Build Your Intentional Content Plan
How to Create Authentic Posts That Resonate with Readers
If it feels like you’re posting and nobody’s listening… you’re not alone.
I felt like that too until April 2025. Yes, the April just one month ago. Scroll back to April 5 to see the change yourself. Before then, I was working hard to write a lot of words that nobody seemed to read. Or at least, that’s how it felt. People were clicking but I wasn’t getting engagement. I felt unheard. I get it. The internet is loud.
Posting online can feel like handing out religious tracts in Las Vegas without even getting a free buffet. We’re competing with breaking news, doomscrolling, and whatever the latest Tide Pod-alike Challenge is. It’s like whispering the secrets of the universe into a hurricane.
You pour your heart into a post. You hit “publish.” You wait. Cue existential dread (again).
But here’s what I learned… and what changed everything for me:
People aren’t looking for content. They are looking for solutions.
And I don’t just mean nonfiction. We think readers want to be entertained or informed, but deep down, they’re looking for something else:
Relief from boredom
A spark of hope
A sense of belonging
A way through the dark
Even a bloody slasher flick can be a ray of sunshine on bad days: “Hey, at least I’m not trapped in a cornfield with a chainsaw maniac at midnight.”
The Myth of “Perfect” Content
The internet is overflowing with contradicting advice:
Use hashtags (but not too many)
Give stuff away (but don’t write for free)
Post everywhere (but be selective)
Less is more (but more is better)
I’ve spent three decades writing professionally, and I’ve run that advice treadmill. I ran hard and got nowhere. I was writing what all the experts told me to write, but I was ignoring the one expert who mattered most: my readers.
The Question That Changed Everything
At the beginning of April, I paused and asked myself:
What do my readers actually need?
Not want—need. And to answer that, I had to start with myself.
What do I struggle with as a writer? What challenges do the authors I coach face again and again? What do my writer friends complain about most?
I paid attention and made a list. And these six core pain points came up every time:
The Six Pain Points of Writers
We need more Time
We need more Confidence
We need more Support
We need more Clarity
We need more Visibility
We need more Ownership
Once I had the list, I stopped guessing. I broke those six into 12 monthly themes. Then I built my content around authentic solutions with the goal to give real help for real writers. My goal was to alleviate these pain points not in theory, but in practical, human, helpful ways that I learned myself.
The results were immediate.
My engagement shot up. I landed at #52 in the Substack rankings (I didn’t even know those existed!). But more than numbers, something inside me shifted. I stopped whispering into the void and started having conversations with people who were engaging.
From Noise to Purpose
The best part? The calm. I no longer stare at the screen wondering what to write. I no longer write for the algorithm. I write to help writers suffer less… and that’s always interesting. And you can do this, no matter who your reader is.
Every audience has pain points. Whether your readers are new moms, six-figure gadget tycoons, or fellow fantasy nerds, someone out there is waiting for what you can help them feel, understand, or overcome.
Start by typing into your favorite search engine: “Pain points of [your audience]”
Then ask yourself: How can I genuinely help?
Authenticity Is the Key
I want to be clear: copying a list of pain points + slapping on generic advice = meh content. What works is this:
You + your truth + their need = resonance.
You don’t have to solve all the problems. Just recognizing them is enough to build trust. Find solutions together. That’s what makes people lean in.
Do You Need All the Readers or the Right Readers?
I’ve heard the size of your platform is everything, but it really does depend on your goal. If you are trying to get traditionally published, sure. If you are publishing yourself… not so much.
I’d rather have 100 readers who engage with me than 100,000 who scroll past. Likes are cheap—literally. You can buy them for 40 cents a pop based on the ad screenshot I shared below. But true reader connection? Priceless.
How to Write Content That Resonates
Here are three practices that work for me:
1. Inspire with story. Stories stir emotion and emotion inspires motion. When you share personal experiences, readers connect on a human level.
2. Use natural language. Write like you talk. Use contractions. Embrace pauses. Skip the purple prose. If readers need to Google every third word, they won’t stick around.
3. Show up imperfect. Vulnerability is magnetic. You don’t need to be the guru on a pedestal—just the person with a flashlight who can shine light on the path ahead.
The internet hurricane is real. But that means your readers are probably as lost in it as you are. You can stop shouting into the wind and offer them a seat on your life raft instead.
That’s where connection begins.
