Hello everyone! Today I wanted to offer everyone a chance to say hi, introduce themselves, and talk about what they’re interested in and even share what they’re working on.
We have had a LOT of new folks sign up for the newsletter in the past month (at least 180) so I’m really curious to hear from both recent and long term* readers!
*long term seems like an odd phrase to use for a newsletter that’s less than 4 months old but you measure with the ruler that you have
Hi all -- I’m Tad Thurston, a physics/Astro prof at a community college. It turns out I’m interested in most things! On this site I’m writing “First Excited State” intended for beginning students to see some of the interesting things they can know that maybe aren’t necessarily in their textbooks. But outside of science I also love acting, art, music, movies, tv shows... I’m finding I love the Substack platform and my little list of faves to relax and read at odd moments in the day.
This is fun! I’m Torrie, a lover of all things creative. My interests are reading (literary fiction mostly), writing (creative nonfiction), theater, dance, calligraphy, pottery and painting (collecting). I stumbled over here from Austin Kleon’s newsletter for the writing and journaling inspiration. In my day job, I’m a nonprofit CEO. I’ve been on a 4-month rest/creative sabbatical and today is my first day back to work! My goal is to keep working on my creative practices now that the demands of FT work are back. I live in San Diego in a 1914 Craftsman bungalow with my husband and two pups.
Austin Kleon is someone I have been following for a while too! He really does give some of the best creativity inspiration. It's awesome that you're a nonprofit CEO, it's always nice to see someone working a job that makes a big difference!
It was incredible! Shout out to the Fieldstone Leadership Network in San Diego who funds these sabbaticals so nonprofit leaders can rest and rejuvenate.
This is so interesting! One of the financial firms in my college town actually gives all employee remote work for the entire month of August and tells them to go on vacation. Such a great idea!
Hi all! I’m Bryn, and I author “Campfire Notebook” on Substack. I work in healthcare, sharing science that happens in our hospitals, and outside of that I love art, cooking and hiking/birding! Love learning different areas, too, through connections on here, so thanks for the opportunities Mark!
😅 Nothing fancy! I grew plants in and outside of a homemade greenhouse made of plastic wrap, and came to the conclusion the greenhouse improved growth! Being the late 80s earth-friendly was on trend? 😂
Hi, fellow HAT-ters: I'm Rebecca. I live near the south coast of England, where we're currently experiencing our second long heatwave of summer 2022.
I like to walk, think and write, preferably at the same time. I get remarkably lost remarkably often, and having never really noticed it, nor much ever having thought about it, getting lost - or trying not to - has now become a THING...! I'm taking time to work on developing the sense of direction I've always lacked, and I'm enjoying my adventures along the way.
I enjoy routines and planning, and am interested in all kinds of things. I love words, and I love things that make sense. I find myself exasperated by the things that I don't understand, so I read everything I can to try to fill in the many and varied gaps in my knowledge.
Good luck with all the college application work! Computer science is a great major to get into. I'm about to start my junior year of college and I study economics, but most of my friends are comp sci majors!
Hello friends. I’m Alison. I’m a hospital librarian, book reviewer, occasional artist, and a sometimes writer. My entire goal in life right now is to finish reading the Booker longlist before the shortlist is announced. I’m supposed to be working on a painting commission but I started a puzzle on Monday and it’s my current thing!
I'm Seun Olatunji a Design Strategist with the believe that design should create a positive change and inspire with beautiful intelligent craftsmanship. I help businesses innovate better by deploying strategic and design thinking skills.
I recently joined substack, sharing weekly newsletter 'The Creativity In You.' I believe everyone has innate creative abilities. However, creativity requires an accurate balance of both nature and nurture. I share awareness of these abilities and how they can be nurtured, harnessed and deployed to create Impact.
Hi MarkI appreciate this opportunity. I’m Rae. I recently started putting my work out there on my newsletter called “Creative Human Healing. A documented journey of art, poetry and thoughts on being a creative, a mother, and whole being.” My life is in progress and so is my art. Never quiet finished, continuing experimentation, my life is my own design project in consistent design/build phase.
