Substack Kickstarter Bootcamp 2026
Why Some Writers Shine on Substack… and Others Stay Invisible
The truth no one tells you about Substack — and the reliable, proven, and simple system that gets you seen, even if no one knows your name (yet) — to go from a hidden gem to a paid Substack writer — in 4 days flat.
Hey there, future Substack rockstar! 👋
Thinking about your New Year's resolutions and your wish to invest in yourself in 2026?
Good news: I know, you’ve got something beautiful to say. Your stories could change the world, get attention, build a community, and make you money.
So, if you want to write magnetic, non-sucky newsletters so good people want to hear from you every single week, January is the month to (finally) take ACTION and crush your goals!
Because here's the truth…
Every day you don’t post on Substack, someone else is building the audience you could have had.
- They’re getting discovered.
- They’re growing their email list.
- They’re converting readers into paid subscribers.
Meanwhile, you’re left scrolling, overthinking, wondering:
“Is it too late for me to start?”
I know that pain because I lived it. When I started in January 2024, I had no audience on Substack, no clear “voice,” and zero clue how to "do" Substack the right way.
But once I figured out the system — how to combine personality + expertise + proven posting frameworks — everything changed. I earned my first $1000, then $10,000.
This is exactly why I created the Substack Kickstarter Bootcamp 2026 - no fluff and all action. 🎉
It's my fun, hands-on, on-demand experience designed to take you from feeling...
- small, stuck, and invisible… to
- consistent, confident, and building momentum on Substack Notes.
As an award-winning marketing expert who writes part-time with two kids in the house, I'm proof that big journeys begin with small steps!
My only regret is not starting an email list from the outset when I began writing online in 2020.
That's why I'm going to teach you:
- how to combine your heart
- your experience
- your "YOUness"
- your expertise
...with the proven 4‑Step Substack PATH Strategy to…
- (finally!) kickstart your short and long form writing journey
- find your tribe and build a real community
- connect with others and grow your audience to 100, 1,000, and 10,000+
- be seen, heard, valued, and paid for your voice
in an E-A-S-Y way!
And the BEST part, for the first time, I’ll be co‑hosting with Bootcamp alumni who started from zero and learned to navigate the internet streets with Substack.
Together with:
- Ellen Scherr - owner of Life Branches, therapist, midlife truth teller, and viral Substack writer
- Jerry Keszka - owner of Plus 50 Forward, solopreneur, Medium top writer, rising Substack #Business bestseller
I'll show you how...
...to (finally!) get paid to be you in 2026!
Let's Grow Your List
Kickstart Your Substack
$299
One-time payment. Best value.
- 4-Day Live Training Sessions
- Exclusive Community
- Proven 4 Step System
- Direct Access to Kristina, Ellen & Jerry
- No Brainer One-Time Investment
Prefer smaller payments? Choose the 3-part payment plan here.
What You'll Learn Inside
From Zero to SUBSCRIBED! in Just 4 Days
In just 4 intensive days, you'll go from "I wish I had a thriving newsletter" to...
"I know exactly how to launch my Substack newsletter, grow it to 1, 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000 and more subs and become a bestseller!"
✅ 3 Core Training Days with Kristina, Ellen and Jerry
You’ll master the PATH Framework — the 4‑step system that makes creating your Substack newsletter authentic, so you, and genuinely enjoyable.
Can't join live?
No worries — all replays and chat archives will be available within 6 hours, on-demand.
😮 1 SUPERSTAR DAY to take Inspir-ACTION Day
Meet WOW-worthy alumni who kickstarted their newsletters through my Bootcamps, share their unique sauce, no BS insights, and hard‑earned lessons (the good, the bad, and the ugly), to have an unfair advantage.
You'll get access to our collab tool and will instantly find new people.
Ready for it?
Our Schedule:
🔴 LIVE Day 1: The A to Z to Get Notable on SubstackShow More
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Learn the A to Z of Substack and build a home that lasts with Jerry
By the end of Day 1, you will know exactly how to set up your publication, look professional, and feel confident showing up on Substack. We'll cover everything from first click to first subscriber.
