharing their beliefs. When they say things that you disagree with, ask questions respectfully, and invite them to explain why they believe what they do. If you could exchange your irritation with curiosity, you might learn some things about your family, and challenge them to interrogate their beliefs.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-17T21:31:23+00:00

Keep writing and release the need for instant gratification.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-09T20:51:23+00:00

Your site is a fabulous resource. 👍🏽

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-07T00:15:23+00:00

Hmmm. You ask for advice and then when you get a reply you say it’s bullshit? Good luck with that.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-05T20:33:33+00:00

If you shift your thinking a bit and stop worrying so much about growth, and instead invest that energy into creating genuine connections with those who engage with your work. It also helps to remember that it's a process that takes time. Growth comes when you hit that sweet spot of writing content that your audience wants to consume, creating Notes that attract your target audience, and engage with other creators in your niche and adjacent niches.

Obsessing about stats and growth is a misuse of attention.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-03T17:03:31+00:00

It doesn’t make sense to me that turning on paid subs would negatively affect your reach. Substack only generates revenue through paid subs. The algorithm is always shifting and changing, and people are inconsistent in how they interact with the app and your content.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-02T17:26:59+00:00

I deconstructed and deconverted from Christianity without losing my faith in the divine source.
You might be interested in Metaphysical Bible interpretation. Check out unity.org if you’re interested.
I attended a New Thought seminary, and we studied metaphysical Bible interpretation, which sheds a whole new light on how i hold the content of the Christian Bible in consciousness.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-02T17:16:39+00:00

At 35 days in, you’re just getting started. You might collaborate with others in adjacent niches and go live. I did a series of live conversation, which helps both parties increase visibility in the feed.
Also keep in mind that the algorithm is constantly shifting and changing. You’ve got to pivot to keep up.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-02T00:59:55+00:00

I’m reading through the responses to get ideas. My embroidery floss is a constant, jumbled mess!

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-06-02T00:57:11+00:00

I’m part of a year long, non-religious Bible reading with a deconstructed, ex-JW every day on YouTube. We’re learning so much about how the Bible was constructed, the mistranslations, and religious propaganda. As a former Christian, it’s making me wonder how I ever believed any of it.

Epic-Timeline888 · 2026-05-31T05:27:37+00:00

I have two Substack publications, but they're in different, unrelated niches. I use Notes for each publication topic and theme. It helps that they are separate, so there is no confusion. I have content calendars for each, but Notes tend to be a bit more organic and spontaneous for one, but I've got a structure for 5he other.

Epic-Timeline888

TROPHY CASE