Self Promotion Day.
My cute way of asking.
The toughest thing about making a living from writing is the idea some people have that we are all J K Rowling and rowling (sic) in cash. If only that were true. Most of us spend years working hard to make words into something interesting and enjoyable. It took me four years of writing and two more of selling before a publisher took on my first book. W H Smith book of the month in 2003; the royalties never exceeded the advance but the joy and satisfaction of being read by an enormous number and of being recognised as a writer was something that meant more than money.
If you are reading this then you are one of the 7082 people who subscribe to my page. Less than 5% of that number are paid subscribers. I am extraordinarily grateful to those few who encourage me to continue with their generosity.
Since I signed up to Substack twenty months ago I have written 691 articles of which 75 were for paid subscribers only. My key subjects continue to be Ukraine, Trump, and geopolitics. I’ve been writing about Ukraine since the day Russia invaded, and I will continue to write until Ukraine is victorious. I try to stick to what hurts us most but sprinkle a few reflections and poems about on Sundays to lighten the mood.
In a harder light, it is the evils of extremists, autocratic rulers and fascists who are driving a knife into our hard-won democratic freedoms. Deeply entrenched corruption is taking a hold across the world, and our voices are not being heard. They are being stolen by those who own the media, bribe politicians, and steal our opportunities to advance as free people.
Substack is the one outlet in which I have not been shadow blocked or trolled. It is increasingly difficult to have a voice on social media when algorithms close us down. I read every comment and try to respond to questions when I can.
My body is telling me to slow down. I’m on my way to seventy, but there is still so much more to do. I will continue writing and fighting. I will say it as I see it. I will speak out and challenge abuse of power and praise good acts, whoever makes them. I am biased, very, very biased. There is nothing even handed about my views on cruelty and corruption. I will confront anyone who inflicts pain and suffering on humanity and I will call them out.
I get attacked by troll farms from Tennessee to Moscow. I’m proud to be considered important enough for unknown entities to attack. I’m not a victim; I write to fight, so I expect a battle. I’m out there for those who cannot articulate their frustrations and who need someone to put their feelings into words.
Today is my self-promotion day. I’m asking one or two of the thousands who are free subscribers to upgrade and support my efforts. If you are already an upgraded subscriber, then I’m sincerely grateful.
The monthly fee is £7.00 which is £00.23 per day. I write almost every day so it’s a good deal. There are other options such as free trials and one-off annual payments.
If you feel my words are worthy of your attention give me a hand and upgrade. Every single subscriber makes a huge difference. If circumstance does not allow you to upgrade, then by all means stay on board, I will keep writing if you keep reading. If you can help without detriment to yourself, I will appreciate it.
If you agree or disagree with my views, I will always give you something to think about.
Whatever you choose to do, keep reading, commenting, and sharing. Don’t let anyone steal your voice.
I write to fight!
Robin Horsfall
I'm one of your paid subscribers.
I liked your autobiography when I read it and I am likely to be re-reading it in the not to distant future.
I also like the information we get from your goodself on the Ukraine situation and Russia. We seem to get a hell of a lot more from you than the mainstream media.
Your insites on Trump as well are also great.
In general I like the way you put things over and present them to us. Well worth the subscription
I am a paid subscriber. Well spent money to a person that can make a difference in spreading important knowledge, opinions and truths about Russia's shameful attack on Ukraine and how Europe must contribute to victory for our economic and intellectual prosperity to last. The fight against Russia must be conducted like putting together a puzzle. In that puzzle, Robin and his work are a very important puzzle piece. My modest contribution to enable Robin to do his extremely important work is my best investment in the past year. More people should support Robin with a small financial contribution.