You'll learn:
- How Substack works
- How to choose the right name for your publication
- How to set up your publication the right way
- Branding basics that actually matter
- Logo vs wordmark and what you really need
- How to write a short bio that makes people want to SUBSCRIBE
- How to create a strong hero post
- How to write a clear Start Here post
- How to build a simple welcome email sequence (with template!)
- What to say in your first emails and what to skip
- How posts and Notes fit together
- How people find you on Substack
- How discoverability really works
- Whether linking outside Substack hurts you
- How to decide if you need a custom domain or not
- How to build a place that feels like home for you and your readers
This is the foundation. Just the gold standard for starting strong on Substack.
✨ VIPer Access
As a VIPer, you’ll also get a 1:1 session with Kristina— built around my core values of authenticity, creativity, and connection. Together we’ll:
- Unpack your biggest pain points
- Discover your ideal reader so you know exactly who you’re writing for
- Shape your unique writer thumbprint — the voice that feels most true to you and attracts the right audience
It’s about finding your voice, building trust, and creating Notes that only you could write.
🔴 LIVE Day 2: Write Magnetic Posts Like You're Done PretendingShow More
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On Day 3, we’re going to get real. This is the day you learn how to write like you are done pretending.
Here's what we'll unlock together with Ellen:
- How to write long posts people actually finish
- Write short posts that stop people mid scroll
- Discover your writer thumbprint
- The real art of writing non-sucky newsletters that feel human, not heavy or awkward
- How to ditch vanilla writing and use bold storytelling to make people stop scrolling
- Why taking a stand (even when it’s provocative) makes your audience feel like you’re reading their minds
- How to share your expertise with authority so readers trust you, without watering yourself down
- Get paid to be you without selling your soul or faking expertise
- Writing headlines and subject lines that feel impossible not to open
- Simple shifts that make your writing clearer, stronger, and more confident
- Say what you mean without watering it down or overexplaining
By the end of Day 2, you'll not just write better. You'll write braver. You'll know how to turn your words into connection, trust, and income.
This day is about telling the truth in a way people can feel. And once you do that, everything changes.
🔴 LIVE Day 3: Monetize, Automate, Sell - Authentic & Strong Show More
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Don't leave money on the table. On Day 3, we are talking about monetization. The real kind.
The full ecosystem that turns your Substack into a business.
Because it's a distribution engine for your ideas, offers, and income - no matter what niche you're writing in.
Here's what we'll cover together:
- How Substack’s business model actually works and where creators really make money
- The three core monetization strategies every successful Substack uses
- When paid subscriptions make sense and when they don't
- Smart paywall ideas straight from Bootcamp grads who are already converting
- What to offer inside your paid tier so it feels like a no-brainer
- CTAs that convert without sounding desperate or salesy
- How to monetize beyond subscriptions with courses, books, and digital products
- How to connect Substack with Gumroad to unlock flexible offers
- How to use LinkedIn as a growth and monetization channel
- New monetization paths almost no one is talking about yet
- How to build income streams that fit your life, not the other way around
By the end of Day 3, you'll stop asking if Substack can make money. You'll know exactly how your words turn into revenue and how to serve them better and getting paid fairly for the value you already create.
Write freely. Monetize intentionally. Build something that lasts.
✨ VIPer Access
As a VIPer, you’ll also get a 1:1 session with Kristina — built around my core values of authenticity, creativity, and connection.
Together we’ll:
- Unpack your biggest pain points
- Discover your ideal reader so you know exactly who you’re writing for
- Shape your unique writer thumbprint — the voice that feels most true to you and attracts the right audience
It’s about finding your voice, building trust, and creating Notes that only you could write.
🔴 LIVE Day 4: Rockstar Day (Lessons, Wins, No BS Insights)Show More
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On this special day, we’re bringing in our Substack Superstars — alumni, BEYOND members, and friends who’ve been in the trenches.
They’ll open up about their real experiences of building a home and growing on Substack:
- The big wins that gave them momentum
- The hard lessons they learned along the way
- The messy middle — the good, the bad, and the ugly of building an audience
You’ll hear different perspectives, discover practical tips, and walk away inspired with strategies you can apply to your own journey.
WOW-Worthy Testimonials
I became a Substack bestseller in less than 6 months!
Her practical action steps and ideas helped me to create valuable services and a thriving newsletter.
Kristina offers amazing advice and inspiration.
