Wanna VOTE on the STORY I should write for you next month?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Ok. Some quick housekeeping. And then me asking for your input. Since I’m apparently now doing this whole writing-specifically-for-Substack-in-real-time thing (also, why?? what have I gotten myself into? gah…).
Note on New “Sections”
You may have noticed that I’ve switched up some things on my Substack. Since my content was going in so many different directions, I decided to create two separate sub-section newsletters under the umbrella of my main site, which is still Rachael Reads and Writes.
The first new section, is Hollyhock Hymnal. You can access it on my website here. This is the “Rachael Writes” half of Rachael Reads and Writes. Hollyhock Hymnal is basically my own private literary journal of mainly-but-not-exclusively speculative fiction and poetry. So, to reiterate, if you are looking for my original creative writing, of whatever genre, this is where you can find it from now on. I may end up reposting some earlier content over time, because it bothers me that earlier posts are not going to be organized under the correct headers now that I’ve started up this new system. But I’ll try to space that out so you don’t get sick of seeing repeats.
The second section is Matilda’s Library Card. You can access it on my website here. This is the “Rachael Reads” half of Rachael Reads and Writes. This is where (public domain!) stories and poems by other writers, whom I am excited about and want to introduce you to, will live. Some of my non-fiction posts may get slotted under this heading, as well, since I tend to write about a lot about book-ish, curatorial, and library-related stuff. My post about the print history of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s A Little Princess and my post on “Mermaid Fantasy Film Recommendations” are good examples of this type of content.
Anything else will live on my original main page, Rachael Reads and Writes. I am anticipating that this part might spiral into random, vibe-based blathering over time. Or maybe I will create yet another sub-section called Rachael Rants, or something.
But what does all of this mean?
Well, if you really dislike either of half of my current personality, you can now opt out of either Hollyhock Hymnal or Matilda’s Library Card without unsubscribing to Rachael Reads and Writes as a whole publication. I figured this would make it easier for people to pick and choose. I’ve had a strong feeling for a minute that some of you followed me for one type of content, based on whichever came across your feed and caught your fancy, and then got confused when another type of content from me showed up in your inbox.
And if you like variety, you can obviously keep it! I can certainly provide it. You are all currently, automatically on the list for all of the above and don’t have to do anything to alter that, if you don’t want to. But hopefully this will keep all of the varied series better organized and make it clearer what is what.
Now about story writing …
First of all, thank you so much for the really positive response to the cozy fantasy tea story I posted recently! Like, seriously, wow. I wasn’t expecting much actual interest/engagement, based on my experience on this platform so far. And I’m really glad so many of you enjoyed it!!
And I think I want to try to write fiction-shaped things specifically for you guys a little more often, because that was fun. And, like, I’ll try to keep it short, so this whole deal stays manageable and I have time to keep working on my book and my bajillion other projects. I’m thinking, like, 250-1,500-ish words, unless I’m really into it (and feeling masochistic). Like, maybe once a month-ish? That feels both challenging and also potentially doable.
Which brings me to October.
Friends. Over the course of this coming month of September, what-oh-what should I be writing for you for October???
Like, I have some other ideas for the general fall lineup.
But I want to hear from you. What kind of story do YOU want to read from me for spooky season?
I think you should be able to vote directly in the email. If not, let me know. I’m still trying to figure out some of the settings.
Also, are we thinking, like,
And do you just want me to focus on trying to make it good, or should we turn it into a REAL challenge?
Help me out here. I am indecisive. And I need your input to spark my inspiration.
Thanks a bunch! And thanks for hanging out here with me.
<3