I’m sharing my story and life but also methods, books, podcast and techniques that have led to healing In my own inner experience in hopes they can help others.
My name is Nora . I like sports. Hockey and baseball being my favourites . I have a keen interest in politics. I like to alley bowl . In the summer I like to lawn bowl.
Aside from my SS newsletter, I'm a Buddhist writer and journalist lady living in Brooklyn. I wear the same thing every day and eat the same thing every day. I love to ride my bike and read on the couch. I volunteer a lot at the local meditation center. I'm in recovery and drink WAY too much coffee. I have a sweet dog named Minnie.
Right now I'm working on a theme song for my newsletter and getting ready to take a week off for my annual cabin vacation. Yippee!!!!
Hey -- I'm Bob. I moved from Canada's capital to a small town in Ontario last winter as part of a semi-retirement / change of life for my partner and I. Working on some radio and audio projects, and a novel. When I'm not doing that, I'm probably listening to music, making music, or organizing a concert.
Hi everyone--I'm Holly. I work as an IT security analyst and live in a small rural town in Mississippi where we own an operate an event venue in a 119-year-old building. I've been writing on Substack for a couple of months now and love the platform as I'm discovering new writers there (like Mark!). I write about various topics so you never know what you might find there (thoughts on parenting, being a stem cell donor for my brother, the joy of eyebrows, foxes in the yard, supporting my young adult son in his recovery journey, and my recent digital detox).
Aug 11, 2022·edited Aug 11, 2022Liked by Mark Dykeman
Hi everyone, James (call me Jim) Fisher here in beautiful Miramichi New Brunswick. I am originally from Ontario, my wife Diane & I having moved here approx. 15 years ago now. I work as a Medical Imaging Technologist at the local hospital. I also own and wear the hat of Editor-in-Chief of The Miramichi Reader, a book review site that has garnered national attention. I also host a podcast, (TMR Podcast) where I interview authors and interesting people like Mark here. If you are interested in reviewing a CanLit book, please feel free to contact me. Or if you have written a poem or short story, please submit it for consideration.
Hey, Mark and Friends! I'm Kathleen and I'm a recovering social media manager. I did ballet for 14 years, studied fashion design for 2, worked in the performing arts for 5, failed a fine art major (and instead did something closer to a communications degree) and now I'm working for a newspaper while I set up a freelancing business.
Currently, I'm working on a four-part series about a firebrand journalist during the French Revolution. He was one of the biggest advocates for sending people to the guillotine, so unsurprisingly, he was the target of an assassination. The series is part of a larger series exploring witch hunts throughout history.
You're so cool! I've recently gotten into fashion so I'm super intrigued about you studying design. I love how you say "recovering social media manager" I can imagine it's a tough line of business!
I'm Mark Baker, recently returned to Atlantic Canada after half a lifetime away. I used to be a technical writer. Now I am a novelist. I write the newsletter, Stories All the Way Down (https://storiesallthewaydown.com). My first published novel is an 8th-century historical called The Wistful and the Good (http://mybook.to/thewistfulandthegood) and my second, a fairytale fantasy called Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight is available for pre-order ( https://mybook.to/LadyIsabelandtheElfKnight).
Here I go--loving you Mark! Me: Most of my posts are free, but I did go paid, Sundays always free and on the arts. I offer a FREE week to anyone who sends me @ mltabor@me.com your email address--so I can do that! Author three books (short story collection, memoir, novel)--am in current literary magazines. Taught creative writing over a decade at George Washington University, lecturer at the Smithsonian's Campus-on-the-Mall, visiting author U of Missouri. Developed a course on creative writing here (I also teach privately an even more in-depth course using copyrighted stuff I can't use here!) I believe this from my heart: The process of writing is an ongoing, changing effort—a deeply human experience. We all have language and consider this: the “word” as Emerson said, “if traced to its root, is found to be borrowed from some material appearance. Right means straight,” “wrong” means twisted. “spirit” primarily means wind … the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind,” he explains in Nature, Chapter IV, “Language.” Write me @ mltabor@me.com and big xo to all! Hoping to get Mark to join me on a post! I'll be in touch!