Especially for the small guys, newsbies and indie publishers like me. Her list of resources is outstanding and her lives are always full of great insights.
(Book coach and editor, Substack Bestseller, 3,000 subscribers with The Substack Bookstore)
Fleur Hull
I love what she's offering. It feels thoughtful, clear, and truly aligned with authors who want to grow on Substack without losing themselves.
Kristina breaks things down in a way that feels calm and doable. Step by step guidance. No overwhelm. Full of encouragement.
She's helping authors build something real, and that really matters to nurture your audience and keep selling your books.
(Author, 2M books sold, 1M followers on Facebook, 50,000 subscribers on Substack, Featured on Oprah, CNN,Psychology Today and the New York Times)
Karen Salmansohn
Kristina gave me the confidence to START to hype myself. I now add new subscribers to my list every single day.
My publisher told me to start a Substack. I felt completely overwhelmed. I was stuck. The information overload was real, and my tech headaches were loud. Kristina changed that.
Her guidance helped me find my voice and my rhythm.
Today, my newsletter has over 3,000 subscribers. More than that, it has opened doors I never expected. My email list truly changed what I believed was possible for me.
(Licensed psychotherpist, relationship expert, debut author & podcast host, TEDx speaker, featured on Oprah Daily, FOX News, The Wall Street Journal)
Colette Fehr
Kristina is an expert on marketing and improving your visibility. I went from zero to 10,000+ subscribers within 16 months.
Kristina offers actionable advice that's easy to implement and actually works.
Joining Kristina's community, using Notes more and collaborating with her has made a big difference.
(Substack Bestseller, 10,000+ subscribers; Medium Boost Nommer w/ 50,000 followers)
Walter Rhein
It's a no-brainer! Kristina really walks her talk and overdelivers on value!
Thinking about Kristina’s bootcamp? Just say YES!
It’s a no-brainer, truly. I’ve invested in lots of courses and I can tell you that Kristina really walks her talk. She overdelivers on value and is deeply supportive of everyone’s success.
Still, thinking?
No need - take the leap!
(6-Figure Certified Coach, Children’s Books Author, Avid Entrepreneur, Medium publication owner)
Megan Llorente
I know it took probably years out of Kristina's life, but it added whole lotta years to mine.
A shortcut and EXACTLY what I needed
I just loved the professional tutorial videos.
I know it took probably years out of Kristina's life, but it added whole lotta years to mine
hehe :P
(Personal essayist, former journalist and magazine editor, Medium publication owner and nommer)
June Kirri
Don't Miss Out — 3 Bonuses When You Join
#1 GET PAID TO WRITE NOTES
Want to get paid to write Notes without staring at a blank screen?
Grab the GET PAID TO WRITE NOTES guide.
It's packed with 365 proven prompts and templates pulled from viral Notes that actually work.
I spent 40+ hours curating this so you don't have to.
Inside, you'll get:
✅ 365 scroll stopping Notes you can use as prompts or post as your own
✅ A simple way to push through the hardest weeks when most people quit
✅ Inspiration to write in your own bold and colorful writer thumbprint
✅ A way to show up almost every day without burnout or pressure
This guide helpes you to become a more confident, consistent, and real Notes writer.
I truly wish I had this when I started. Now you do.
#2 STACKBUDDY NOTES SCHEDULING
I'm really excited about this one.
Substack doesn't have an API. And it doesn't let you schedule Notes. Which means you are stuck posting manually. Right when you would rather be writing long form stories. Meeting with clients. Or working on your book.
That's exactly why StackBuddy Scheduling exists. So your Notes still go out. Even when you're busy living and creating.
Because StackBuddy Scheduling has been tested by our beta users and now it's finally a BONUS for my bootcampers!
It's your helpful friend that makes sure your Substack notes get posted.
- Even on busy, messy (business/family) days.
- Even when your brain is tired.
- Even when you're asleep.
Built to take one thing off your plate. Engineered to help you show up without stress.
And honestly. This is the feature I wish I had from day one. Because consistency should feel calm. Not heavy.
Developed by my hubby and CTO of The Online Writing Club. You'll get a special mini training where we'll schedule 14 days of Notes in 14 minutes or less.
