When I started Laura Writes VA, I wasn’t sure anyone would read it.
It was one of those moments we all face as writers: staring down a blank page, wondering if our words could ever find a home. But as I explored the world of Substack, I realized I wasn’t alone. Writers everywhere were finding success not because they chased trends or gamed algorithms, but because they trusted their own voices.
Substack has quietly become the go-to platform for writers who want more than just a blog. It's a place where newsletters meet storytelling, where writers build real communities, and where anyone — truly anyone — can grow an audience by sharing something real.
My journey has been filled with lessons, and I’ve learned a lot by watching not just the big names, but also everyday people carving out their own corners of the internet. Including my friend, Jayce Wendell, who just launched his own Substack — and reminds me what it’s like to begin with excitement and possibility.
Across Substack, success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some writers are investigative reporters, others are culture critics, some are simply storytellers sharing pieces of their lives. What they all have in common is commitment: showing up week after week, telling the truth as they see it, and slowly building trust with their readers.
A few Substacks that have inspired me lately:
At Laura Writes VA (yes, that’s me), I focus on the blend of freelance life, personal essays, and creative writing. It’s been a lesson in consistency — finding my rhythm and sticking with it, even when life gets busy. The community that’s grown around my newsletter has been one of the biggest surprises. It turns out people crave sincerity far more than perfection.
Over at Political Potatoes, the writing is sharp, fearless, and deeply researched. This focused Substack created by Gregory Graf Idaho proves that there’s still a hunger for independent political commentary — the kind that isn’t manufactured in a newsroom echo chamber. Every post there is a reminder that telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, creates loyal readers who come back because they know they’re getting something real.
Meanwhile, my friend Jayce Wendell just launched his new Substack, where he shares stories about people, brands, and ideas that catch his attention. Jayce has such a natural curiosity, and it shows. Even though he's just getting started, his fresh voice and authentic style already stand out. Watching him find his footing reminds me that the beginning is its own kind of magic — when every post is a discovery.
Of course, Substack is home to some major names too.
The Free Press, founded by Bari Weiss, has become a cultural force. Its success shows the power of building a publication around a clear voice and mission. Rather than catering to algorithms, they built an audience by standing firm on principle — and readers responded.
Then there’s Lenny’s Newsletter by Lenny Rachitsky. Lenny writes for product managers, founders, and anyone navigating the modern business world. His posts are structured, helpful, and relentlessly practical. It’s proof that “niche” doesn’t mean “small” — it means you’re speaking directly to people who need what you have to say.
Platformer, by Casey Newton, delivers deep reporting on the tech world’s inner workings. Casey has built a reputation for thoughtful analysis that isn’t afraid to challenge power, showing that Substack can be just as much about hard journalism as personal essays.
Big Technology, by Alex Kantrowitz, offers a similar blend — mixing news, big ideas, and behind-the-scenes access to major tech players. Readers subscribe not just for the information, but for the sense of access to conversations they might not find anywhere else.
And then there’s Culture Study by Anne Helen Petersen, which feels like sitting down for a conversation with a thoughtful friend about the deeper forces shaping our work and personal lives. Anne’s work reminds me that storytelling isn't just about information — it’s about connection.
Every one of these writers has found success by focusing on something deeper than clickbait or quick wins. They prioritize authenticity, consistent publishing schedules, and reader engagement. Some offer free newsletters; others have moved to paid subscriptions once they built a loyal audience. Most do a little bit of both — giving readers a taste for free, and offering more in-depth content to those who want to support their work.
It’s a model built not on ads or trends, but trust.
As for me, I’m still learning. Laura Writes VA continues to grow, and every new subscriber feels like a small but meaningful affirmation: your words matter. Watching Jayce Wendell dive into his new Substack reminds me how thrilling it is to start, and how much possibility still lives inside a blank page.
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own Substack — do it. There’s still room for your voice. There’s still an audience out there who needs exactly what you have to say. And you might just surprise yourself with how far you can go.