Hi I'm Will, pretty sure I got here through the Substack Writers Unite discord. The review of Star Trek Strange New Worlds was part of what got me to sign on, plus the links and interviews.
I like writing, video games, mythology/ancient religion, and writing video games that use mythology. I'm into niche fighting games, so if you need any help getting into that genre I can help point out some easy to miss games.
My substack is the Warthog Report. It has both serialized fiction, with the current story being styled like a script + walkthrough of a fighting game that only exists in my head, and blog posts about different subjects. My latest blog post is on the term 'dead game' and why it's not used correctly. I'm also getting ready to add another section where I just ramble about different stuff I like with no argument beyond 'this is cool please talk to me about it.'
Hi all, I’m Scott Marshall, an old schoolmate and friend and sometimes collaborator of Mark’s. I toil as a technical writer during the day and spend the rest of my time making comics and making babies apparently.
You can find Scott on Instagram as theworstbuddhist and also check out his other fine places like http://potzrebie.com. He's been drawing and cartooning for well over 25 years!
My name is Minh, a long time writer ;) (for my age) and also a corporate worker haha - that feels odd coming out of my mouth to be honest. I love reading and writing about life's discoveries and cool research that can be directly applicable or useful to everyday life. I'm reading two books: The Omnivore's Dilemma and Atomic Habits. My long term dream is to become a writer and can support myself full time on it! Thanks for always supporting my publication, you are awesome
Hello, Everyone - sorry to be a couple of days late, but this is my first opportunity to catch up with all things digital! I'm Bryan Padrick - and I write The Bus, a twice-weekly letter. Like many of you, I have numerous interests - and want to share them with as many readers as possible. My basic idea is simple: when I was a student, we had card catalogues. I'd flick through them to find what I was looking for, but would get distracted by all the cool stuff along the way. And that's what The Bus is about - all those cool things along the way. Oh, and by Mark's definition, I'm also a 'long-term' reader of How About This - which is one of the best Substacks I've seen, so hopefully that means something! Best wishes to you all.
Hello! My name is Pamela and I live on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada. Word lover, photo taker, knitting fiend and very amateur artist. Happily married to The Husband who loves to cook. she/her
I came via Austin Kleon and the wonderful people in his comments.
Aug 12, 2022·edited Aug 12, 2022Liked by Mark Dykeman
Thanks so much, Mark, for the invitation and hi to everyone. A really nice bunch here.
I’ve enjoyed your newsletter so far Mark, I’m a newbie sign-up, one of those. Glad to be here.
Originally, I was using writing and sharing in my wordpress and newsletter as a means to increase my cognition through tough times after a concussion; I’m so much better now, yet still dealing with post-concussion symptoms and bringing in topics of being of service, finding joy, pleasure, coping, in the face of darkness, grief, collapse..
As with sooooo many folks in the world, I’m coming out of a 2-year covid isolation slumber — with renewed vigor (and one eye on m. pox).. the way I’m producing, frequency and content are on the table for examination, taking queues from Austin Kleon and others..
I make things, write things, play with yarn (knitting socks atm), aiming to re-claim my sewing prowess, embroidery and designs. Cooking inventive salads (and cakes with local fruit) keeps me sane (as does writing).. and, my core values include social responsibility, community and indigenous sovereignty.. ❤️
Hello. I’m Richard Helppie, host of The Common Bridge. Interested in being part of new media model. The Common Bridge podcast has reached over 3 million downloads. Now expanding to columns. More importantly, seeking guest columnists and commenters.
The Common Bridge is a fiercely nonpartisan program that seeks policy responses to the issues of the day and opportunities of the moment. Occasionally some political commentary and plenty of discussion on reporting.
I'm Scott. I'm an IT professional and have been for many years. In the before-times my main interest was travel -- primarily Europe, and also Central America and the Caribbean. Hopefully that can resume soon -- we were in the early stages of planning a trip to Japan.
