Season 2, episode 11 is here!

In this episode, I chat to Derek Hughes about how he’s built a thriving online writing business on Substack and Medium.

You’ll learn:

- How Derek grew his audience and income with Notes, coaching cohorts, and digital products

- Why autonomy and personal freedom matter more than just chasing big income

- The most crucial advice for new writers: focus on starting and staying consistent

- How to build a rock-solid writing habit and overcome imposter syndrome

- Why success in digital products comes from smart marketing, not just creation

- How simple, practical resources (like templates) can outperform complex offers

- How to stand out as an authentic, differentiated creator in the age of AI

- What a balanced, sustainable writing life looks like, and why it’s worth aiming for

If you’ve been looking for practical strategies, hard-earned lessons, and honest encouragement to build your own writing path, this episode delivers.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe