This is a small but real milestone, I want to share.
In this update I’ll list what has changed on the Hush Halo publication. Hopefully you’ll get some ideas for your own Substack site.
#1 Hush Halo has a Home Now
The project now has its own designated domain: HushHalo.com actually exists.
I have also put some work into structuring the site. These changes are unfortunately not visible in the app, only on the website due to limitations on this platform.
I really wish there was more to work with in the app, but oh well.
#2 On Site Evolution
As I’m narrowing my focus, a few concrete things have changed. These are practical changes, but they mark a clear step forward in how the work exists and how it can grow.
Domain and Home Page
As mentioned, the project now lives under its own domain www.hushhalo.com.
This creates a stable reference point for the work and supports long term structure, discoverability, and continuity without changing the publishing workflow itself.
The Home Page will never be ready. I try to serve readers who arrive at the site randomly, not necessarily through the Substack app. For now, I have added some depth by highlighting different areas of the site that will hopefully draw new readers forward.
Within Substack’s closed realm, especially the app, this is not very relevant.
Still, it matters to me. These changes will hopefully carry the brand of Hush Halo and SEO of the site in the future.
Site Structure
I have reorganized the site structure using sections and tags.
Earlier, everything lived mostly in a single stream. Now the content is grouped so readers can arrive from different entry points, explore selectively, and return later without needing to read everything in chronological order.
My goal for now is to offer just enough structure to make the project readable and navigable without overcomplicating it. The About Page explains the basics of the project. The starting point is a Square One page that acts as an entry for new readers. It gives context and points toward the most relevant places to begin or continue.
Sections give structure to the site and can later be used as separate newsletters if that feels right. The setup looks simple, but it took some effort to get it right (or now, at least).
I plan to make the sections more coherent in the future for an easier reading experience.
If you have lots of content that needs categorizing and managing, I highly recommend learning about tags and sections.
Sharing My Process
I am introducing the Artist’s Headspace and Making Of sections.
These are dedicated spaces for documenting decisions, development, and structural changes alongside the published work.
I hope this keeps the poems and primary content focused, while still making the process visible for those who want to follow it.
#3 Newsletters
Knowing myself, I will never sustain consistency like Ali Abdaal or Dan Koe. I simply don’t have the brainpower nor the interest for that level of content creation.
Instead of daily, weekly, or monthly newsletters, I commit to randomness.
My process is closer to entropy, and I do not want to pretend it is clean or tidy. You will receive my letters when I have something real to share.
#4 What’s Next?
I have planned to write about choosing Substack as a platform. It is far from perfect, but I chose it anyway.
I will also drag you, willingly I hope, into the process of actually designing a poetry book. There is plenty to share about cover design, editing, and publishing.
Don’t be a stranger. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and also about your own process.
Own your glitch.
Yours,
Sam
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All works are created and copyrighted by Samia Oldman.
Read more about my writing process:
Did you miss the previous Artist’s Update?
