Discover these Five Things I've Learned Friends on Substack
These Substack writers have hosted some some of our favorite Five Things I’ve Learned classes.
Meet our Five Things I’ve Learned friends on Substack!
We love Substack! And Substack writers have delivered some some of our favorite Five Things I’ve Learned classes.
If you don’t know about them already – follow the links below to discover Substack’s from Five Things I’ve Learned contributors
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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
’s substack, is a lively blend of literary insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses into her Paris-based crime novels, personal reflections on writing, and curated recommendations for readers who love mystery, history, and all things French.Subscribe to Cara’s substack here:
View the first five minutes of Cara’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
And, check out the full archive of Cara’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that a strong sense of place anchors readers and draws them into the story.
Bestselling author, editor, and teacher
’s Substack, , “explores what it means to travel through time in a human body—of any gender, at every phase of life. It focuses on the good, the bad, and the ugly we experience with each milestone, starting early in life. It’s about the experience of getting older, and what that means at different junctures.”Subscribe to Sari’s substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Sari’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
And, check out the full archive of Sari’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about getting older by inviting people to share their own personal experiences of aging.
Award-winning cartoonist
’s Substack, is, as Liza puts it, a “community of people who love cartoons but are sort of serious too, and like to not only see and read observations about life, make them as well. And for people who have concerns about the world, but know how to be funny.”Subscribe to Liza’s substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Liza’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
And, check out the full archive of Liza’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned from a lifetime of drawing and writing, and from the fulfillment that comes with looking inward and observing the world around you.
Random House copy chief and author of Dreyer’s English
’s substack, is a free dive into Benjamin’s process, his observations of the world and specifically, the world of copyediting.Subscribe to Benjamin’s substack right here:
Check out the archive of Benjamin’s two hour class and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about the roll-up-your-sleeves-and-do-the-work work that makes writing more effective, clearer, and sharper.
Writer and Executive Director of National Writing Month
’s Substack, Intimations: A Writer’s Discourse, is, as he puts it, “a dose of creative writing for the soul.” As Grant writes, “I like to think about writing. I like to think about creativity. I like to think about how the creative process informs every aspect of our lives, whether it’s parenting or leading, loving or learning. And I like to write it all down and share my thoughts and enter into a conversation with others. Because life is just one wonderful series of conversations.”Subscribe to Grant’s substack right here:
Check out the archive of Grant’s two-hour class and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about what happens when writers share the most difficult parts of their story in service of truths that would otherwise go untold.
Plus: Check out the first five minutes of Grant’s classes, Five Things I’ve Learned about The Art of Brevity and Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Finish a Book, right here on Substack.
Subscribe to Sarah’s substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Sarah’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the full archive of Sarah’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about what it means to write our stories of illness, injury, and recovery.
Subscribe to Eddie’s substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Eddie’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the full archive of Eddie’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about keeping connected to the voices and visions of our country’s past – and about James Baldwin’s America and its urgent lessons for our own.
Culture journalist, author and teacher
’s Substack dives into both new and old music across a wide range of genres, offering thoughtful reviews, curated playlists, and deep dives to help you discover and enjoy great music.Subscribe to Will’s Substack right here:
Then, check out the full archive of Will’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about how to articulate and share the emotional impact of songs you love — how to illuminate their meaning, amplify their power, and deepen the listening experience for yourself and your readers.
Award-winning poet, essayist, and translator
is on Substack. You can follow along her posts here.Then, check out the full archive of Jane’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that poems’ original seeing can be invited, recognized, and worked with to open new depth, openness, and possibility – in words and in lives.
Ann’s Substack shares insights into Ann’s writing process, current projects, knitting adventures, and personal reflections on travel and life. Readers get a blend of literary updates, knitting tips, and musings on her nomadic experiences.
Subscribe to Ann’s substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Ann’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the full archive of Ann’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about how to bring the characters, conflicts, and plot points that keep you up at night from your heart to the page.
Plus: Check out the first five minutes of Ann’s class Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing Memoir right here on Substack.
Non-fiction writer, podcaster, and occasional TV host
’s Substack newsletter, Adjacent Possible, is, as Steven explains, “about innovation—past, present, and future. It explores the two questions that have really been at the center of his work for more than two decades: where do good ideas come from, and how can we keep those ideas from turning against us?” It’s also the best place to continue Steven’s ongoing exploration of the history of ideas, where good ideas come from, and the things that sometimes happen next when a good idea arrives.Subscribe to Steven’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Steven’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the full archive of Steven’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about the critical tools innovative thinkers use to nurture their creative practice – and the five key questions consistently innovative people ask themselves most often.
Acclaimed journalist and historian
is on substack. You can follow along her posts here.View the first five minutes of Carol’s 90-minute class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the full archive of Carol’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about the rewards and challenges that shaped life for American women after World War II – and the lessons their struggles offer us today.
Scott Klug's substack, Lost in the Middle: America’s Political Orphans delves into the experiences of America's politically disenchanted centrists, uncovering how the country reached its current state and spotlighting inspiring stories of individuals working to reshape the political landscape.