Aside from that, I have some culinary education and also make music (guitar, piano, synth). I've debated a couple of times actually writing something (like a novel, say) but never seem to stick with it.
I guess I should also mention I do a lot of DIY -- currently in the middle of renovating a bedroom.
Also -- I like em-dashes.
I found Mark on Twitter somehow, and haven't really ventured elsewhere on Substack. I probably should though.
Hello everyone! my name is Bih and I'm interested in the arts (fashion, photography, literature), commentary on society and self development, and spirituality. I also love to dance. My primary niche is ballet but I'm hoping to expand my niche as my skills improve. I currently write a newsletter on Substack called Food for Thought that uses social, political, and pop cultural events to explore the human psyche
I live in the Pacific NW, love the Pacific Ocean, serve as an academic advisor at a community college, read voraciously, write essays and poetry, and am interested in documentary studies.
This is an awesome idea! Hey everyone, I'm Calihan and just recently started my blog/signing up for this newsletter but have been wanting to write like this for a long time! I don't have a particular niche but I love writing about my experiences in university, my upcoming move to Madrid, and anything going on in the economy! I'm a rising junior in college studying economics, photography, and Spanish.
I'm Matt. I write all kinds of subjects. I write about condo living, saving money, trials and tribulations of job searching, homelessness, things I see on my travels, etc. You get the picture. Anything out there is fair game. I've got some new subject areas planned that I'll be talking about soon. Have a look around and if you haven't subscribed yet, do it!
Hi everyone - I'm a writer of serialised fiction, which is something I've been doing for about seven years now. I write and publish as I go in, so it's something of a public first draft. I'm currently working on a new book called Tales from the Triverse which is proving to be lots of fun. Free to read on my Substack.
Hi all, hope I’m not too late to the party, but I recognize so many already here! My name is Tom Pendergast and I’m happy to say that I’m now a writer, writing on my Substack (https://tompendergast.substack.com) and working on a novel, which I work describe as dystopian realism. I say NOW a writer, which implies that I once was something else, and that’s true: I recently ended a long run with a cybersecurity company where I was, at the end, the Chief Learning Officer. Before that, my wife and I ran a book packaging company. And before that, I completed a PhD in American Studies at Purdue. I live in Snohomish, Washington, with my wife, the artist Sara Pendergast, and enjoy frequent visits from my grown kids. I’m prone to looking on the bright side. Thanks Mark.
Hey there! I'm Mark (the other one) and my interests are wide and varied. Everything from surf music to old-time radio to drive-in movies. I write about all this and more at "The Fyve Spot", your one-stop shop for lowbrow talk and cheesy humor.
I'm also an author of episodic fiction and talk about my projects in that area as well as just the writing process in general.
I've been having a lot of fun on Substack and think the platform is really going to take off. Glad to be here and stop by if you get a spare minute. :)
One of my best friends is a philosophy major -- it's fascinating! I got the chance to take a philosophy class earlier on in university and it was definitely one of my most enjoyable classes.
Hi all -- I’m Tad Thurston, a physics/Astro prof at a community college. It turns out I’m interested in most things! On this site I’m writing “First Excited State” intended for beginning students to see some of the interesting things they can know that maybe aren’t necessarily in their textbooks. But outside of science I also love acting, art, music, movies, tv shows... I’m finding I love the Substack platform and my little list of faves to relax and read at odd moments in the day.
PROFESSOR THURSTON!!!!
'sup
This is fun! I’m Torrie, a lover of all things creative. My interests are reading (literary fiction mostly), writing (creative nonfiction), theater, dance, calligraphy, pottery and painting (collecting). I stumbled over here from Austin Kleon’s newsletter for the writing and journaling inspiration. In my day job, I’m a nonprofit CEO. I’ve been on a 4-month rest/creative sabbatical and today is my first day back to work! My goal is to keep working on my creative practices now that the demands of FT work are back. I live in San Diego in a 1914 Craftsman bungalow with my husband and two pups.
Austin Kleon is someone I have been following for a while too! He really does give some of the best creativity inspiration. It's awesome that you're a nonprofit CEO, it's always nice to see someone working a job that makes a big difference!
