The Epistle
A gothic event, discovery writing, and everything I've been loving lately (plus cat pictures!)
Slip off your shoes and bathe your weary feet in the healing waters. As always, I’m so glad you’re here.
News
I’ve got another wonderful author Instagram live event coming to you next Thursday on May 20th. I’m going to be joined by Lauren Blackwood, author of the upcoming WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS, which you should absolutely go pre-order! It’s an Ethiopian-inspired fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre, what more could you want?
We’re going to be talking about gothic literature, the art of the reimagining, and taking your questions through the live chat! I hope you’ll be able to drop in for a few minutes or the full hour and say hello. Joining is easy; just open up Instagram the night of the event and tap on my profile picture to go to my stories.
I’ve got a brand-new essay up on Patreon about my discovery writing process, the power of a shaky synopsis, and how I use subconscious decision-making to guide the narrative choices I make in every book.
My Patreon is where I post all my snippets, poems, writing about writing, mini-essays, and of course, my monthly tarot reading for writers! An all-access pass is just $2 a month; less than the price of a cup of coffee!
Everything I’m Loving Lately
I’ve had a lot more time for hobbies, journaling, and listening to music since leaving Twitter, which has been so good for my whole-person wellbeing. Here are some things that have been bringing me joy lately.
Here Comes the Feeling (Re-Imagination) by Until The Ribbon Breaks
This SONG. The original is stirring, but those plaintive vocals and gutting lyrics over a rich piano backing? Absolutely transcendent. This is one of the great breakup songs, but it’s so catchy you’re going to want to play it on repeat even if you’re deeply in love.
Bullet Journaling
I’ve always been big on to-do lists but I’ve recently fallen down the whole bullet journal rabbit hole. I’ve listened to Ryder Carrol’s book on the method, mainlined a bunch of plan-with-me Youtube videos, and settled on a style of bullet journaling that works for me. My setup was heavily inspired by Rachel Stephen’s, which you can check out right here.
The bullet journal itself feels too intimate to share, but here’s the cover page of my reading journal, which I started once I got off Goodreads for good. Having a space to reflect on my reading and rate books without being pressured to perform for an audience has been absolutely wonderful.
My Cat
Congratulations for reading through to the end of the newsletter! In thanks, I will grace you with this photo of my cat Mordecai basking in the lamp on my desk.
That’s all I have for you this month! I hope you’re living with authenticity and compassion for yourself wherever you are. Be so well until we two meet again.
-Saint