Download: The Intentional Content Planner
Build a year of authentic connection with this one-time downloadable mini workbook to help you create aligned content that speaks directly to the people you're meant to serve without burning out.
Identify your perfect reader
Uncover the emotional pain points they’re struggling with
Brainstorm how you can authentically help
Create monthly themes that feel meaningful
Break those themes into easy, actionable content
Set a sustainable posting rhythm you can actually maintain
You don’t need to post more. You need to post with purpose.
Subscribers: Your download is available for just $8.88.
Supporting Subscribers: With deep appreciation for your generous support, your complimentary download awaits in your Supporting Subscriber area.
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My authortunities are organized by emoji!
🟢 opening for submissions
🔴 closing for submissions
⭐ events, classes, networking
♻️ reprints
🟢 WEEKLY· Reedsy Prompts is open until the following Friday for short fiction between 1,000 - 3,000 words based on one of five prompts. Writers have until the following Friday at 11.59 pm EST to enter. No fee to enter and have work posted. $5 fee to be eligible for the $250 cash prize. This week’s prompt is: Beyond Redemption with Mel Torrefranca ⚖️.
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
🟢 MAY 17 · Chapter House Indigenous Fiction Prize is open until June 30 for fiction submissions from Indigenous writers. Eligible works include flash fiction (up to 1,000 words; up to 3 pieces) and short stories (1,000–5,000 words). All styles and topics are welcome, with a focus on literary fiction. Prize: $250. Reprints are not accepted; simultaneous submissions policy is unspecified. Submit via Submittable.
https://chjournal.submittable.com/submit
🟢 MAY 17 · America's Slide Toward Authoritarianism anthology is open for poetry (up to 3 pieces), short stories or essays (one per author, 2,500 words max), and up to 3 visual artworks. Submissions should address themes of resistance and the current American political climate. Pays $50 per accepted written piece and $25 per accepted visual artwork. Submit via email with a brief bio and a 300–500 word foreword.
https://humanrightsartmovement.org/ihraf-books
🔴♻️ MAY 17 · Collaborature Monthly Contest is closing for fiction and poetry “written by more than one author or include a collaboration of two people (i.e., art and poetry).” Reprints are allowed. Payment is $20 USD.
https://collaborature.blogspot.com/p/contests.html
🔴 MAY 18 · Griffith Review 90: Best Dressed closes today for fiction and nonfiction on fashion and identity. Submissions up to 4,000 words. Payment is AUD $0.75 per word.
https://griffithreview.submittable.com/submit
🔴 MAY 17 · Three-Lobed Burning Eye closes for “original, unpublished speculative fiction: including horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction.” Payment is US $.08 per word for short stories or (1,500–7,499 words) or flash fiction (500–1,499 words); plus one copy of the print anthology.
https://www.3lobedmag.com/submissions.html
⭐ MAY 18 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🔴 MAY 22 · Saros Speculative Fiction closes for marginalized creators of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction (up to 3,000 words; flash welcome) and cover art. Payment: CAD $40 for original fiction and cover art; CAD $20 for reprints. Simultaneous submissions allowed; reprints accepted. Submit via Moksha.
https://sarossf.com/submissions/
🔴 MAY 23 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
⭐ MAY 25 · Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night Join The Mad Poet and host Jordan Francis for a NeighborHub community open mic every other Sunday at 8 pm EST. Prose and poetry readings welcome. A welcoming and supportive group that encourages creative growth. For members of the Authortunities NeighborHub. Membership is free.
https://www.authortunitieshub.com
⭐ MAY 25 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🔴 MAY 28 · The New Quarterly: Peter Hinchcliffe Short Fiction Award closes for outstanding short fiction. Top prize: $1,000; selected stories considered for publication ($250 per published piece). Entry fee: $40 per story (includes a 1-year subscription). Submit via online portal; anonymity preserved during judging.
https://tnq.ca/peter-hinchcliffe-award/
🔴 MAY 30 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
🔴 MAY 30 · Samhain Screams closes for submissions of original horror stories (1,000–5,000 words) exploring the dark side of Halloween. Payment: AUD $50 and contributor copies. Simultaneous submissions allowed; reprints policy unspecified. Submit via email in Shunn format.
https://blackbeaconbooks.blogspot.com/p/submissions.html
🔴 MAY 30 · The Best Weird Fiction of the Year closes for submissions of reprint weird fiction first published in 2024 (500–7,500 words). Payment: small honorarium and contributor copies. Simultaneous submissions policy unspecified; up to five stories may be submitted, each sent separately. Submit via online form.