Welcome Torrie, happy to have you here!
Thank you for the invitation on Austin’s page!
Oh my goodness. I feel like we'd be good friends. I love all those things too!
Let’s do it!
It was incredible! Shout out to the Fieldstone Leadership Network in San Diego who funds these sabbaticals so nonprofit leaders can rest and rejuvenate.
Oh, yes, I'd love it. I was so afraid to take a break, and I've seen the light and want to encourage others to rest.
Yes! Will do today!
This is so interesting! One of the financial firms in my college town actually gives all employee remote work for the entire month of August and tells them to go on vacation. Such a great idea!
Hi all! I’m Bryn, and I author “Campfire Notebook” on Substack. I work in healthcare, sharing science that happens in our hospitals, and outside of that I love art, cooking and hiking/birding! Love learning different areas, too, through connections on here, so thanks for the opportunities Mark!
I just checked out your bio. I'm dying to know what your honorable mention in the third-grade science fair was. 😅
😅 Nothing fancy! I grew plants in and outside of a homemade greenhouse made of plastic wrap, and came to the conclusion the greenhouse improved growth! Being the late 80s earth-friendly was on trend? 😂
Me too!
Hi, fellow HAT-ters: I'm Rebecca. I live near the south coast of England, where we're currently experiencing our second long heatwave of summer 2022.
I like to walk, think and write, preferably at the same time. I get remarkably lost remarkably often, and having never really noticed it, nor much ever having thought about it, getting lost - or trying not to - has now become a THING...! I'm taking time to work on developing the sense of direction I've always lacked, and I'm enjoying my adventures along the way.
I enjoy routines and planning, and am interested in all kinds of things. I love words, and I love things that make sense. I find myself exasperated by the things that I don't understand, so I read everything I can to try to fill in the many and varied gaps in my knowledge.
Rebecca, I've come up with an acronym for H.A.T.T.E.R., I'll share it tomorrow.
Ooooh, looking forward to reading it!!! :)
Hey!
I'm Adi, a high school student in California. I'm interested in statistics and computer science, and I'm about to enter 12th grade.
I'm working on a lot of stuff right now - college applications, Boy Scouts, school clubs, recovering my social life, and a blog.
Good luck with all the college application work! Computer science is a great major to get into. I'm about to start my junior year of college and I study economics, but most of my friends are comp sci majors!
Hello friends. I’m Alison. I’m a hospital librarian, book reviewer, occasional artist, and a sometimes writer. My entire goal in life right now is to finish reading the Booker longlist before the shortlist is announced. I’m supposed to be working on a painting commission but I started a puzzle on Monday and it’s my current thing!
I’m also reading the Booker long list! I’ve completed six so far, and loved them all. The judges have quite a task ahead of them.
Wow, would love to hear how this project turns out for you. I almost always read the winners. xo
It's great to subscribe Mark.
I'm Seun Olatunji a Design Strategist with the believe that design should create a positive change and inspire with beautiful intelligent craftsmanship. I help businesses innovate better by deploying strategic and design thinking skills.
I recently joined substack, sharing weekly newsletter 'The Creativity In You.' I believe everyone has innate creative abilities. However, creativity requires an accurate balance of both nature and nurture. I share awareness of these abilities and how they can be nurtured, harnessed and deployed to create Impact.
Kindly support my work :))
So agree!
Hi MarkI appreciate this opportunity. I’m Rae. I recently started putting my work out there on my newsletter called “Creative Human Healing. A documented journey of art, poetry and thoughts on being a creative, a mother, and whole being.” My life is in progress and so is my art. Never quiet finished, continuing experimentation, my life is my own design project in consistent design/build phase.
I’m sharing my story and life but also methods, books, podcast and techniques that have led to healing In my own inner experience in hopes they can help others.
I wish you peace and love today.
Thank you for much for your gifts here.
With kindness,
Rae
My name is Nora . I like sports. Hockey and baseball being my favourites . I have a keen interest in politics. I like to alley bowl . In the summer I like to lawn bowl.
