We Interrupt This Newsletter...
To bring you some exciting updates
Good morning!
If you’re new here, welcome. I’m glad you decided to stop by. If this is your first newsletter, the following might help bring clarity on where this whole journey is going. If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know I’ve done this a couple of times.
I’m killing my darlings. Editing. Focusing in on craft and weeding out the stuff that isn’t contributing to that. I’m also trying to give my readers options here. For the last year plus, Kindling has been a bit of a buffet. I’ve taken all the things I love to think about, and crammed them into this newsletter. Dark fiction, horror, cultural commentary through that lens, creativity, writing, and original short fiction has somehow all made it in here.
If you know me in real life, this won’t surprise you. I’m excited about a lot of things. I like change. I have a hard time sticking to a routine. Any of you writers will know that doesn’t always lend itself to good writing. Advice is often to create routine of some kind, any kind, to make sure there is space to get the thing done.
I have made that space and shown up each week, and so many of you have been partner to it. You’ve rolled with the punches. You let me write about whatever I wanted, and not only that, you responded! It’s been lovely and generous. And now, I’m changing things up again.
Kind of. You can expect more of what I’ve been doing, just with a more focused eye. The reason for that is simple. Time my lovelies, time! Starting NOW, you can expect two things from this newsletter: original fiction and book club posts.
In addition to that, I’ll be rolling out more audio in the coming months. Narrated stories and voiceovers for articles. I hope this more focused approach will help me put out more quality for all of you.
In celebration of this, I have a new logo, created by the super talented
! People, when I tell you the man is a genius, super talented, incredible artist, I’m not lying. Look at this beautiful monstrosity!
This is pretty much what I look like, and I really do live in a boiler….so, I think he nailed it. A vintage horror throwback, and an unveiling of what you can expect to find in your inbox when you subscribe. I LOVE IT. If you’re looking for book covers, illustrations, or any other art needs, hit him up!
BEHIND THE SCENES…
Kindling is only one part of my writing life. I am also hammering away at a first draft of a novel. The story is outlined, the chapters are being written day by day, and for the first time, I am confident that I will finish. I am also considering self publishing. It isn’t something I ever thought I would do, but the more I learn about it, the more I’m leaning that way. If any of you have advice, drop a comment below!
As always, thanks for your readership. I know there is so much out there, and the idea that you all take time to read words I wrote means the world. Truly.
I hope you have a wonderful week filled with good stories. Happy reading!
“This is pretty much what I look like.” 😂 Seriously, though, I love the new picture with its “Stranger Things” vibe, not to mention that text font lifted from the cover of every Stephen King novel from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Excellent collaboration with Mr. Ward. He’s a talented artist.
"and I really do live in a boiler" 🤣🤣
Great stuff, Shaina. And awesome, awesome illustration by John!
I'm here for all the stuff, I take and enjoy whatever lands in my inbox, but happy to hear if a slight shift is helping you focus.
Congrats on the work on the novel! Looking forward to hearing more about that.