What if Substack could be a place where we actively spread joy?

Not just by sharing our own thoughts, but by becoming an encouragement to others. By showing up generously. By making someone’s day a little brighter simply because we took a moment to say I see you, and what you’re doing matters.

“You shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” — Maya Angelou

That quote lives in my head rent-free. Because it’s so easy easy to visualize. We open an app to read, scroll, like, and move on, but without ever giving anything back. The really cool thing that can happen with a community like Substack? It’s in the giving.

Here’s something I’ve noticed on my own hard days. When I’m feeling low or stuck or just a little in the doldrums, one of the fastest ways to shift my mood is to do something kind for someone else. Leave a genuine compliment on a post. Tell a writer that their words helped me. Cheer on someone who’s just starting out. It sounds almost too simple… but it works. Every time.

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” — Booker T. Washington

There’s real science behind this, but honestly, you don’t need the research. You just need to try it once and feel the difference.

So maybe you read my last post where we talked about ditching the worry about whether we’re qualified enough, letting go of self-doubt, and just putting ourselves out there. Maybe you nodded along. Maybe you even felt that little flutter of okay, maybe I could do this.

And then you opened Substack… and thought, now what?

Here are three simple, low-pressure ways to start spreading joy on Substack.

1. Comment on Someone Else’s Notes and Restack It Too

This is the one people skip… and it’s such a missed opportunity.

Here’s a real example of what showing up looks like in practice. Alex & Books posted a Note asking: “Who still sits down and reads actual physical books?” Two words. I do! That was my entire comment. I restacked it and added my voice to the conversation.

That Note now has 50+ likes, a handful of comments, and is still gaining traction… all from simply adding to and sharing someone else’s thought.

When you leave a thoughtful comment on someone’s Note, their entire audience can see it and yours too. You’re not just supporting that writer (though that matters enormously), you’re introducing yourself to a whole new community of readers who might think, oh, I like how they think. And from personal experience, engaging with other people’s Notes is one of the things that brings me my highest engagement.

Don’t overthink it. Agree, add a thought, ask a question, share a reaction. Just be genuine. Two words can start a whole ripple effect.

2. Send Someone a Heartfelt DM

This one is quiet, but between two people. No one else sees it. There are no likes, no reshares, no public accolades. And that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.

Think about a writer on Substack whose work has genuinely moved you. Maybe they’ve been showing up consistently and you don’t think they know how much it means. Maybe one of their posts arrived on exactly the right day and said exactly the thing you needed to hear. Maybe they’re brand new and clearly pouring their whole heart into something still finding its legs.

Send them a message. Just tell them.

It doesn’t have to be long or perfectly worded. Something as simple as I just want you to know that your writing makes a difference to me can completely change someone’s day or even their week. Writers, especially those of us still building, can spend a lot of time wondering if any of this is worth it. A single genuine message has the power to answer that question with a resounding yes.

On the days when you’re feeling a little empty or discouraged yourself, this is one of the kindest things you can do for your own heart too. There is something quietly wonderful about making someone feel seen, with no audience watching and nothing to gain. It fills you back up in a way that’s hard to explain until you try it.

So pick someone this week. Hit that message button. Say the thing you’ve been thinking. You might never know just how much it meant… but they will.

3. Share a Note and Make It About Someone Else

You’ve probably heard that Notes are Substack’s version of a social media post… short, conversational, no pressure to write a full -length post. And yes, sharing your own thoughts is a wonderful place to start.

But here’s a joyful twist you can make… use a Note to celebrate someone else.

Share a book you loved and tag the author. Shout out a creative whose post stopped you in your tracks this week. Share a list of people you love reading with your readers and ask them who they’re currently loving on Substack. Not only does this spread genuine encouragement to the people you mention, it starts conversations, builds community, and introduces your readers to voices they’ll be glad they found.

It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be polished. It just has to be you, showing up and throwing something good into the world.

Show up as yourself. Be generous. Be genuine. Repeat.

You don’t need to do all three today. Pick one. Do it this week. See what happens… not just for the person on the other end, but do it for you too.

Which of these feels most doable for you right now? Drop it in the comments. I’d love to cheer you on.

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If you’re not already subscribed to this little corner of Substack… come join us. I share my life, bookish thoughts, habits, and health, and I’d love to have you join in the conversation.

“Plant flowers in others’ gardens and your life becomes a bouquet.” — Author Unknown

Book Recommendation

BJ FOGG is here to change your life―and revolutionize how we think about human behavior. Based on twenty years of research and Fogg’s experience coaching more than 40,000 people, Tiny Habits cracks the code of habit formation. With breakthrough discoveries in every chapter, you’ll learn the simplest proven ways to transform your life. Fogg shows you how to feel good about your successes instead of bad about your failures.

