When I first started getting more involved with Substack by participating in weekly threads and showing up for writers’ events, Mike Sowden was one of the first people that reached out and made me feel welcome.
Nice job, Valori and Mike, in conveying how to move beyond that “writerly inadequacy” (writer John Sandford nailed it with that term) we creatives are often mired in.
Absolutely loved reading this interview! I hadn't heard the WordPress story before, and now it's made me think that I can spend some of my cooking-all-day American holiday tomorrow mulling over some of my own major failures ...
Mike makes the internet, and life, a better place to be!
I've only been reading you this year, Mike, but what a refreshing view you have, and to think it all emerges from a little cabin in Scotland with the isle of Arran in the distance makes it even more so.
Oh blimey, these comments.
STOP IT EVERYONE, I'M BRITISH. WE CAN'T TAKE IT WHEN PEOPLE SAY NICE THINGS ABOUT US.
*goes to pieces*
You deserve it though, Mike!
Nice job, Valori and Mike, in conveying how to move beyond that “writerly inadequacy” (writer John Sandford nailed it with that term) we creatives are often mired in.
I am not familiar with John Sandford but I'm definitely going to look him up after this! Thanks Amie!
Absolutely loved reading this interview! I hadn't heard the WordPress story before, and now it's made me think that I can spend some of my cooking-all-day American holiday tomorrow mulling over some of my own major failures ...
Mike makes the internet, and life, a better place to be!
I love the WordPress story too, Antonia! It's such an interesting story from the early days of blogging!
It really is! I'd never even thought about a job like that!
Hey Mike, I deeply relate to your wordpress story -- thanks for sharing it. I’ve seen your name in office hours and just subscribed to your ‘stack!
I've only been reading you this year, Mike, but what a refreshing view you have, and to think it all emerges from a little cabin in Scotland with the isle of Arran in the distance makes it even more so.
Cheers and happy observing!
Cheers Prue! Thanks for reading!
Really inspiring to learn more about this history -- thanks very much!
Thank you for reading Tad!
Mike is an absolute gem! ✨
Isn't he?!
Absolutely!
NO HE ISN'T. HE'S AN IDIOT.
TRUST ME ON THIS.
😂
Mike and his newsletter are phenomenal and it's nice to learn more of his story. Though I'm very sorry to hear about what happened with his mother.
Couldn't agree more. Mike is a fantastic, generous spirit.
He really is!
I'm subscribing to Mike's substack right now!
You'll never regret it!