I work at a Convenience store
I like to write. Currently just writing letters.
Hi Nora! Thanks for stopping by!
Have you ever played hockey? I got to photograph for the minor league team in my city, now I'm obsessed with the sport!
Get a free week for me! Write it! How to get started. Write me at mltabor@me.com xo whatever you decide! Mary
Hi Mark! What a great thread idea!
Aside from my SS newsletter, I'm a Buddhist writer and journalist lady living in Brooklyn. I wear the same thing every day and eat the same thing every day. I love to ride my bike and read on the couch. I volunteer a lot at the local meditation center. I'm in recovery and drink WAY too much coffee. I have a sweet dog named Minnie.
Right now I'm working on a theme song for my newsletter and getting ready to take a week off for my annual cabin vacation. Yippee!!!!
Subscribed!
Hey -- I'm Bob. I moved from Canada's capital to a small town in Ontario last winter as part of a semi-retirement / change of life for my partner and I. Working on some radio and audio projects, and a novel. When I'm not doing that, I'm probably listening to music, making music, or organizing a concert.
Hey Bob, thank you for stopping by! Good to see that you are staying productively busy!
Hi everyone--I'm Holly. I work as an IT security analyst and live in a small rural town in Mississippi where we own an operate an event venue in a 119-year-old building. I've been writing on Substack for a couple of months now and love the platform as I'm discovering new writers there (like Mark!). I write about various topics so you never know what you might find there (thoughts on parenting, being a stem cell donor for my brother, the joy of eyebrows, foxes in the yard, supporting my young adult son in his recovery journey, and my recent digital detox).
Thanks! Part 3 will be out soon telling all about the process/procedure. Spoiler: it was not the cake walk I thought it'd be.
Howdy everyone! Morgan here from SLC. Huge bookworm, musician. Work with entrepreneurs.
My newsletter is morg minute. I write about my experiences in the world of startups.
Topics covered: business development, creative outreach, sales, investor relations, art, language
Please stop on by! 👋
Oh my goodness! Hi, Morgan! I'm in Salt Lake too! 👋 Hi!
Hi everyone, James (call me Jim) Fisher here in beautiful Miramichi New Brunswick. I am originally from Ontario, my wife Diane & I having moved here approx. 15 years ago now. I work as a Medical Imaging Technologist at the local hospital. I also own and wear the hat of Editor-in-Chief of The Miramichi Reader, a book review site that has garnered national attention. I also host a podcast, (TMR Podcast) where I interview authors and interesting people like Mark here. If you are interested in reviewing a CanLit book, please feel free to contact me. Or if you have written a poem or short story, please submit it for consideration.
Hey, Mark and Friends! I'm Kathleen and I'm a recovering social media manager. I did ballet for 14 years, studied fashion design for 2, worked in the performing arts for 5, failed a fine art major (and instead did something closer to a communications degree) and now I'm working for a newspaper while I set up a freelancing business.
Currently, I'm working on a four-part series about a firebrand journalist during the French Revolution. He was one of the biggest advocates for sending people to the guillotine, so unsurprisingly, he was the target of an assassination. The series is part of a larger series exploring witch hunts throughout history.
You can read part 1 here: https://www.thecharrette.co/p/the-friend-of-the-people-pt-1
And part 2 here: https://www.thecharrette.co/p/the-friend-of-the-people-pt-2
You're so cool! I've recently gotten into fashion so I'm super intrigued about you studying design. I love how you say "recovering social media manager" I can imagine it's a tough line of business!
Aw! Shucks! Thanks!
I'm Mark Baker, recently returned to Atlantic Canada after half a lifetime away. I used to be a technical writer. Now I am a novelist. I write the newsletter, Stories All the Way Down (https://storiesallthewaydown.com). My first published novel is an 8th-century historical called The Wistful and the Good (http://mybook.to/thewistfulandthegood) and my second, a fairytale fantasy called Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight is available for pre-order ( https://mybook.to/LadyIsabelandtheElfKnight).
