My Writing Journey on Substack (Flopped Posts, Small Wins)
A story of resilience, connection, and unexpected opportunities.
Hey friends,
Let me take you on a journey through my writing life's ups, downs, twists, and turns.
Where It All Began
Three years ago, I started writing. It wasn’t pretty.
My sentences stumbled, my ideas felt incomplete, and my confidence?
It was shaky at best.
But this tiny voice inside me whispered, “Keep going.”
So I did.
I began on Medium, pouring my thoughts onto the screen. At first, it felt like I was writing into the void—there were no claps, comments, or audience.
But I realized something: I wasn’t writing for them. I was writing to discover my voice, make sense of my thoughts, and grow.
Little by little, people started to notice. A comment here, a message there. It was a spark, and I held on to it.
Today, I’m one of the top writers on Medium, with ~8K subscribers and a monthly four-figure income.
Finding My Way to Substack
Last year, I decided to try something new. I joined Substack, and let me tell you—this platform feels like home. It’s not just a space to write; it’s a space to connect.
But I’ll be honest: starting on Substack wasn’t easy.
I didn’t have a massive audience, and my first few posts barely got noticed.
I wondered if I’d made a mistake, but then I reminded myself of something I had learned early on: consistency beats perfection.
So I kept showing up.
Every week, I’d write.
Some posts were deeply personal; others were playful experiments. Slowly, the community here began to grow.
Failures, Failures, and More Failures
Let’s talk about failures. They’re not fun, but they’re necessary.
I’ve had posts flop—big time.
The ones I thought were brilliant barely got read. I’ve sent newsletters that missed the mark, shared ideas that didn’t resonate, and felt the sting of rejection more times than I can count.
But here’s the thing: every failure taught me something.
A flop taught me to experiment more.
A rejection reminded me to focus on the process, not the outcome.
A quiet post reminded me that not everything needs applause to matter.
Failures are messy, but they’re also where the magic happens.
The Successes That Matter
Now, let’s talk about wins. Not the flashy kind, but the ones that matter most to me.
The first time someone messaged me, saying my words helped them see things differently.
The day I realized writing isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being authentic.
The moment I started building genuine connections with readers—like you.
Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
Writing is a Relationship.
You’re not just sharing words; you’re building trust. Be honest, be kind, and always be yourself.Every Writer Has Their Path.
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Your journey is yours, and that’s enough.The Best Ideas Come from Life.
A walk, a conversation, a quiet moment—these are where stories live.
Writers Who Inspire Me
Substack is full of incredible voices. Here are a few I look up to:
Sinem Günel: Her newsletter WRITE-BUILD-SCALE is a masterclass in audience building and staying consistent.
Linda Hoenigsberg: Her raw and honest storytelling reminds her of the power of vulnerability.
Nikita Gill: Her poetic take on life is both moving and thought-provoking.
Emma Brooks: Her newsletter Chatterbox is incredible for scaling your newsletter content, color schemes, and more.
These writers remind me that no two journeys are alike, making this space rich.
I also follow and am a true fan of a few more, like -
and many, many more 😀🙏If You’re a New Writer
To those just starting: I see you.
It’s scary, it’s hard, and it can feel like no one’s listening. But trust me—keep going. Write poorly, write boldly, write often. The audience will come.
If you’re wondering where to start, here’s my advice:
Write about what matters to you. Don’t chase trends; chase meaning.
Connect with other writers. Collaboration and conversation go a long way.
Remember: the world needs your voice.
What’s Next for Me
I’m still learning, failing, and growing.
This year, I landed a consulting gig with a startup—an opportunity to share my thoughts here. Writing opened that door for me, and I’ll always be grateful.
As I move forward, I want to keep experimenting and taking risks with my writing, connect deeper with all of you, and find joy.
Your Turn
What’s your story? Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or someone figuring it out, I’d love to hear from you.
Tell me:
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your creative journey?Who are the writers that inspire you?
Drop a comment, restack or message me—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Thank you for being here, reading, supporting, and believing in words. Here’s to us building our stories, one sentence at a time.
With gratitude,
Anshul Kumar
P.S. Let me know if you’re struggling with something in your writing journey. Maybe I can help, or maybe we can figure it out together.😊
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An inspiring journey and still more of the road left to travel
Thank you for including me in it
Anshul...to see my name on your post made. me feel so many good emotions...thank you! I love what you wrote here and it has inspired me to keep going no matter what (on Substack). I write because it fulfills me in a way almost nothing else does (I paint as well, and that is also very fulfilling. I also write posts I think will help others and then it's crickets. Other ones, that I don't consider to be all that great, seem to invite more comments or likes. But like you, I am just going to keep going. Thank you so much Anshul. Many blessings.