Subscribe to Scott’s substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Scott’s 90-minute class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the full archive of Scott’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about America’s political orphans – the great majority of our fellow citizens who want leaders who approach their jobs with civility and are more interested in getting things done than political gamesmanship.
Subscribe to Stephanie’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Stephanie’s class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the full archive of Stephanie’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about writing that breaks down walls and encourages empathy toward others – and about how you can claim and share your personal expertise in your own writing.
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Julie’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the full archive of Julie’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about deepening her ability to love others, and the practical steps that help her build, maintain, and celebrate her most important relationships.
Best-selling writer
’s Substack, SubMakk, is, as Rebecca declares, “mostly writing and books! but also Zillow, true crime, etymology, food, general inanity.” It’s also a great way to get writing prompts and advice, direct from Rebecca, as well as her thoughts on books – her own and others. Rebecca also offers special posts for subscribers, and a writing advice column for subscribers only. She also posts things like deleted scenes from past books or sneak peaks of upcoming ones.Subscribe to Rebecca’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Rebecca’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Them check out the full archive of Rebecca’s class at myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about the issue she’s found most connected to almost early every problem on the page – and why improving the ability to see through someone else’s eyes is essential to being a good writer and a decent human being.
AND: Check out the first five minute’s of Rebecca’s class “Five Things I’ve Learned about Getting Unstuck,” right here on Substack.
Singer/songwriter, producer, and author
’s Substack, Allison Moorer: The Autotelic is where as Allison puts it all – “writing, singing, anything I dream up – to chronice and share about this wild, beautiful, and imperfect journey.”Subscribe to Allison’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Allison’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Allison’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about sharing her family’s stories in prose and in song – and about all that taking ownership of our most personal stories makes possible.
Powered by People founder and former Texas State Congressman Beto’s substack, , explores politics, democracy, and social issues through personal reflections and storytelling. He connects historical and cultural experiences to contemporary challenges, emphasizing the need for hope, activism, and collective action.
Subscribe to Beto’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Beto’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the (free!) archive of Beto’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about the common concerns and ideals that connect individuals and communities everywhere across America.
Award winning author Susan Orlean’s Substack, Wordy Bird is a diverse exploration of the Susan’s interests, including fashion, writing, and everyday serendipities, offering musings, inquiries, and instructive insights on these subjects.
Subscribe to Susan’s Substack here:
View the first five minutes of Susan’s class, right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Susan’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that writers and readers can look at the world – and at stories – in new and inspiring ways.
Plus: Check out the first five minutes of Susan’s class Five Things I’ve Learned about Writing a Memoir right here on Substack.
Novelist and podcast host Holly Lynn Payne’s substack, Power of Page One is a newsletter and community dedicated to helping writers craft irresistible first pages that hook readers, agents, and editors—offering weekly insights, expert advice, and practical strategies inspired by the Page One Podcast and master storytellers.
Subscribe to Holly Lynn’s Substack here:
View the first five minutes of Holly Lynn’s class, right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Holly Lynn’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about a book’s critical first page – and about how you can ensure your opening paragraphs do all they can to hook readers and keep them reading.
Writer, editor, and teacher
’s Substack, Poetry Today began, as she puts it, so she could “talk about my great passions: poetry, wonder, and mindset, with a nice helping of apocryphal and weird literary stuff (see: Emily Dickinson’s gingerbread recipe) sprinkled in.” Maya also wanted to debunk the idea that academic writing must be inaccessible or riddled with jargon. Thus, Poetry Today was born.Subscribe to Maya’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Maya’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Maya’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that poetic form both organizes and conveys our essential emotions and insights.
Writer and teacher
’s Substack, is a reflective space where he delves into the intricacies of writing, offering insights on craft, sharing personal experiences, and exploring the emotional landscape of the creative process—including its challenges and joys.Subscribe to Maurice’s substack here:
Then, check out the archive of Maurice’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about how to make the most of your one opportunity to announce yourself to the world – and to set the tone for the writing life you wish to have.
Best selling author,
’s Substack, , a biweekly mix of food writing, recipes, cocktails, travel stories, and cultural recommendations, offering a personal glimpse into Michael’s passion for cooking, dining, and exploration.Subscribe to Michael’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Michael’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Michael’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about writing and living well – while writing about food, cooking, and life in a kitchen.
Best-selling writer and poet
’s substack, offers a personal and community-driven space for writing insights, creative inspiration, and reflections on life’s beauty and challenges, free from social media algorithms.Subscribe to Maggie’s substack right here:
Then, check out the archive of Maggie’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about what it means to prioritize your creative practice in ways that allow you to stay productive and feel most like yourself – no matter what the rest of your life looks like.
Novelist, memoirist, cultural critic, and screenwriter
’s Substack, explores overlooked or underappreciated art—books, films, music, and more—delving into personal reflections and rabbit holes to share the quiet joys of discovery with readers.Subscribe to Matthew’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Matthew’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Matthew’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about about the powerful ways that the imagination can operate in nonfiction writing – and how reality can add truth and ballast to fiction.
