Three years ago, almost to the day, I sent out my first Val Thinks newsletter to 33 readers, all friends and family who’d signed up when I reached out to share my exciting new project. Today, this newsletter is being read by 240 subscribers, most of whom I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting.
Three years is a blink of an eye for me who’s in my thirties, but eternity for my newborn newsletter, which in this time has gone from squealing and pooping to talking and running.
The evolution of Val Thinks has been staggering. Here’s how we’ve grown.
Then and now
When I started this newsletter, I had no idea what I wanted it to be. I called it “Val Thinks” because, not knowing what I’d be writing about, I didn’t want to be tied to a single subject. I had no goal, no mission, no value proposition. I only knew I wanted to write, and write regularly. A newsletter ticked both boxes, so I went and set up my Substack account, almost on a whim.
When I started this newsletter, I had no idea what good writing looked like. I’d write the posts, make a couple of edits, and by the time I sent them out I still couldn’t tell whether they were any good. If a newsletter took less than an hour to write, I’d congratulate myself on my incredible talent and publish it as is—genius required no revision.
When I started this newsletter, I had no idea how to go about acquiring subscribers. I had even less of a conception of what my relationship with future readers would look like, of the vital role you would all come to play in keeping me writing, an activity I believed to be purely solitary.
There was so much I did not know. But that was three years ago.
Week by week, little by little, I learnt. I decided on my goal, my mission, my value proposition: I’d write a newsletter that made my readers “stop and think” every Friday. Week by week, little by little, I taught myself to not only write, but write well. I devoured advice books, learnt from my boss, honed my skills, adopted my now-ingrained habit of obsessively editing until every word, every punctuation, every post feels just right.
And, most importantly, week by week, little by little, I came to appreciate the power of writing in connecting people. Each reply, each comment from my growing community of readers filled me with delight, a rare few moving me to joyful tears. I see now that writing is far from a solitary endeavour—it’s an incredible gateway to budding friendships, deepening connections, and life-altering revelations.
Let’s chat
I’ve been so touched by the heartfelt replies and honest comments I’ve received over the years from friends and strangers alike that I’ve decided on a fresh goal for my newsletter, as it enters its fourth year.
Instead of soliciting pennies from my readers, I’m going to solicit participation. To that end, I’ve removed the paid tier of my newsletter. And I’m finally going to embark on Substack Chat, a feature available exclusively on the Substack app.
I’m aware not all of my readers are on the Substack app, but a fast-growing proportion is and I’d like to explore Chat as a space to deepen our connection. For those not using or willing to download the app (Google Play | App Store), the comments section will forever be open to you, and I always love an old-fashioned email reply.
The decision to abandon my financial goal for Val Thinks wasn’t made lightly. For three years, I set my sights on a long-term future where I could live comfortably off passive income from my writing. But enough time has elapsed since I switched on paid subscriptions that I’ve come to accept that whatever value you derive from my writing, it’s not enough to make you want to hand me your hard-earned pennies for my thoughts.
So I’ve chosen a new goal of connecting more deeply with you, my readers. I’d love to get to know you better, and for us to form a community of thinkers curious about one another and the world.
I hope to see many of you in Substack Chat. And to all 240 of you, thank you for reading. Without you, I’m nothing.
What do you think?
For those who’ll join me on Substack Chat, a very important question:
What do you want to chat about?
What kind of conversation will be valuable to you? What topics do you want me to dive into? How personal do you want to get? Please hit “reply” or leave a comment—I read every response and I’d love to hear from you. If you want, share this post with someone who’ll enjoy reading Val Thinks as we begin our fourth year together.
Until next Friday… Stay thoughtful, and chat soon,
Val
Bonjour Val,
As always i am glad to leave you a comment when reading you. To be honest I tried to read other writers here but after barely a few lines i get boring and stop reading them as if something is missing to make it simple it has to be smoothy, connected, fluid, clear, simple and heartfelt. From my perspective you have something special i would say a personal style that keep me on reading. After reading you my mind wanders a little and thinks afterwards about my vision of your story / piece so i think Val thinks is very appropriate and very well chosen.
You are right writing is not only about sharing your thoughts, try to be a good writer but also to bring to create a connection, make friendship, share a journey and also at least for writers help to healing at some point.
Whish you a good day.
Bonne journée !