Hello and Happy Friday, thanks for reading. Uncle Seth here to guide you through four things that may help you move your work forward.

Also, the replay for yesterday’s Escape Pod is available here.

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// FOUR THE WEEKEND

1. SPEND LESS TIME ON SUBSTACK NOTES (AND SOCIAL MEDIA)

I know a handful of you reading this have your own Substack publications, but I’m telling you – spend less time on Substack Notes (and social media in general).

Use your time wisely. If you must use social media, just reply to a few friends, and join some conversations here and there. Spending time and energy trying to craft the perfect post just to get 100 likes? I don’t recommend it.

Instead, try reaching out to a writer friend and workshopping your next email newsletter together, or update your websites. Craft a pitch to a creative director.

I fully believe there is more to be gained collaborating on an hour long Zoom call than spending two hours a day scrolling on social media.

2. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THINGS (BUT PROBABLY DON’T)

You can share and engage, comment and “join the discussion.” But each is an invitation for comments. Shares. Likes. Things that can pull your attention.

Ask yourself, “do I need to be a part of this discussion right now, or possibly three hours from now?”

You can sit in your studio and work, go for a walk, call a friend, stare at the ocean if its nearby.

Which one replenishes your soul? Which one gets you closer to your dreams?

3. LISTEN TO CASSIDY FROST AND I TALK WITH SARAH FAY

“I bring you my interview with (and case study of) two amazing Substack creators—and, I’m proud to say, clients,” says Sarah Fay, “they both found extraordinary success on Substack.” Listen here.

4. THINK ABOUT THE UNIVERSE YOU’RE BUILDING

I had a nice talk with an A&R label person this week, and something that stuck with me from our conversation: as an artist, it’s totally cool to lean into a theme or idea of what you do, and fucking LOVE IT TO PIECES, because if you can’t do that, how can we expect anyone else to?

Consider all this when rolling out your new offering – a song, a poster, a course, a video. Don’t just hit publish to add something to the never ending conveyor belt of “content.”

Think of how it adds to your work, your vibe, the creative universe you’re building around what you do and who you are.

Does the world you’re building “need” that throwaway post on social media? Or might it be better holding it close, discussing with a collaborator, and being forged into something bigger with some more time and effort?