✉️ Why I Started a Language Learning Newsletter on Substack & Why You Should Too

1 Month on Substack! Thank you all for subscribing!!

Where It Started

I’ve documented my language studies in one form or another over many years. A few months ago, I considered finding a new way to share my language studies where I wouldn’t have to think about follower counts or adhering to an algorithm.

I learned about Substack from an artist who shared her art through a newsletter (

Louise Stigell

). She found that using Substack allowed her to stop using social media to promote her art. With Substack, she’s still able to share her art and benefits from seeing the people who really care about her work.

Many writers are told to write what they want to read. I knew that I already enjoyed watching language learning content on youtube. Sometimes I spend more time reading about other people’s language studies rather than actually learning a language. While I didn’t know much about Substack, I was interested in being able to write about my interests and connect with other people who shared the same interest. I realized that starting a newsletter would be the perfect way for me to reflect on my language learning journey and create something I already enjoy reading.

My First Month On Substack

I didn’t think many people would read but I am thankful to everyone who has subscribed and continues to read. This substack has been another aspect of my language learning journey that holds me accountable. Sharing resources and my general language studies makes me feel good. It’s what I would want to read if any language learner decided to also share their studies.

Through creating this Substack I’ve already found publications to read like

I heard from Lou

and others that fit my interest in creativity and art. I've also received comments from others about also wanting to join substack because of me.

How I Write My Newsletters

I really like planning and this is quite clear in my How I Track, Log and Plan My Language Studies post.

I create a list and rough plan of newsletter topics in my digital planner. I also decide when I’ll write about each topic based on the month. For example, I knew I would reach 1 year on Substack on the 16th which is why I planned the Friday newsletter on the 17th to be about this topic. On my yearly overview page make notes about any language related challenges I may want to reference in specific newsletters.

Yearly Overview Page in My Digital Planner

To draft my newsletters, I use Notion. Once I have a rough draft, I copy and paste it into Substack to continue drafting and finalize by adding links and images.

My Notion Newsletter Tracker

I’ve shared 10 newsletters since starting and have lots of ideas and topics I’d like to write about in the future! My Monday Newsletters are a recap of the last week of language study. This is where I can reflect on my language studies and adjust my plans based on my progress. My Thursday newsletters allow me to be a bit more creative. I talk about general language topics such as my language goals for 2023 and my progress in Mandarin after 5 years.

Why You Should Also Join Substack

If you already document your language studies, Substack may be a great way for you to share your language progress and insights with other people who are interested. There aren’t many other language learners here and I think it would be great to grow the language learning community on Substack. I’m always looking for more language learning blogs to read and follow!

Substack is easy to use. Creating a post/newsletter is similar to writing a blog. You don’t have to share newsletters twice a week as I do. You can tailor your publication to whatever fits you.

Since my substack is focused on language learning, I am encouraged to continue learning and take time to reflect on my progress.

I’m still new around here but I’m willing to help if anyone has any questions!

Thank you for all the support this past month! I appreciate every reader and subscriber!