This proven guide for personal transformation will help you design habits and make them stick through positive emotion and celebrating small successes. Whether you want to lose weight, de-stress, sleep better, or be more productive each day, Tiny Habits makes it easy to achieve―by starting small.

Inside this practical self-help guide, you’ll discover the keys to lasting behavior change:

• The B=MAP Framework: Learn the simple but powerful model from Stanford behavior scientist BJ Fogg that cracks the code of all human behavior.

• Actionable Strategies: Go beyond theory with proven, step-by-step techniques to build good habits and untangle bad ones.

• Start Tiny: Discover why starting small is the secret to achieving your biggest goals, whether you want to lose weight, increase productivity, or reduce stress.

• Celebrate Success: Master the art of self-reinforcement to wire in new habits fast by feeling good about your progress, not bad about your failures.

Read Tiny Habits

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Today, I'm excited to share a special tea that recently arrived at my doorstep, courtesy of the wonderful folks at Harney & Sons, along with three captivating books that pair perfectly with this delicious blend.

When Harney & Sons reached out and offered to send me their RMS Titanic tea to try, I was immediately intrigued. I already have a HUGE stash of Harney & Sons tea (see photo below) and this was one I hadn’t tried yet.

My love for tea has no limits… I even have a TEA SHOP page you can check out with all my favorites from Harney & Sons paired with Jane Austen novels.

Here’s the description from their website of the RMS Titanic tea -

Harney & Sons created RMS Titanic Blend as a tribute to the tragedy and heroism of A Night to Remember. P. H. Nargeolet, one of the divers with the French exploratory group at Woods Hole in Massachusetts when the Titanic was found, encouraged John Harney to create a commemorative tea to honor the 100th anniversary of those who perished when the Titanic sank. John created this special blend to reflect the quality of tea that was served on that voyage. It features Chinese Keemun, one of the last teas from China that the British still consumed in 1912. By then, they had mostly shifted to black teas from Assam, India, and Ceylon. The blend also includes Formosa Oolong, which was popularized in both the UK and the US by an enterprising Brit. This blend would have been recognizable to tea lovers of that era. A portion of the sales of our RMS Titanic Blend tea will go to The Ocean Conservancy, the dedicated organization committed to preserving our planet's oceans. We hope you will enjoy this tea and "remember."

One of my favorite things about Harney & Sons teas are the collectible tins. I have multiple tins that I have purchased the refills for numerous times (Shoutout to my most sipped tea, Paris) When I saw this tin and tasted the tea, I knew I had to create a book pairing post.

Have you always been captivated by the story of the Titanic? I know I have. My son and I have even visited the Titanic museum (which I highly recommend). It’s truly an unforgettable experience.

A random side note - I have never seen the Titanic movie.. I’ve seen plenty of clips, but never in it’s entirety. Do I need to watch it?

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abé

Without question, this stands as one of my absolute favorite historical fiction reads of 2024. Abé masterfully tells the story of Madeleine Force Astor, the teenage bride of John Jacob Astor IV, one of the wealthiest (and divorced) men in America.

This intimate portrayal of their controversial romance, marriage, and Madeleine's experience as a survivor of the disaster offers a deeply human perspective on events often reduced to mere statistics. The novel's rich detail and emotional tone make it the perfect companion to pair with the RMS Titanic tea blend.

As you sip, you'll feel transported to the lavish staterooms and moonlit decks alongside Madeleine, experiencing both the opulence and the tragedy through her eyes.

Check it out HERE. This is also available in KU.

A Dress of Violet Taffeta by Tessa Arlen

This extraordinary novel completely transformed my understanding of what happened in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. Focusing on the life of Lady Lucile Duff Gordon, a pioneering fashion designer who survived the sinking but faced brutal scrutiny and scandal afterward, Arlen weaves a tale of resilience and reinvention.

What makes this book particularly compelling is how it explores the ripple effects of survival—the guilt, the judgment, and the determination to move forward.

Lucile is a story of strength and an inspiration to pave your own way in life.

Check it out HERE.

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly

Though this book still sits on my "to be read" shelf, I'm drawn to it every time I pass by. The stunning cover—which does indeed pull you in with its evocative imagery—promises a unique perspective on the Titanic story.