*Depending on when you joined, you get 60, 90, 180, or even 365 days of access. Love it and want the full year? You can upgrade and lock in 365 days anytime during the Bootcamp!
#3 SIGNAL SHOWS YOU WHAT CONVERTS
You already know StackBuddy.
But now your buddy has been upgraded.
Same StackBuddy. NEW SIGNAL chip installed.
This one removes the guesswork by creating trackable, unique links.
With clickrate. CVR. AOV. RPC.
No more...
“I think this worked.”
Just "I know this worked!" and clear direction.
With StackBuddy, you now also get access to Signal. A built-in tool that shows you what your content is actually doing.
- What performs
- What converts
- What needs to be tweaked
- And what needs to go
We're talking...
- Books
- Consulting
- Paid tiers
- Discounts
You see exactly what attracts people. And when you test different CTAs Signal shows you which one wins.
Start. Read the signal. Course correct.
Tiny experiments are my thing as a part-time online writing business owner.
Now they are yours too.
***This was developed by my husband and yes, he is the CTO of The Online Writing Club. You'll get a special mini training where we show you how to use it step by step with marketing tips.***
Substack Accelerated Our Growth — Here’s Our Story
Hi 👋🏻 I'm a Substack Bestseller and Top #25 Education publication globally
I'm an award-winning marketing and brand manager, as well as a part-time freelance writer. I love teaching dreamers how to make money as a part-time writer while keeping their 9-5 or even escaping the cubicle and turning their passion into a living.
Once I figured out the why behind my part‑time online writing, everything changed — and I want the same for you.
I started writing (almost) daily on Medium in winter 2020… in my bathrobe. After giving birth to my baby, I kept going and quickly became a Top Writer in more than 50 categories, ranging from Parenting to Technology on the platform.
In fall 2022, I added my Substack newsletter, The Online Writing Club, because I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket. I started with zero subscribers and zero income. At first, I was flailing — not because I didn’t want to grow, but because I was pregnant and sick most of the time. Showing up consistently felt impossible.
Fast forward to January 2024: I launched a paid version of my newsletter. Within just 60 days, I became a Substack Bestseller with hundreds of paying subscribers — all while supporting new writers, creators, indie authors, small guys, and dreamers like you.
Now, my newsletter is among the Top 25 Education publications globally — proof that even if you start from zero, with the right system and the right support, you can grow into something far bigger than you imagined. And I did it all part‑time.
I earn $3,700/month with Substack
Fast forward to today, The Online Writing Club with 15,000 subscribers, is bringing in $3,700+ per month only (!) with paid subscriptions!
I tripled my part-time income, have more than 350 paid subscribers, earn $44,000 in ARR (annual recurring income), belong to the Top 25 writers in #Education and the top 50 Substack authors in Germany.
130,000+ Monthly Views
Additionally, aside from needing to take a break because I'm in the sandwich generation, my views have skyrocketed to over 130,000 per month!
That's why my mantra is:
🚀 Consistency + Community + Connection = Growth.ers
Meet Ellen Scherr
Hi 👋🏼 I'm Ellen Scherr, Psychotherapist, Clinical Professional Counselor, Viral Writer, 1M Views
When I started writing on Substack in August 2025, I was already tired of pretending, but not ready to share the whole truth I see in my practice every single day.
I knew I was done watching women blame themselves for a system that was never built for them... but I wasn't seeing myself as a writer. Learning how to write magnetic headlines and tell my stories helped me stop softening the truth.
In Life Branches, I said the no BS thing out loud.
About midlife. About rage. About grief. About the moment you wake up and realize you can't tolerate anyone’s nonsense anymore.
That's when the whole trajectory of my newsletter changed.
The moment I told the truth without cushioning it, my work started to grow organically.
Super fast. Faster than expected!
Hot & New: OPRAH featured Ellen!
"Kristina,
I just wanted to say thank you for helping me get started on Substack. Today was a big highlight! My viral post made its way onto the Oprah website. Jumping into this whole thing was so overwhelming! But you made it feel doable.
Your guidance got me unstuck and actually moving forward, which is exactly what I needed. It means more than you know to have someone in your corner when you're trying something new."
"I couldn't have done it without you!"
In my opinion, growth starts when you stop pretending.
