21 Comments
User's avatar
Sally Showalter's avatar

On your question, I favor WordPress over Substack due to my lifestyle. Your Substack is great as well as your website; therefore, it ultimately goes back to your decision. As for the upcoming book for Book Club, the library closest to me does not carry it; I can find one copy at Thrift books for a not-so-favorable cost, and of course, Amazon. I will keep after it because the book looks a good read.

Marg Moon's avatar

Thanks for your feedback Sally. To be perfectly honest, I was hoping I might get around writing some longer pieces, but it hasn't happened yet. My writing goal for this year was to send something out for publication, but I just keep revising the same couple of pieces and not sending them anywhere. I'm never satisfied that they are good enough. I'm sure you know that feeling.

I'm interested in your comment about favouring Wordpress over Substack because of your lifestyle. I'm not sure what you mean by that, so would love to know more if you ever feel like sharing.

I'm sorry the book club choice isn't in your library, but it's a lovely book and one you could easily lend to reading friends or just keep on your shelf for a re-read.

Sally Showalter's avatar

My lifestyle isn't based around blogging or writing newsletters. I think substack, from my perspective, is more for sharing news, events, research into topics of public interest, and some are very long and cover many different topics. I write short. Therefore Wordpress is more like a short story for me. Your writing style is wonderful to read, whether personal or topic related current events, so don't cut yourself short on that or your experiences in the way you want to write them.

Marg Moon's avatar

Thanks for taking the time to explain. I understand what you are saying. I like your writing (I'm not really into reading long rambling articles) and agree that Substack is perfect for newsletter-type content, even though I'm conscious that there are all kinds of writers here. I really appreciate your ongoing support for my writing. It means a lot to me.

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Marg, I enjoy your writing wherever it is, but perhaps it might work to incorporate your Wordpress newsletter into Book Chat—or you could just remind us when you’ve published something. I will always make a point of reading it. Sometimes I’m a bit overwhelmed by the number of blogs I’m subscribed to, but there are a few that rise to the top, including yours, though sometimes it takes me a few days to catch up!

I made granola for years but have stopped lately because we couldn’t stop eating it. I’ve never tried using dates as a sweetener, but it’s a great idea. I just made date-nut bread, so dates are definitely on my radar! Thanks as always for such great book and food ideas!

Marg Moon's avatar

I agree with you about being overwhelmed. Sometimes I look at my inbox with despair, but there are some newsletters I always read including Ruth Talks Food of course. I saw you had made date-nut bread and I think that tipped me over into trying the date granola. It can be a bit hard on your teeth, so watch out!

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Ok. I’ll go light on the dates. Thanks, Marg.

Marg Moon's avatar

It’s the nuts that are dangerous!

Moira Nelson's avatar

Marg, I am just finishing “The Correspondent,” by Virginia Evans. Have you read it? I can’t remember whether you have mentioned it, but it seems to me it was written for you!

Marg Moon's avatar

Yes, I loved The Correspondent too! It’s a wonderful book.

Abi's avatar

I love reading everything you write where ever you write it! I do find substack annoying though, could just be me, but I also need to verify my email or add a code just to leave you a comment…but I see poll results are favouring using substack! I love reading about what you are reading and cooking/eating. I was interested with your essay about taking out film rights on that very interesting sounding book. And I love books with narrative from voice of a young person. I particular love the Flavia de Luce novels, poignant and great story line. I also loved I capture the castle by Dodi Smith…I will try A beautiful family, if only because I used to have a Walkman too and only listened to The Police and Spandau Ballet! Ps I am definitely going to make the granola. Cheers Abi xx

Bev's avatar

Not just you - it has taken me 4 goes to post this comment!! Absolutely infuriating.

Marg Moon's avatar

I’m grateful you have taken the time to comment when it’s such a pain. I actually thought Wordpress was more of a pain, but it seems I was wrong. I will investigate!

Marg Moon's avatar

I’m sorry it’s so hard for you to comment and I appreciate your efforts. I had no idea is was this painful.

Abi's avatar

Hey Marg, I have solved the issue…just download the substack app, which I had done ages ago but then I wasn’t using it so I deleted it but I have accessed it again now and no problem to add comments. Sorry if I caused any angst! Xx

Marg Moon's avatar

Thanks for letting me know. I did some research this morning

and one suggestion was to download the Substack app. People using the app are 15 times more likely to comment (apparently) ha ha.

Anne Lynch's avatar

I'm interested in joining the discussion for Night Swimmers in September. Thanks for suggesting it.

Marg Moon's avatar

I would love you to come along if the time suits you. I try to accommodate as many time zones as I can, so do you mind telling me where in the world you live?

Anne Lynch's avatar

I'm in Massachusetts -- ET time zone. Thanks!

Moira Nelson's avatar

Marg, I didn’t know about your blog, and I like the way you use it to explore interesting quirks and questions. Would moving it to Substack help keep me up to date on your writing?

Christine Sheeley's avatar

Hi Marg. I favour the option of including your other writing in this Book Chat. I enjoy your writing , and love the simplicity of Book Chat. I find it so appealing to be able them both in the one place. If I had to read them in two places , I mightn’t get around to doing both… life being what it is. Cheers, Christine