Here I go--loving you Mark! Me: Most of my posts are free, but I did go paid, Sundays always free and on the arts. I offer a FREE week to anyone who sends me @ mltabor@me.com your email address--so I can do that! Author three books (short story collection, memoir, novel)--am in current literary magazines. Taught creative writing over a decade at George Washington University, lecturer at the Smithsonian's Campus-on-the-Mall, visiting author U of Missouri. Developed a course on creative writing here (I also teach privately an even more in-depth course using copyrighted stuff I can't use here!) I believe this from my heart: The process of writing is an ongoing, changing effort—a deeply human experience. We all have language and consider this: the “word” as Emerson said, “if traced to its root, is found to be borrowed from some material appearance. Right means straight,” “wrong” means twisted. “spirit” primarily means wind … the whole of nature is a metaphor of the human mind,” he explains in Nature, Chapter IV, “Language.” Write me @ mltabor@me.com and big xo to all! Hoping to get Mark to join me on a post! I'll be in touch!
Hi I'm Will, pretty sure I got here through the Substack Writers Unite discord. The review of Star Trek Strange New Worlds was part of what got me to sign on, plus the links and interviews.
I like writing, video games, mythology/ancient religion, and writing video games that use mythology. I'm into niche fighting games, so if you need any help getting into that genre I can help point out some easy to miss games.
My substack is the Warthog Report. It has both serialized fiction, with the current story being styled like a script + walkthrough of a fighting game that only exists in my head, and blog posts about different subjects. My latest blog post is on the term 'dead game' and why it's not used correctly. I'm also getting ready to add another section where I just ramble about different stuff I like with no argument beyond 'this is cool please talk to me about it.'
Thanks Will! I really need to write a sequel to the SNW post, kind of a wrap up of that great season! Glad you are here.
I've seen at least 2 but I'm not sure if SS is directly affiliated with them both.
Not official, but Substack Writers Unite is a discord for substack users. Fictionistas has a link to it on their home page.
Hi all, I’m Scott Marshall, an old schoolmate and friend and sometimes collaborator of Mark’s. I toil as a technical writer during the day and spend the rest of my time making comics and making babies apparently.
You can find Scott on Instagram as theworstbuddhist and also check out his other fine places like http://potzrebie.com. He's been drawing and cartooning for well over 25 years!
Hi Mark,
My name is Minh, a long time writer ;) (for my age) and also a corporate worker haha - that feels odd coming out of my mouth to be honest. I love reading and writing about life's discoveries and cool research that can be directly applicable or useful to everyday life. I'm reading two books: The Omnivore's Dilemma and Atomic Habits. My long term dream is to become a writer and can support myself full time on it! Thanks for always supporting my publication, you are awesome
Hello, Everyone - sorry to be a couple of days late, but this is my first opportunity to catch up with all things digital! I'm Bryan Padrick - and I write The Bus, a twice-weekly letter. Like many of you, I have numerous interests - and want to share them with as many readers as possible. My basic idea is simple: when I was a student, we had card catalogues. I'd flick through them to find what I was looking for, but would get distracted by all the cool stuff along the way. And that's what The Bus is about - all those cool things along the way. Oh, and by Mark's definition, I'm also a 'long-term' reader of How About This - which is one of the best Substacks I've seen, so hopefully that means something! Best wishes to you all.
Hello! My name is Pamela and I live on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada. Word lover, photo taker, knitting fiend and very amateur artist. Happily married to The Husband who loves to cook. she/her
I came via Austin Kleon and the wonderful people in his comments.
Thanks so much, Mark, for the invitation and hi to everyone. A really nice bunch here.
I’ve enjoyed your newsletter so far Mark, I’m a newbie sign-up, one of those. Glad to be here.
Originally, I was using writing and sharing in my wordpress and newsletter as a means to increase my cognition through tough times after a concussion; I’m so much better now, yet still dealing with post-concussion symptoms and bringing in topics of being of service, finding joy, pleasure, coping, in the face of darkness, grief, collapse..