If you're done performing and ready to tell the truth of your life, you're so welcome to join us!
Within 5 months,
- I went from zero to 16,000 subscribers
- My writing passed 1 million views
- My Notes took off...
because women finally felt seen.
They told me the same thing again and again:
“This feels like someone finally named what I could not explain.”
“I thought something was wrong with me.”
“I thought I was losing it.”
I wasn't teaching women how to behave better. I was explaining why they were done performing. That honesty opened doors I never chased.
Podcast interviews started coming in. Conversations I never planned. And now, a major opportunity is unfolding that I can't wait to share.
None of this happened because I tried to be likable. It happened because I got specific.
Which sounds most like you?
- New to Substack? Perfect! This Bootcamp takes you from zero to your first loyal subscribers.
- You already have a teeny tiny list of 1, 10 or more subs, but feel stuck? Let us unstuck you!
- No "social media audience"? Great news! Authenticity beats follower counts every time.
- Worried you won’t know what to post? Don’t worry, you’ll get proven templates and prompts to lean on.
- Short on time? All good! Just a few focused sessions — with replays ready whenever you are
If you nodded “YES” to any of these, this Bootcamp was built for you.
I Grew from ZERO to 16,000 Subscribers in 60 Days
Meet Jerry Keszka
Hi 👋🏼 I'm Jerry Keszka, rising Substack bestselling writer, ex-scientist and guide for people over 50 building online income
When I first started building an audience online, I thought a platform would take care of me. Then Facebook's algorithm changed the rules overnight. I woke up and half my group was gone. 4,000 people, and suddenly I could not reach them.
That was the moment I stopped building on rented land. I started building an email list, every day, on purpose.
Before all of this, I lived two very different lives:
I trained in science and wrote papers that had to be perfect and factual. Then I left academia and chased a dream in fashion and beauty. London. Australia. Long days. Big sets. I worked London Fashion Week and Australian Fashion Week.
My work was featured in British Vogue, Russian Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, and projects connected to the BBC.
From the outside, it looked glamorous.
Behind the scenes, it was a grind. Unstable income. Endless hours. And commutes that drained the life out of me. It was a hamster wheel. And I knew I couldn't stay on it.
When Covid hit, everything paused. For the first time in years, I could think.
So I asked myself a hard question.
"What am I doing with my life?"
That was the moment I quit the 9 to 5 mindset for good. I stopped chasing jobs and approval. I started building something I owned.
I failed at four blogs before it worked: WordPress. Blogger. Tumblr. I learned anyway. Then I found Medium, and everything changed.
I wrote every single day. A few months later, I became a top writer and suddenly earned really good money.
This made me realize I could really make money writing online even with 50plus and I fully stepped out of the hamster wheel.
In July 2024, I joined Substack.
Today, I'm a rising #Business Substack bestseller and viral Notes writer (yes, I earn money with my short form posts!), helping hundreds of people over 50 earn money online.
I also teach with 50Plus Forward everyone 50plus how to earn their first dollar online. Then their $1,000. Then how to grow from there.
If you're...
- tired of your 9-to-5 grind, sick of starting over
- tired of complexity
- and of building on platforms you don't own or have any control about
....you're in the right place, my friend.
Let’s build something that lasts on Substack together!
I'm proof, it's not too late to build a life that fits you!
Let's Grow Your List
Kickstart Your Substack
$299
One-time payment. Best value.
- 4-Day Live Training Sessions
- Exclusive Community
- Proven 4 Step System
- Direct Access to Kristina, Ellen & Jerry
- No Brainer One-Time Investment
Prefer smaller payments? Choose the 3-part payment plan here.
Real Substack Results from Tribe Members, Grads & Alumni
As a part‑time online writer, Kickstarter Bootcamps are my thing.
I’ve hosted the Medium Kickstarter, Substack Kickstarter, Medium–Substack Flywheel, SEO, Online Writing, Online Courses, and Hype Yourself Up! Bootcamps.
And the best part?