Writer, poet, and minister
’s substack, The American Thread explores the hidden stories, defining moments, and ordinary lives that shaped the fabric of the nation. Through essays, narratives, interviews, and reflections he unravels the beauty and complexity of the American experience.Subscribe to Danté’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Danté’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Danté’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about storytelling’s power and magic, and all that happens when readers encounter stories that help them get safely through to the other side.
Writer and teacher
’s substack, , seamlessly blends fiction, memoir, criticism, and social commentary in a conversational tone, offering readers a distinctive literary experience. The platform fosters a vibrant community through interactive discussions and features monthly Zoom conversations and workshops focused on creative writing and literary craft.Subscribe to Laurie’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Laurie’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Laurie’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways that great writing delivers genuine pleasure for the reader – and the writer.
Writer, feminist, mother, traveler, & extroverted hermit
’s Substack, Cheryl Strayed’s Dear Sugar, delivers one letter from a month in both written and audio form, access to the full Dear Sugar archives, occasional bonus content, all her free newsletters (which I publish 4-6 times a year), the ability to comment on all posts, and – as she puts it – “my eternal gratitude.”Subscribe to Cheryl’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Cheryl’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Cheryl’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about how to honor your desire to create and see your projects through – even when your demanding life makes it feel impossible.
Poet, author, actress, and director
’s substack, is a newsletter and community focused on authenticity, connection, and reclaiming joy in a fractured world, featuring essays, cultural reflections, behind-the-scenes stories, and interactive discussions on intuition, creativity, and social change.Subscribe to Amber’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Amber’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Amber’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about how to harness our emotions into the full force of our creative work — and how to put all that we’re feeling about the state of the world to good use.
Scholar, writer, translator, and teacher
’s Substack, offers a blend of Buddhist philosophy, personal reflections, and practical wisdom aimed at fostering compassion and insight in everyday life.Subscribe to Bob’s substack, right here:
View the first five minute of Bob’s two-hour class, right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Bob’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about achieving reliable and lasting happiness during his lifetime learning and teaching the Buddha’s curriculum.
Retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel
’s Substack, focuses on providing concise and insightful analyses of geopolitics and national security. Drawing on Alexander's decades of defense and national security experience, the newsletter offers accessible assessments of complex global events, translating them for an audience seeking informed perspectives without the need for extensive time or expertise.Subscribe to Alexander’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Alexander’s 90-minute class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Alexander’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about this critical time in history from his years engaging with Russia’s military and political leadership.
Editor and publisher
’s Substack, Brooke’s Substack, tracks some what she sees happening in the book publishing industry—all its wildness and ups and downs. As she explains, her Substack is written from the point of view of “an insider who’s been in publishing for the past 23 years, who’s seen a lot of changes and upheavals and who still knows there’s no place else she’d rater be.”Subscribe to Brooke’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Brooke’s most recent class right here on Substack.
View the archive of Brooke’s two-hour class on myfivethings.com and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about the ways in which our intimate responses to change can positively drive our most powerful urges to write and create.
Plus: Check out the first five minutes of Brooke’s classes, Five Things I’ve Learned about How Women Writers Thrive, Five Things I’ve Learned about Giving Voice to What Matters in the New Year, Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Finish a Book, Five Things I’ve Learned about How Creative Women Thrive and Five Things I’ve Learned about What It Takes to Get Published right here on Substack.
Ex-Republican political strategist, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, and best-selling author is a fearless space for truth-seekers and democracy defenders, where Rick battles against authoritarianism, cruelty, and chaos while building an enlightened community.
Subscribe to Rick’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Rick’s 90-minute class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Rick’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about what we can do right away to ensure that America survives – and about the perspective you need to make sure your time and your attention are focused on all we need to do together.
Poet
’s substack, blends personal reflections, literary news, upcoming events, and humor, while fostering connection with readers through musings on creativity, hope, and resilience in challenging times.Subscribe to Matthew’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Matthew’s two-hour class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Matthew’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about the practical and spiritual techniques that have most helped him keep the faith and keep going as a creative artist – and how you can better how to adapt your creative practice to a busy life full of relationships and obligations.
Plus: Check out the first five minutes of Matthew’s class Five Things I’ve Learned about Honoring Family as a Source of Creativity right here on Substack.
Investigative journalist
‘s Substack, Technically Food, is her bi-weekly newsletter about food and technology. As she explains, her aim is “to give you the context behind what’s bubbling up in the food world.”Subscribe to Larissa’s Substack right here:
View the first five minutes of Larissa’s 90-minute class right here on Substack.
Then, check out the archive of Larissa’s class at myfivethings.com, and discover the Five Things She’s Learned about how technology is reshaping our food and reimagining our food system – and what these changes mean for people who love food.
Subscribe for free to MyFiveThings on Substack and get $10 off any individual class at myfivethings.com. You’ll also receive timely Substack newsletters with details of great upcoming live classes.
Thank you!
Really looking forward to be a part of this. ♥️