BIG NEWS! Another online group for writers!
Come and join the community. Let's push your Substack forward – together
Listen to me read this post:
Dear,
Since entering Substack in early 2024, I’ve been building a community.
Not too enthusiastically, not with great force, but with care and joy.
I wanted to commit to this platform because I wanted to leave social media behind. I wanted to feel like I’m enough. Enough as a writer. Enough as a photographer. I didn’t want to spend my days creating “content” or dancing and joking around for reels.
No, sir. This won’t do. I decline.
At the same time, I knew how much effort starting something new would require.
Body Doubling as a Way to Commit
A couple of years ago, I hosted online groups called Get Shit Done, where people worked on tasks they’d usually procrastinate on. There’s power in accountability partners. Studies show that having a specific accountability partner increases your success rate to 95%.1
I wanted my Substack success rate to be 100%, but 95% would do. I knew what I needed: to get back to hosting an online group. This time, I’d be an integral part of the group, using others as my accountability partners.
I chose to use a method called body doubling. It’s a strategy where, for example, two people work in the same space or via an online meeting. This method is particularly helpful for people with ADHD because the presence of others encourages focus and goal achievement.2
I started this in spring 2024, and since then, we’ve been meeting bi-weekly on Mondays.
When and Where?
Our Finnish group has been amazing. I can’t remember experiencing this much support and sharing in any other group I’ve led. It’s been wonderful.
So why launch an English group?
I wanted to create a group in English to align with my Substack. I write in English. I build this community in English. I want to bring us together… in English. (The Finnish group will continue to flourish, of course, and you’re most welcome to join if your Finnish isn’t too rusty.)
So, there will be two groups in 2025.
English group: Every other Monday on odd-numbered weeks, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (EET/UTC+2, Finnish winter time).
Starts Week 3: Jan 13.
Finnish group: Every other Monday on even-numbered weeks, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EET/UTC+2, Finnish winter time).
Starts Week 4: Jan 20.
Platform: Google Meet.
Time zone examples:
London: 10:00 AM
Berlin: 11:00 AM
Sydney: 9:00 PM
If you’re in LA, it’s midnight. You’re most welcome to join, but I get it—that’s late.
The Meeting Structure
To keep things simple, low-maintenance, and easy to join, I’ve created a straightforward structure:
First 15 minutes: Everyone shares personal Substack updates. What have you been up to? What’s your next step?
90 minutes of work: This is your dedicated time to focus on Substack—write, plan, brainstorm, or even walk in the woods if it helps. The group ensures you take this time every other week.
Final 15 minutes: We regroup to share how things went and discuss any questions.
It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it works.
I’ll create a private publication for both groups to make it easier to chat, discuss our favorite topics, and ask questions.
The Pricing
The price for the entire year is the same as my yearly subscription: 50 euros. You can also join with a monthly subscription for 6 euros. The price includes:
20+ meetings
Private chat access
All my paid content (like monthly Substack reports).
This deal is possible because I decided to dedicate Mondays to my personal writing and photography. This group has been a great help in keeping me committed.
Get the yearly subscription half price using this link. Valid through Dec 31st, 2024.
What People Are Saying?
"Being part of Nani’s warm and welcoming content group has been such a joy for a Substack beginner like me!
I’ve gained so many great tips and support for building my own publication—and even made new friends. Coming together around a shared passion feels incredibly meaningful.While I genuinely enjoy the solitude of writing, this group brings so much joy and inspiration to the process. And Nani has an amazing knack for leading the group with skill and heart.”
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/"The best part of the group is the support from like-minded creative people. It’s so inspiring to read others’ writing and feel the buzz of shared creativity while also getting peer support if you’re wrestling with similar challenges. Another great aspect is having this dedicated time set aside specifically for writing—nothing else, just writing."
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/Why Join?
I write about the life of a creative professional with a Nordic, Finnish twist. Substack is my side hustle, much like street photography and blogging have been for 20 years. I write and take photos for a living, but it’s mostly for other people. If someone paid me to write and photograph whatever I wanted, I’d drop everything and just do it.
If your goals are similar—if you have a desire to create, to share, or even just to start—you’re welcome here. Whether you’re a beginner or have a solid readership, this group is for anyone who misses a sense of community. We can be that for each other.
Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns. Leave a comment, send me a DM, or email me. And if this sounds like a great idea, share this post with a friend or like it. Let’s spread the word.
Maybe we’ll connect on Google Meet in January?
Until next time,
Nani
Read more about accountability partners https://www.betteryou.ai/the-power-of-accountability-partners/
Read more about the body doubling method https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/body-doubling-adhd#body-doubling
Dang, I would love to join, but it would be in the middle of the night for me. :(
This is such a great idea though. Accountability is so, so important.