Shining a light on what needs read.
Have you read Ignite With Hege?
With so many talented writers on Substack how do we ever decide who to recommend, subscribe, and/or follow? If you are like me, you will find yourself questioning what can the writers on Substack offer me? The platform is saturated with faceless voices, when I prefer face-to-face conversations.
When I am in need of a captive audience I go to a recovery meeting.
If I’m looking for resistance I call my daughters and start preaching.
For real engagement I meet up with my girlfriends.
But when I need to work through my struggles I put finger to keyboard and type out my problems. I find my solutions follow.
Substack is not only a good platform to express our daily struggles and share what works but to learn from others. However, there is a learning curve when it comes to finding the people who we can rely on and it takes time to build those relationships. It takes work and intention.
Today I would like to introduce Hege, a woman I first met on Substack, July of 2024.
Ignite With Hege is a multi-talented—Scandinavian writer, poet, coach, singer, songwriter sharing her insights on personal growth, healing, authenticity and faith—with endless energy.
The Substack Video
Hege is a constant on my feed. She is consistent, providing inspirational and encouraging posts. The following post, accompanied by a personalized video is what inspired me to share her publication.
Watching Rebrand Your Identity in 2025 not only do I relate to but it makes Hege relatable. No longer is she just a pretty picture or a beautiful voice but a human with a clear, cut message.
This past year we built a relationship and today I am happy to recommend her.
offers coaching to help navigate life. It’s because of people like Hege and the community of writers why I am still here, slowly growing my Substack.The Importance of Community Support
When writers are not consistent with posting and engagement on Substack they can easily write themselves into a hole. Their messages end up not seeing the light of day. With the competitive nature of any platform it’s easy to find ourselves starving for air time.
Our words not only require oxygen, the breath of life, to survive, but they need illuminated. It’s up to each of us to make sure our messages don’t fade into the background. However, with intention we can be that light for others and share their Substack publications.
Substack Growth
Recently,
offered valuable information during a coaching session on the importance of recommendations as a means to grow a publication. I see a recommendation as an endorsement and should not be entered into lightly. Consideration of character, quality of writing, and clear communication are each important components that I consider prior to making a recommendation.This can be done by:
Recommending a newsletter
Clicking on the ❤️ to show appreciation for a post
Restacking a note
Commenting on a post or note
Growth Through Recommendations
Over the last year I have had others reach out to me, offering to share my Substack as an even exchange to share theirs. Once the deal is brokered there have been a few individuals who broken their agreement. This is not the way I prefer to do business. I have decided to not ask anyone for return business but simply share their Substack for others to enjoy.
with The Rebuild Compass and The Lemon Tree Mindset both recommended my newsletter early on and I owe it to them for early growth. I am discovering that not everyone who subscribes to a newsletter necessarily likes what they read and I am no exception.Growth Through Likes
I don’t subscribe to someone’s newsletter to get them to like me but to get to know them. I don’t expect anything in return. It’s all about what I get out of their newsletter.
with Talking to Myself is one of my favorite publications because I thoroughly enjoy her writing style. When she offers a ❤️on one of my post it makes my day, but I know sharing her publication will make someone else’s day.Growth Through Communication
Other times, I jumped the gun sharing a platform before I got to know the writer. I don’t expect a return recommendation but common courtesy of engagement goes a long way. By making a recommendation I am also hoping to build a mutual relationship.
Real-life Community Support
Earlier this week we celebrated the life of my father-in-law.
Carl had 180 people attend his memorial service, the majority who have known him for most of his adult-life. As a family we didn’t have to mourn him alone. We were surrounded by a community all supporting us as we grieved the loss of my father-in-law.
It’s outside of Substack where I get to physically experience real-life community, but we can use the same approach to building our Substack community. It just takes a little more patience and thoughtful intention.
The Importance of Slow Growth
Relationships take time to develop. There are stages and the relationships need nurtured.
The first encounter where we make a first impression. Our message needs to shine and reflect what we have to say.
Then the exploration phase where we make a time investment and get to know one another on a deeper level. We need to read, giving their publication an opportunity to be heard.
Followed by the continuation and consolidation phase where we establish an emotional relationship and deeper connection. We need to take it a step further, engage in conversations, not just read but comment and share other newsletters.
Finally there is a deterioration or maintenance phase where the relationship is put to the test. It will either survive or discontinue. Unfortunately, some relationships run their course, while others require nurturing.
Slow growth is the best way to establish sustainable relationships. They build trust and allowing for bonding. They offer the greatest reward for the long-term.
Developing Long-term Relationships
During our brief, 3 day visit, to our home town we surrounded ourselves with meaningful lasting relationships. Family members visited from afar, impromptu get-togethers, and even reconnected with close friends from the past.
My husband had a friend travel from Spain to be with our family. He was an exchange student who lived with my husband’s family and has been a constant in our lives. Although we go years without seeing him, he is very intentional about visiting us.
Close family friends invited over for a special dinner. Our friends parents met my husband’s parents while the mothers were in the hospital giving birth. These are relationships that aren’t just developed by us, but extended as part of our parent’s legacy of friendship.
I had the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with seven of my girlfriends. We took turns sharing and listening. Each friend I have known for thirty+ years and have developed a strong history.
The common denominator for healthy relationships is that each is developed over a long period of time and nurtured. It’s much easier to form these relationships in person then over a social platform.
Don’t Give Up, Instead Lift Others Up
Substack is a difficult place to develop friendships and most people give up before they even get to know the other person. I have discovered that it takes me a long time, as it should, to recommend a publication. No longer will I rush into any agreement but with intention share what I think others will enjoy and find value in their newsletters.
It is exhausting to get noticed, by hoping one reader will offer a ❤️or a word of encouragement. It’s wonderful to see the engagement in the metrics, but words left unsaid don’t provide the feedback to keep many Substackers going. A simple share goes a long way.
If what I say resonates with you please give me a little ❤️ and feel free to message me and introduce yourself!
What a lovely way to connect with other writers Karen...really appreciate the shout out. 🫶
This is so lovely!! Thanks for the shoutout 💗