Crafting Connection: How I Grew My Substack Community to 100 Subscribers

When I started my Substack in May 2026, I had no idea if anyone would read it. I had stories I wanted to share, a book on the way, and a hope that I could find readers who loved fantasy as much as I do. At the same time, I was preparing for the release of my debut novel, Blood and Ink. Over the next several weeks, through constant posting, reader conversations, and a lot of excitment, that number grew from 0 to 100 subscribers.

Beginning with Zero: The First Steps

When I posted my first behind-the-scenes article from Blood and Ink, the subscriber count was zero. It was both thrilling and intimidating. I knew building an audience wouldn’t happen overnight. My goal was simple: write consistently and share stories that mattered to me, hoping they would resonate with others.

I didn't have a secret formula. I just kept showing up. I shared chapters of The Last Kin and Static Run, posted behind-the-scenes updates about Blood and Ink, and spent time talking with readers in the comments. Every subscriber represented a real person choosing to spend part of their day in the worlds I was creating.

Growing Slowly Through Consistency and Engagement

Growth didn't happen overnight. Some days a post would get a lot of attention, and other days it felt like I was talking to an empty room. But I kept showing up.

I shared chapters of The Last Kin and Static Run, posted behind-the-scenes updates about Blood and Ink, and experimented with reader questions, polls, and Notes. Every post taught me something about what readers enjoyed.

What surprised me most wasn't the subscriber count—it was the conversations. Readers shared theories, asked questions about my worlds, and celebrated milestones with me. Over time, those interactions turned a newsletter into a community.

The Joy of Reaching 100 Subscribers

Reaching 100 subscribers was exciting for a lot of reasons, but mostly because it made everything feel real. A few weeks earlier I was staring at a subscriber count of zero and wondering if anyone would actually read my work.

Then I hit 99.

And stayed there.

For what felt like forever.

I found myself checking Substack way more often than I care to admit, waiting for that final subscriber. When the notification finally came through and the count rolled over to 100, I may have done a little happy dance.

What made the milestone special wasn't the number itself. It was knowing that 100 people had chosen to spend their time reading my stories, following my journey, and cheering me on as I worked toward publishing Blood and Ink.

Balancing Multiple Writing Projects

Writing multiple projects at the same time isn't always easy. There have been moments when I've taken on too much and had to remind myself that I can't do everything at once. Over time, I've learned to focus on the stories that excite me most and trust that it's okay to slow down when I need to.

Right now, The Last Kin and Static Run are my main focus on Substack, while I prepare for the release of Blood and Ink. Each project lets me explore a different side of storytelling, and I love being able to share that journey with readers. I love that one week I can be writing about vampires, and the next I can be sharing a cyberpunk heist. It keeps things interesting for both me and my readers.

The Importance of Community and Reader Support

One of the most unexpected things to come out of my Substack journey wasn't the subscriber count—it was the friendships.

What started as readers following my stories eventually grew into a Discord community where we talk about writing, books, worldbuilding, and sometimes completely unhinged topics. We've celebrated milestones together, shared ideas, and supported each other through creative challenges.

Some of those conversations even spilled over into D&D. Whether we're discussing a new chapter, talking about fantasy worlds, or laughing through a chaotic game session, the community has become something much bigger than I ever expected when I hit publish on my first post.

That's what makes this milestone special to me. I didn't just gain subscribers. I found a group of people who genuinely care about stories, creativity, and each other's success.

Looking Ahead to Blood and Ink

Right now, one of the things I'm most excited about is the upcoming release of Blood and Ink. It's been a long journey from first draft to publication, and there have been moments when it felt like the finish line was still miles away.

The best part is that I haven't had to make that journey alone. My readers have been there for the milestones, the setbacks, the excitement, and the anticipation. Some of them have been patiently waiting for the cover reveal and release date right alongside me.

Knowing that there are people excited to read the book makes the upcoming launch feel even more special. I can't wait to finally share it with them.

Final Thoughts: Gratitude and Perseverance

If there's one thing this journey has taught me, it's that every reader matters.

A few weeks ago, I was staring at a subscriber count of zero. Today, more than 100 people have joined me on this adventure. Whether you've been here from the beginning or just discovered my work recently, thank you.

I can't wait to see where this journey goes next—and I can't wait to finally share Blood and Ink with all of you.

Thank You

Before I go, I just want to say thank you.

Whether you've been following my work from the beginning or just discovered it today, I'm grateful you're here. Every comment, subscription, share, and conversation has helped make this journey more meaningful than I ever expected.

Whether your reader number 1 or reader 100, thank you for being paer of the adventure.

Here's to the next chapter.

— B.A. Ricker

Author of Blood and Ink

Currently Writing:

• The Last Kin (Fantasy Serial)

• Static Run (Cyberpunk Serial)

• Blood and Ink (Coming Soon)