Taking some time away from Substack

So I can come back stronger...

As I’m writing this it’s 4.42PM.

I was intending to write my weekly Substack post at 9am this morning, but, between emails, tight sponsorship deadlines and laundry (which takes sooo much longer now we don’t have a washing machine in our home!) it’s only now that I’m able to open this article.

But it turns out, I have nothing to say.

Although I’ve heard lots of stories of creator burnout, it’s not something I’ve personally experienced. At least, not to the extent of others. But right now, my creative well is feeling worryingly empty.

I’ve been publishing weekly on here since August 2022. That’s almost four years and, in that time, this platform has changed a lot. And through chasing weekly deadlines, I’m conscious that I’ve not taken the time to reflect on what this means for this publication, and if and how I want to change with it.

June has quickly become a packed month, primarily because I have my first chunky round of book revisions to turn around for my debut book (The Scottish Art of Living Slowly) in a couple of weeks time. I also have some travel planned alongside YouTube commitments and general life admin, meaning the time I have for this publication is getting slimmer and slimmer.

Rather than trying to squeeze my Monday posts around the edges of my life, I’ve decided to take this as an opportunity to pause. To allow myself time to take a step back and put some proper thought into where I want to go with Slow Scottish Stories.

I’m unsure if this pause will be one or two weeks, or perhaps the entirety of June, but, as my readers are precious to me, I wanted to give you a heads up, so you know I’m not disappearing forever!

What I will be continuing is my seasonal book club that I run for my paid members as, very excitingly, we will be selecting our summer read this week, and I will still be sharing my bookish videos and articles, alongside being present in our community chat, as this is my favourite place to spend time online.

So, if you were thinking of joining this community, now is the perfect time and we’d love to have you!

I know summer can feel like a busy time for lots of us, so I’m wishing you a peaceful June and I will be back with you when my brain feels a little more capable again!

Thank you for all your support of this publication.

Speak soon,

Molly xx