As with sooooo many folks in the world, I’m coming out of a 2-year covid isolation slumber — with renewed vigor (and one eye on m. pox).. the way I’m producing, frequency and content are on the table for examination, taking queues from Austin Kleon and others..
I make things, write things, play with yarn (knitting socks atm), aiming to re-claim my sewing prowess, embroidery and designs. Cooking inventive salads (and cakes with local fruit) keeps me sane (as does writing).. and, my core values include social responsibility, community and indigenous sovereignty.. ❤️
So glad you commented, I look forward to reading about your own journey.
Hello. I’m Richard Helppie, host of The Common Bridge. Interested in being part of new media model. The Common Bridge podcast has reached over 3 million downloads. Now expanding to columns. More importantly, seeking guest columnists and commenters.
The Common Bridge is a fiercely nonpartisan program that seeks policy responses to the issues of the day and opportunities of the moment. Occasionally some political commentary and plenty of discussion on reporting.
I'm Scott. I'm an IT professional and have been for many years. In the before-times my main interest was travel -- primarily Europe, and also Central America and the Caribbean. Hopefully that can resume soon -- we were in the early stages of planning a trip to Japan.
Aside from that, I have some culinary education and also make music (guitar, piano, synth). I've debated a couple of times actually writing something (like a novel, say) but never seem to stick with it.
I guess I should also mention I do a lot of DIY -- currently in the middle of renovating a bedroom.
Also -- I like em-dashes.
I found Mark on Twitter somehow, and haven't really ventured elsewhere on Substack. I probably should though.
Hello everyone! my name is Bih and I'm interested in the arts (fashion, photography, literature), commentary on society and self development, and spirituality. I also love to dance. My primary niche is ballet but I'm hoping to expand my niche as my skills improve. I currently write a newsletter on Substack called Food for Thought that uses social, political, and pop cultural events to explore the human psyche
I live in the Pacific NW, love the Pacific Ocean, serve as an academic advisor at a community college, read voraciously, write essays and poetry, and am interested in documentary studies.
This is an awesome idea! Hey everyone, I'm Calihan and just recently started my blog/signing up for this newsletter but have been wanting to write like this for a long time! I don't have a particular niche but I love writing about my experiences in university, my upcoming move to Madrid, and anything going on in the economy! I'm a rising junior in college studying economics, photography, and Spanish.
I'm Matt. I write all kinds of subjects. I write about condo living, saving money, trials and tribulations of job searching, homelessness, things I see on my travels, etc. You get the picture. Anything out there is fair game. I've got some new subject areas planned that I'll be talking about soon. Have a look around and if you haven't subscribed yet, do it!
Hi everyone - I'm a writer of serialised fiction, which is something I've been doing for about seven years now. I write and publish as I go in, so it's something of a public first draft. I'm currently working on a new book called Tales from the Triverse which is proving to be lots of fun. Free to read on my Substack.
Hi all, hope I’m not too late to the party, but I recognize so many already here! My name is Tom Pendergast and I’m happy to say that I’m now a writer, writing on my Substack (https://tompendergast.substack.com) and working on a novel, which I work describe as dystopian realism. I say NOW a writer, which implies that I once was something else, and that’s true: I recently ended a long run with a cybersecurity company where I was, at the end, the Chief Learning Officer. Before that, my wife and I ran a book packaging company. And before that, I completed a PhD in American Studies at Purdue. I live in Snohomish, Washington, with my wife, the artist Sara Pendergast, and enjoy frequent visits from my grown kids. I’m prone to looking on the bright side. Thanks Mark.
Hey there! I'm Mark (the other one) and my interests are wide and varied. Everything from surf music to old-time radio to drive-in movies. I write about all this and more at "The Fyve Spot", your one-stop shop for lowbrow talk and cheesy humor.
I'm also an author of episodic fiction and talk about my projects in that area as well as just the writing process in general.
I've been having a lot of fun on Substack and think the platform is really going to take off. Glad to be here and stop by if you get a spare minute. :)
One of my best friends is a philosophy major -- it's fascinating! I got the chance to take a philosophy class earlier on in university and it was definitely one of my most enjoyable classes.