Add to List - #53 (2024 Review)
Like Spotify Wrapped, but with less Taylor Swift stats
Hello, friends! The first Add to List of 2025.
This post has none of that ‘In’ vs. ‘Out’ malarkey. There is no reel of my best moments to a Sam Fender soundtrack. No compass sharing, or public journalling etc. Of course, I will do those, but I want to do them privately (i.e. I haven’t yet started).
This week, Add to List will focus on YOU my lovely readers! I will shed some light on your engagement stats, structuring Structured Stream of Consciousness into some fun readers facts. Thanks for being here for any of the 2024’s 67 posts. Even if you opened just one, I am beyond appreciative. And if you are new, perhaps there is some extra-curricular reading available in the posts that are re-shared. Read to the very bottom to find out why. I wish each and every single one of you a happy new year.
Obsession
The top 5 posts you were obsessed with (i.e. highest number of likes)
A reflection on sandcastle building which turned into something much more profound. Explorative writing on the cusp of a big life change.
The kind of writing that gives me, what I call, a vulnerability hangover. My mum hates it. I love it and also hate it. But, I think maybe it’s part of being a writer? Either way, you folks absolutely adore it.
Similarly, I turned a small household chore into a hopeful romantic manifestation. Do I sense a theme evolving?
My first co-authored Substack post. Loved working with these seven brilliant writers. Their words were much better than mine. Less profound in terms of the topic matter versus my other top posts but just as (if not more) amusing.
Punchy lil’ pumpkin themed read. Includes: ghosting, boasting, candy and curious activities.
Confession
An editorial goal I never shared…that didn’t get hit.
Proving accountability is the first part of achievement — I am 10 ‘long-reads’ behind my original publishing plan. You know, the juicy emotional raw personal essays you all seem to love — as per above. The first half of the year, time was spent freezing my eggs (struggling with it), quitting my job (struggling to do it), then I felt like I actually started living for the first time in YEARS. Now, a lot of that energy is spent trying to get paid work (sometimes struggling with it) and getting paid for my writing (also sometimes struggling with it). I am trying to forgive myself. So I hope you’ll all forgive me too for not quite getting to where I intended. I have also done things I could have never dreamed of. Writing swings and roundabouts.
Shook
How many of you read this!
303 of you now read this every week!? Wowee. I feel like bowing continuously like the woman in The Sound of Music who refuses to leave the stage.
Cook
Still. Full. From. Christmas.
Book
I didn’t hit my Goodreads goal of 45. (Look! Another confession!)
Honestly, it started at 45, I got cocky and upped it to 52 when all was going 6 books ahead of schedule. It went cold, the perfect time for a book you’d think? But no. I stalled— stand-still at 44 with straddling 3 half-read books. Perhaps it was Bad Sisters? Girls? Maybe it was the bathroom and house renovation work? Or hosting Christmas? But in late November, I became unable to read (I think Intermezzo was the key factor but a bad reader blames her books). That said, I did do an October round-up — so you can review that instead. I still stand by this list.
Can’t Stop Scanning
The top 5 posts you couldn’t stop scanning (i.e. viewed the most times).
Seems like this did make it to housemate recital status (read to understand what I mean).
Conclusion: co-authoring does improve discoverability. (It’s also a lot of fun).
Yep, you likes it raw.
Proof that backlist (lol) keeps bringing in the readers.
Writer meets are always filled with love and support. Looks like that love and community followed online.
Forward Planning
ONE WEEK OFF (READING WEEK!).
A rest you say? Yes, I hope you had one over Christmas too.
I have an urge to take at least a one week holiday from this Substack. I told myself I would prove that I could publish weekly for a whole year, and I did it. Thanks for reading each and every one. But, as I plan for next year, I’m going to take next Sunday off. I’ll see you back on January 19th!
I hope to get back into the reading swing. However, most of my time will be spent trawling memes of The Traitors. And in case you missed it….
A very good year, full of courage and commitment 📈 So many valuable pieces, particularly the longer reads. I love the blend of wit, heart and humour. To be honest and perceptive about your life like this, making so much of it feel relatable and not self-regarding, is hard to do. I'm excited about what comes next for you 🌟
The more I think about it, I’m really starting to resent “streak” design.
You know — the “keep going” nudges you get on here, Duolingo, Apple Watch, the list goes on.
I’ve found myself doing press ups at 10pm just to get my last ring closed so I don’t lose my Apple Watch record movement streak. It’s the worst kind of manipulation masquerading as design 😒
Well done for getting the 52 week streak, and now enjoy a (guilt-free) week off from writing! 👏🏾