Exciting new changes to The TEN
A springtime glow-up, if you will
What a journey! It’s been three months since The TEN launched on Substack.
From day one, I have found this platform to be freeing, life-affirming and incredibly satisfying.
I want to thank all of my subscribers and followers, who have supported The TEN since it went live at the end of 2023.
To my paid subscribers, a resounding thank you and an extra large portion of seaside fish and chips.
I can still remember the yelp I let out when I saw someone had selected a paid subscription for the first time. I wasn’t expecting it but it validated my efforts and also made me want to do better.
It was explained to me by someone, who knows a lot more about these things than I do, that paying a writer for their content is a two-way street.
Essentially, you pay me and in return, I put my best foot forward. And the fact that in this economy my own publishing platform can also put a few pennies in the bank is just so liberating. I miss working on physical magazines because it was so much fun. But thanks to The TEN I have some of that warm and fuzzy feeling back in my life.
And so because I want to make this the best possible publication that I can, from the end of March some of my content will be going behind the paywall.
First and foremost, this will help me earn while I continue to publish The TEN.
A large part of my mission is to consistently offer you motivation and inspiration - as well as accountability - as you continue on your writing journey.
I’m also eager to share my expertise, knowledge and lived insight as to what it takes to start a book or screenplay, and most importantly, finish it.
And, let’s not forget the enjoyment factor. This is not just a writers group but a digital magazine. I want you to be genuinely curious and dare I say it, happy, when you see a newsletter from The TEN drop into your inbox.
My weekly missives are designed to be engaging, informative and entertaining. Feedback from you so far has been greatly encouraging (so thank you!) but there’s so much more I want to do.
Most importantly, you can help to sustain and support all of this for just £1.50/$1.85 a week (or less if you opt for a yearly subscription).
Paywall articles will include my personal blogs and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my life as I attempt to sell a recently completed screenplay, write my first novel (after writing numerous screenplays and a memoir), and also, most unexpectedly, chart my return to the stage as a stand up comedian. Writing comedy was not on my 2024 bingo card and yet here we are!
My Ten for The TEN interviews with published writers will still be free to all on publication but the archive will go behind the paywall. As soon as a new interview in the series goes up, the previous ones will only be available to paid subscribers.
*produces klaxon and takes a deep breath*
AND SO WE GET TO THE EXCITING NEW THING ANNOUNCEMENT!
This Sunday, I’m launching the first in a fantastic new series of interviews, called INSIDERS, with (yep) industry insiders. This will include literary managers, book agents, editors, producers, development execs, commissioners, showrunners, publicists and more across all genres, in both the publishing and film/TV worlds.
This is a game-changer because I know that when I was new to screenwriting, in particular, being able to pick the brains of anyone who was immersed in that world was a true gift.
Thanks to my journalism and screenwriting careers, both in London and LA, I’ve been introduced to a lot of people in the biz. With The TEN up and running, I can bring them straight to your inbox.
These industry interviews will be free to everyone because I want you to be able to learn as much as possible from those in the know. I truly believe that as writers we must remain supportive of each other as we navigate these incredibly choppy waters.
Another one of my goals at the outset for The TEN was to use this unique access as a way of sharing industry advice and wisdom with others who haven’t lived a life in media, publishing or production.
Video content (coming later in the year if I can stop blinking weirdly at the camera), and which will truly dig into the writers group aspect of The TEN, will also go behind the paywall.
The Monday mote, Your weekend InTENtion, and The Write to Know newsletters, will remain free to everyone.
As The TEN evolves it will no doubt change here and there but one thing that won’t is my desire is to bring together a vibrant and engaged community of writers (and readers) who are looking for their people.
If you’re in the process of writing a book or screenplay, my greatest hope is that you being here will in some way keep you accountable, inspired and motivated as you strive to reach ‘The End’.
So onwards! The next chapter beckons. Let me know your thoughts and if you feel so inclined please share this publication far and wide.
And if you can’t afford to become a paid subscriber then please stay and enjoy all the content you can. I’m truly delighted that you’ve found your way here and have bothered to click on the subscribe button. In return, I’m here for you.
Once again, thank you all for your support, and for being part of the The TEN community.
Group hug!
Lisa