Hello Again
It's raining in California and my coffee shop is too crowded
I’ve spent the last 9 weeks immersed in a novel-writing class. With one class to go, I’m itching to get back to my Substack. I love the made-up world of fiction and was lost more than once in the world and voice of my characters, but I miss personal writing.
But first, some housekeeping
I’ve paused paid subscriptions.
Unfortunately, Substack doesn’t have enough payment options for writers like me, and I’ve been writing so sporadically all year that it doesn’t seem right to take people’s money.
Quick rant: In an effort to grow the platform, Substack is taking on more and more of the worst parts of social media. It’s trying to be Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram all at once, and it’s a bit of a bummer. This turn towards algorithmic content is not my favorite.
All that said, I do like it here. I like that I have a free place to keep my ramblings, and my inbox is filled with beautiful writing so I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.
Small Words
An Atmospheric River is making its way through California, and my coffee shop is crowded. I don’t mind the people or the noise; it actually helps me concentrate, but I do wish I had a better table.
I’m stuck in a corner in the back of the room, sitting on a pillow on the hearth of a fireplace. I like all of those things, but what I don’t like is the teeny tiny octagon-shaped table that’s barely big enough for my notebook.
I’ve been here twenty minutes and already lost two battles for a better location. Maybe I’ll just accept my fate; maybe a smaller table means less distraction.
I’ve always been a coffee shop writer, but since taking this novel writing class, I’ve perfected my system. When I’m generating new scenes I tend to write longhand, then I go home for lunch and type my notes into a Google Doc. I think I’ve developed enough of a routine to keep working on my novel even after class is over…
Ooo… My favorate table is open… Time to return to 1984 and the world and characters I’ve come to know well.
This is where I am today. Thank you for listening.
In an era where you have access to every word ever written, I’m so grateful you’ve chosen to read mine.
Some Good Things for Your Weekend
16 Days of Glory is a gorgeous documentary of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. The mustaches and short shorts are amazing! (HBO MAX)
A walk through a wintry forest. (Forest Wanderer)
Steve Burns, the original Blue's Clues guy, has a podcast, and this week he interviewed Adam Savage, of Mythbusters, about critical thinking. (Steve Burns is Alive Podcast)
I graduated with a degree in English, and I read a ton of Jane Austen and resented every minute. I’ve been wanting to heal my relationship with her ever since. Julie Andrews reading Pride and Prejudice to me in her “practically perfect in every way” voice might do the trick. (Jane Austin Stories Podcast)
The incomparable Betsy Johnson visited my favorite local vintage store… that’s her foot in the picture! (The Blue Door)
… and one thing I hate.
Border Control is out of control. Makes me wonder if cruelty is the point. (Radio Atlantic)