I’ve taught these exact systems to hundreds of small, hidden writers — people just like you — who are now:
- ✅ Landing their very first readers
- ✅ Hitting their first 100, then 1,000, and even 30,000+ subscribers
- ✅ Earning their first paying subscribers (and growing beyond what they thought was possible)
- ✅ Publishing bestselling newsletters and books
These aren’t “influencers.” These are everyday writers who once thought their dreams were out of reach — until they put these systems into action.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) I've seen Substack courses for $700 to $2000+. Why is this one only $299? +
Because this Bootcamp is built for small‑stackers and mid‑stackers who want to grow without the huge “gold tier” price tag. Other courses run at $697+ — and we could easily charge that too. But here, you get:
- 4 days of on-demand video training
- 5 bonuses
- Discount on The Online Writing Club to keep momentum going
- VIPer upgrade option for 1:1 coaching (normally $249, just $149 for bootcampers)
It’s everything you need to finally grow on Substack — in record time — for a no‑brainer one‑time $299
2) Do you offer a payment plan? +
Yes! You can join today with a 3-month payment plan if that works better for you. We want this Bootcamp to be accessible and doable for everyone.
3) What if I want more personal support? +
That’s where the VIPer Ticket comes in. Bootcampers can add on a 1:1 coaching call with Kristina for just $149 (normally $249). This is your chance to get direct feedback on your Substack, your Notes, or your growth strategy.
4) Who will I be learning from? +
Kristina God — Substack worldwide Top‑25 Bestseller and marketing pro with 15 years of experience. She’ll teach you how to grow with Notes in a way that’s sustainable, authentic, and fun.
Jerry Keszka — Transformation coach, rising Substack Bestseller. He’ll show you how to turn your expertise into bold storytelling and branding that sparks conversation and let casual readers fall in love with your writing.
Ellen Scherr — Psychotherapist and viral (Notes) writer. She’ll help you uncover your authentic voice, turn your story into magnetic short‑form Notes and long form stories, and write in a way that makes people stop scrolling.
Together, they make sure you see that anyone — regardless of age, niche, or starting point — can thrive on Substack.
5) What is the Rockstart Session? +
On Day 4, you’ll join our Rockstar Session, where Bootcamp grads, alumni and tribe members share the good, the bad, and the ugly of their Substack journey.
They’ll talk honestly about what worked, what didn’t, and what finally clicked. Many people come just to see them — because they’re living proof this Bootcamp works.
You’ll leave inspired and equipped with hard‑earned lessons from real writers who started exactly where you are now.
6) What if I'm brand new to Substack and have ZERO clue? +
Perfect! This Bootcamp is designed for both beginners and mid‑stackers. You don’t need an audience, and you don’t need to “be an influencer.” We’ll guide you step by step to:
- Find your voice and brand
- Create posts that actually get seen and re‑stacked
- Grow your subscribers from zero to 100, 1,000, 10,000 and beyond
- Build a system you can repeat week after week
By the end, you’ll have confidence, clarity, and a plan you can stick to.
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee
I’m sure you’ll find this Bootcamp incredibly valuable. But if you're seeing no results, no newsletter, no new (paid) subscribers, no impact after going through the 4 LIVE days and 10 implementaion days, no problem!
You’re covered by a 14-day money-back guarantee!
When you purchase access to a tool, the access period shown at checkout applies. For example, 90 days and 365 days are different offers. If you purchase 365 days of access, you'll keep that access for the full period. You may also receive future features or improvements that are not included in shorter plans purchased by others.
If you joined as one of the first 10 bootcampers, you'll get Stackbuddy for 365 days. After this you'll get access for 180, 90 days or less.
We don't adjust access duration after purchase. This helps us stay fair and consistent for everyone. You can be sure that we'll take care of you and that you will receive the value we promised at the time of purchase.
Once you purchased StackBuddy as a standalone tool, you can't get a refund anymore.
All 1:1 VIPer sessions are non refundable once purchased, too.
If you complete a purchase without applying a discount, we are unable to refund the discounted amount afterward. This helps us keep pricing fair and consistent for everyone.
As a goodwill option, we may offer compensation through other services or products from us or our partners.
For inquiries you can send an email to: kristina@onlinewritingclub.com and we'll figure it out together.
Join the Online Writing Club
Subscribe to the Online Writing Club and learn how to start, grow, monetize, and market your writing in a supportive community of 17,000 like-minded writers. I'm a 37K Substack bestselling and global Top 25 author, and award-winning brand manager.