Hi!
I’ve had a couple of weeks to rethink the way I’d like to use Substack, and the result is this.
WHAT’S NEW?
I’ve tried to simplify the way I approach writing on here. So I have gone right back to the start when my friend suggested a newsletter that shared what was happening, some writing, recommendations and a prompt.
The newsletter that I did start in Jan 2021, quickly turned into ‘Scribbles’- an ezine and then a magazine. I love what it has become but I think Substack is such a good place to chat and share and read.
So, the plan is to write a monthly newsletter here, and try to create something that you might like to share, or even support with a few pennies (£3.50) a month.
Planning this change took me back to my original intention in creating the rachael_scribbles Instagram page.
I wanted it to be somewhere that gave anyone who wanted it, the chance to share their writing and to build in confidence. Over the last few months I haven't had the time or energy to communicate with writers as much as I'd have liked to. So, by reducing the amount of writing on here, I hope I'll have more time to mentor new writers, especially those who haven't shared before.
You can really help.
If you know someone who reads a lot, or studied English or is really into music, I'd put money on them being frustrated writers.
I wish I could shout to everyone that there isn't just one ‘good’ way to write. We all have something to say. Your shopping list might be exactly what you need to say today, tomorrow you might have an angry letter to write and the day after you might want to write a poem. And all of those things might just be exactly what someone else needs to read.
Do you know someone who might need a friendly nudge into writing or sharing their writing? Please share this with them. I want new writers for ‘Scribbles’.
I know I'm a broken record, but it's worked: slowly but surely our little community is growing from reaching ten or so people to reaching thousands.
‘SCRIBBLES’ NEWS
Issue 12 DISCOVERY is being printed as we speak. In the end I think I'll be sending out around 30 copies. A5 was more popular than A4.
Which team are you?
Have you read your digital copy yet? I think the collection of writing and art is as outstanding as ever. I'd like to share an excerpt from my favourite piece of writing, just in case you missed it.
Marnie's writing is always stunning, I'm in awe of their knowledge of nature and ability to put the reader right theren in the moment. I don't drink coffee much, but every time I've read this I find myself wishing for that moment of discovery.
I'm expecting the printed copies on Friday, so will hopefully post them out at the weekend. I always feel a bit stressed by the packaging and posting, I worry that I'll get a postcode wrong or that someone will be really disappointed with what they receive. Then I hold my breathe until I start to get lovely messages saying how pleased people are.
Next up is issue 13 UNCANNY. It will be released on 31st October.
Ghosts, magic, gothic, noir, supernatural, it all goes, read my thoughts on the uncanny below, or in your copy of issue 12.
Are you planning to submit? I hope so! Please email or DM if you have even the teeniest fizz of an idea.
A PROMPT
Last human on earth.
You are the last person alive on earth. Where are you? What happened? How do you feel? Who or what are you missing the most?
That's it I think. Say hi below, let's chat!
Rachael xx
A4/A5? I'd always thought I was team A5, but a friend was talking to me about how an A4 copy means that they'll stop to read properly, rather than the potential to read 'on the go' with A5. You know that idea that you can chuck it in your bag and read it on a break or while waiting for an appointment etc? Maybe that isn't the best way! What are your reasons for enjoying a smaller copy of a magazine?
Wow there are some typos here!