20 Comments
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Karen Anderson's avatar

Great suggestions. As a writer, I would want my readers to do some or all of these. So, why am I not following this Golden Rule? I’m grateful for your list. Thank you.

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Ha I’m not sure it’s a golden rule as much as some ways for us as readers to reach back. 🫶🏽 That can take a lot of forms.

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Laura Bartnick's avatar

Love this! I hope to share it with others and act upon it myself.

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

yes to the acting upon it myself....just because we are writers doesn't mean we are exempt from being reciprocal to the writers we read and love.

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Matthew Long's avatar

Sarah, great article. Someone linked it in Notes is how I found it. Since not every writer has a book out, the only thing I would add is if you have the means to subscribe at a paid tier then that is also a great way to support a writer. I don't paywall any of my content (personal choice) but I do have a paid tier for those who are able and desire. All the money I have made so far on Substack has gone back into paying other writers for subscriptions since I am also a reader :)

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Yesssssss you are so right. Great addition. Thanks!

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Jenai Auman's avatar

Just here to say "hear hear!"

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Huzzah!!

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Jody L. Collins's avatar

This graphic served me well as an author when I launched my first book, and as a cheerleader for other people's work @Sarah E. Westfall

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Tabitha McDuffee's avatar

These are great reminders. It’s easy to forget that hospitality toward our readers involves being straightforward with them about how they can support us.

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

I love love love thinking about the hospitality of our writing. Such a good word.

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Mel Bjorgen's avatar

Great suggestions. Also, what a thoughtful friend.

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Oh goodness. Agreed. The question itself was a kindness.

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Tanner Olson's avatar

This is fantastic! Thank you :)

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Sure thing 🫶🏽

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Maria Stavro's avatar

I love the way you write Sarah! Keep doing your thing and inspiring others to reflect and view your perspective. Thank you.

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Thank YOU!

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Kate Dreston's avatar

These are spot on!

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Deb Alexander's avatar

These suggestions are so practical and helpful, Sarah. Thank you for putting these ideas together...and I agree, they most definitely relate to the conversation about community and belonging 🤍

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Thanks Deb 😘

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