Connolly's novel focuses on Captain Arthur Rostron of the Carpathia, the ship that raced through dangerous waters to rescue Titanic survivors, and Kate Connolly, a passenger on the Titanic fighting to stay alive. This dual-perspective approach promises to explore both the desperate hours in the water and the heroic rescue mission that saved so many.

I can already imagine how wonderful it will feel to curl up with this book and a steaming cup of RMS Titanic tea, experiencing the chill of that April night and the warmth of human courage simultaneously.

Check it out HERE.

One quick non-fiction recommendation that I have if you want to explore the story of the Titanic from a truly unique perspective is The Band That Played On.

The movies, the documentaries, the museum exhibits. They often tell the same story about the "unsinkable" Titanic, her wealthy passengers, the families torn apart, and the unthinkable end. But never before has "that glorious band," the group of eight musicians who played on as the Titanic slipped deeper and deeper into the Atlantic Ocean, been explored in such depth--until now.

Join renowned biographer Steve Turner as he shares an extraordinary portrait of eight men who were thrown together on a maiden voyage, never having played together as a band, and whose names will be forever linked because of an extraordinary act of courage in the face of death.

In The Band that Played On, Turner asks and answers key questions, including:

• How did the faith of the band members allow them to react with grace under pressure?

• Why does the story of the Titanic continue to fascinate?

• How does the legacy of that glorious band live on today?

There's something profoundly moving about holding a cup of tea inspired by the Titanic while immersing yourself in stories of those who were there. It creates a sensory connection to history that goes beyond facts and dates.

Check it out HERE. This book is also available in KU.

As the news of the world flies at us with crazed speed, these moments of connection with history through taste and story are grounding. I find they remind us of the human experiences behind historical events and allow us to think about how the past continues to echo in our present.

What historical events have captured your imagination?

Do you have favorite tea and book pairings that transport you to another time?

I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Want to shop for tea? Shop from the comfort of home.

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Thank you to Harney & Sons for providing the Titanic tea for this literary pairing experience. All opinions and book recommendations are entirely my own.

* for every membership updated to $5, I donate a historical fiction or romance book to a local women’s shelter. Want to choose what book is donated? Just send me a message after you subscribe.

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊 You can support this space for only $5 a month.

Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a coffee and keep writing! ☕

Today, I’m sharing what an ARC reader does, what makes a good one, and and I have two opportunities for you to join an ARC team.

First, What is an ARC?

An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) is a pre-publication version of a book that is set to readers in exchange for an honest, early review.

In the “olden days” (read as pre-COVID), a lot of publishers sent out paperback copies with reckless abandon. Now, it’s mostly e-books with occasionally bigger “influencers” being sent physical copies to share with their audience.

What Makes a Great ARC Reader?

1. Reliability and Commitment ARC readers are the unsung heroes to authors. They need to be dependable, committed to reading the entire book within a specified timeframe, and capable of providing thoughtful, constructive feedback. Authors rely on these readers to help generate early buzz and gather valuable insights before a book's official release.

   (Some authors might even ask you to point our any typos or mistakes you find pre-publication)

2. Honest and Constructive Feedback The most valuable ARC readers provide balanced, detailed reviews. This means going beyond a simple "I liked it" or "I didn't like it." Great ARC readers:

• Offer specific observations about plot, characters, and writing style

• Highlight both strengths and potential areas for improvement. This does NOT mean you give a horrible review to a book just because you didn’t like the tropes or the genre. Sorry I have to get on my soap box for a second here. I’m seeing more and more reviews leave reviews like “I don’t like historical romance but I picked up this book. 1 star because I remember I don’t like historical romance".” No! You aren’t judging it by your likes and dislikes. Review the plot, the writing, the overall story. And then let us know that it was a trope you realized you don't love, but the writing was solid.

• Write reviews that are both honest and respectful

• Understand the difference between constructive criticism and harsh judgment

3. Active Online Presence In today's social media heavy environment, ARC readers are often expected to:

• Post reviews on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, and BookBub

• Share their thoughts on social media

• Engage with the author's online community (at least around release time)

• Help spread the word about upcoming releases (if you continue on the team)

4. Genre Expertise While versatility is great, the most effective ARC readers often specialize in specific genres. Whether it's romance, science fiction, historical fiction, or non-fiction, deep knowledge of a genre helps provide more nuanced feedback.

Interested in Becoming an ARC Reader?

Are you passionate about books? Do you love being among the first to discover new stories? Are you able to share with an audience and leave a review on Amazon, and any bookish review places like goodreads, BookBub or Storygraph?

Here's your chance to join an ARC team!

ARC Reader Applications.

Book Blurb -

Harper

Elves don’t exist.

They don’t jump out of portals in the middle of the motor vehicle office looking like the god of thunder and claiming that I’m the chosen one to save the elven world. But that’s exactly what happened. Aaran is a pointy-eared magic-wielding elf, and he’s hard to say no to.

Then there’s the fact that I can’t get my own life together enough to renew my driver’s license before it expires. How am I supposed to fight a witch queen and save his world? He must have the wrong Jersey Girl.

Aaran

My job is to get the human woman and bring her back to Domhan, just as the oracle commanded. Caring was not part of the deal. I shouldn’t have healed her mother, but my world is doomed, and once Harper says she won’t help, what does it matter if I expend all my magic? It seemed like the right thing to do. I didn’t do it to sway her decision, but when it does and she agrees to help me, I can’t say no.

The oracle said that Harper’s magic was strong but untapped. I pray they’re right or we’ll never make it past the witch queen’s minions waiting to destroy us.

Apply to be on the ARC team HERE. (NOTE - the release date is February 18th, 2025)

Book Blurb -

Tamsin Kernick joins a quaint rural tennis club in sight of the Malvern Hills, only to discover that the drama on the court is nothing compared to the trouble brewing off it.

When a member is found dead, Tamsin and her trusty canine companions must serve up some justice before someone else wins the match. As her friends from her favourite café rally to uncover the truth, Tamsin finds herself tangled in a net of secrets, lies, and deadly rivalries. Can she ace this mystery before it's too late?

Tamsin’s super dogs are at the forefront of serving this criminal their just deserts (but not the luscious desserts from the café!). No ne’er-do-well is a match for these three dogs and their amazing tricks!

For lovers of Agatha Christie and James Herriot, dogs, and the English countryside.

This is book 8 in the series, but it can be read as standalone.

Apply to be on the ARC team HERE. (NOTE - the release date is February 16th, 2025)

If you are considering either of these books and can commit to leaving a review within the first week of release, I encourage you to sign up!

Subscribe now

* for every upgraded membership, I will be donating a historical fiction or romance book to a local women’s shelter. Want to choose what book is donated? Just send me a message after you subscribe.

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊 You can support my writing for only $5 a month.

As a family, we’ve spent the last few years being mindful of our consumption. We made a conscious decision to slow down, focus on family time 🕰️, and watch our finances more closely after my husband left his corporate job to come work with me at The Literary Assistant.

It’s been refreshing, honestly, to find joy in simplicity. One way I’ve embraced this is by using the library not only to feed my love of reading but also to discover creative ways to "gift" experiences and ideas.

This December, I’d like to share a few ways the library can help you feel like you’re giving yourself—and others—a little something special 🎁

1. Family Book Exchange

Take your family to the library and assign each person someone to "gift" a book to. Everyone scatters, hunts for a book they think their assigned person would love, and meets back together to exchange their “gifts.” It's such a fun way to see what others might choose for you—whether it’s a pleasant surprise or hilariously off the mark. Either way, it’s a unique family experience, and time well spent at the library.

2. Library Movie Night

Plan a cozy movie night by borrowing DVDs or Blu-rays from the library. Gone are the days of roaming the aisles at Blockbuster 😢, but libraries still deliver that nostalgic thrill of picking out a film . Let everyone in the family choose a movie, and rotate through their picks. Just today, my son and I stopped by the library, and I picked up Love Actually (Can believe I’ve never seen it!) and Little Women—two classics that make perfect holiday viewing. All you need to supply is the popcorn! 🍿✨

3. Personalized Reading List

Did you know some libraries offer personalized reading recommendations? Give your librarian an idea of what you love to read , and they’ll curate a list just for you. Yes, please! You could even ask them to put together a year-long list of 12 books to read—one for each month. Let them know a few favorites (and what you’ve already read), and see what hidden gems they suggest. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving.

4. Book Gift Exchange

If you’re part of an in-person library book club, suggest hosting a book gift exchange. It’s such a delightful way to share the love of reading. Many readers keep their books in excellent condition, making it easy to pass on favorites to new homes. There’s something special about pre-loved books, knowing they’ve been enjoyed by others before you. I did this with a group of friends who I hosted a book club with in my home in Minnesota. We all had fun and left with a new to us book.

These are just a few ideas to use the library to give yourself and your loved ones meaningful, budget-friendly gifts this season. Libraries are incredible resources for creating memorable experiences without spending a dime.

Do you have any creative ways to use the library for holiday gifting? 🎁📚 I’d love to hear about them.

Happy reading,
Melissa 💕

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The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊

Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a coffee and keep writing! ☕