https://undertowpublications.com/best-weird-fiction
🔴 MAY 30 · Apex Magazine Monthly Flash Fiction Contest Submissions close to all for speculative flash fiction at midnight. Winner will be announced no later than the 15th of the following month and be paid $0.08/word or $10, whichever is more, and published on the Apex Magazine Patreon as an exclusive the month following and will be included in the forthcoming issue of Apex Magazine.
https://apexbookcompany.moksha.io/publication/apex-magazine-flash-fiction
🔴 MAY 31 · Okay Donkey Magazine closes for submissions of flash fiction and poetry. Payment: $20 honorarium per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed; reprints not accepted. Submit via Submittable.
https://okaydonkeymag.com/submissions/
🔴 MAY 31 · Book Worms Zine is closed for submissions of horror flash fiction (up to 1,000 words) and short stories (1,000–1,500 words) on the theme "Cryptid Horror." Seeking horror stories across all subgenres. Payment is $0.08 USD per word.
🔴 MAY 31 · Cast of Wonders closes for submissions of young adult speculative fiction (flash: 100–1,500 words; short stories: 1,500–6,000 words) on the theme "Joy that sustains" for Banned Books Week. Payment: $0.08 per word for original fiction; $20 for flash reprints (up to 1,500 words); $100 for short story reprints (1,500–7,500 words). Simultaneous submissions allowed; multiple submissions not accepted; reprints accepted. Submit via Moksha.
https://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/
🔴 MAY 31 · Split Lip Magazine closes for submissions of fiction, memoir/nonfiction, poetry, and visual art/photography. Payment: $75 per piece (web); $5 per page (print anthology). Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via Submittable.
https://splitlipthemag.com/submit
🔴 MAY 31 · Manawaker Studio: 100 Word Project (May Prompt: "Troll") closes for original, unpublished 100-word drabbles inspired by the prompt "Troll." Family-friendly content only; no generative AI. Token payment of $1 per accepted story and contributor e-copy provided.
https://manawaker.com/submissions/
🔴 MAY 31 · Dark Moments: Urban Myths (May Theme) closes for drabbles (exactly 100 words) exploring modern folklore, urban legends, and myths lurking beneath city streets. Original work only, no reprints or simultaneous submissions. Payment is $0.04 USD per word. Submit via email to darkmoments@BlackHarePress.com with theme in subject line.
https://blackharepress.com/submissions/
🔴 MAY 31 · Masque & Maelström: The Reluctant Exhumation of Edgar Allan Poe closes for speculative fiction (flash to ~12,000 words; exceptions considered) across all open anthology themes. Payment: $5 USD per 1,000 words and contributor digital copy. Reprints, simultaneous, and multiple submissions accepted. Submit via email: editor@jayhenge.com (include anthology name and word count in subject).
https://www.jayhenge.com/submissions.html
🔴 MAY 31 · Professor Feiff's Trans-Dimensional Travelogue closes for speculative fiction stories (flash to ~12,000 words) exploring interdimensional travel, parallel worlds, and alternate realities. Payment: $5 USD per 1,000 words and a contributor digital copy. Reprints, simultaneous, and multiple submissions accepted. Submit via email to editor@jayhenge.com (include anthology name and word count in subject).
https://www.jayhenge.com/submissions.html
🔴 MAY 31 · Pharmacopeia Obscura: The August Doctor’s Notes closes for speculative fiction stories (flash to ~12,000 words) exploring medical oddities, strange remedies, unusual cures, and pharmacological mysteries. Payment: $5 USD per 1,000 words and contributor digital copy. Reprints, simultaneous, and multiple submissions accepted. Submit via email to editor@jayhenge.com (include anthology name and word count in subject).
https://www.jayhenge.com/submissions.html
🔴 MAY 31 · Short Story Stack (Monthly Contest) closes for short stories (6–10,000 words, any genre). One winner selected monthly receives $100 plus 50% of subscription revenue; reprints welcome. Submissions via email as Word or Google Docs.
https://shortstory.substack.com/p/coming-soon
🔴 MAY 31 · Write or Die Magazine closes for submissions in fiction, creative nonfiction, and author interviews. Payment: Approximately $50 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed; reprints not accepted. Submit via Submittable.
https://writeordiemagazine.submittable.com/submit/326253/write-or-dies-first-ever-fiction-contest
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