A Special Note from Erin
Welcome to Well, Actually, a space for more than food. Grab a seat, your beverage of choice, and let's chat!
Hi friend!
You’re receiving this because you signed up for emails from me over at Well Plated. I think you are awesome, and it means a lot!
I’m writing today because I’ve started something new in a new space.
It’s a newsletter called Well, Actually. You don’t need to do anything, you’re already on the list because I think you’ll really enjoy it!
Why I created Well, Actually
I’ve been blogging for more than a decade, which basically makes me a dinosaur in internet years. In that time, the internet has changed…a lot.
I hear from so many of you that you miss the way things used to feel—before the constant ads, before AI content, and before social media made everything feel so filtered. I miss that too.
WellPlated.com will always stay true to its roots—easy, health-focused but not health-obsessed recipes that actually taste amazing (and that’s not changing!).
This new space, Well, Actually, gives me room to be more personal. It’s housed on a platform called Substack.
Um, what is Substack?
Substack is a platform that lets writers send thoughtful, AD-FREE content straight to your inbox—no logins or apps required. It’s becoming super popular (even my BFF Ina uses it!).
Do I have to download anything?
NOPE! You don’t need to download anything, log in, or create a password. Each post will come straight to your email like a regular message from me.
Note that if you enjoy reading articles in a dedicated space, Substack does have an optional app that you can download that makes the Well, Actually experience even better (and it lets you follow other writers too). But again, totally optional!
But really, what’s in it for me?
You’ve been added to the free version of the Well, Actually newsletter.
You’ll get about one email per month—what I call a “coffee chat.” These are more vulnerable, behind-the-scenes reflections—stories I don’t share anywhere else. It feels just like catching up with a friend!
For a preview, check out April’s Coffee Chat and May’s Coffee Chat.
You can stay a free subscriber to Well, Actually and receive a snippet of the content library via these coffee chats. If you decide it’s not for you, unsubscribing is easy.
BUT if you’re craving something a little more personal and want to unlock the FULL Well, Actually experience, I’d love to have you as a paid subscriber. It helps support my work, and you’ll get complete access to all posts, including:
Exclusive AD-FREE recipes (like my #FAMOUS Margaritas)
Deeper essays (like what happens when Ben and I don’t communicate), and
Anything else I decide to share with the smaller, more supportive group
You can upgrade anytime (it’s $5 per month or $4.17 per month if you subscribe for the year. There’s no pressure, and you can cancel whenever you want.
To be honest, it’s a little scary putting myself out here like this. I know the internet is changing fast, and it can feel harder than ever to connect.
This space is my way of staying grounded and reaching out with something real. I hope you’ll stay!
Hello Erin!
Have enjoyed your blog and your point of view for some time — thank you.
That said, Substack must have a great research team as well as a great sales team. Lots of blogs with excellent content that I've liked and with information I've come to rely on are moving to their platform. All who move offer a "free" newsletter and an offer to pay monthly to subscribe. I've found the "free" version provides minimal information and are weak, watered-down versions of what was available/offered on the blogger's original format ...disappointing to say the least.
And, I do get it — the subscription fees must be far more appealing to blog owners than having to deal with mercurial advertisement income and the gripes from the regular readers of your blog. Additionally, I know that a lot of hard work and time go into the content you provide to your followers.
Bottom line — I, like many others, can't afford to pay for myriad subscriptions to the blogs we love and have followed for years. Fixed incomes, inflation, uncertainty in the economy don't allow that kind of luxury.
I am disappointed but I do understand your position and your decision. I wish you well.
Erin, I’ve already subscribed to your Well, Actually content! I love your writing! Your travel information has been so helpful in the past, your recommendations on clothing, kitchenware, etc are always great, and I can’t wait to hear how you communicate with Ben😊. I know I will love the personal side of Erin Clarke, and will love getting information ad-free! Thank you.