“Write me soon” on Friday? Yes! Because today’s edition will give you a lot to read over the weekend, if you’re in Mexico, it’s time for a long one. What? Did you think that, once again, my writing time management was terrible? Of course not (😙🎶).
When people ask me: what do you read? The answer is complex. I combine books that come to my house, a surprise courtesy of a literary box that always falls into “contemporary literature from an independent publisher.” I read the books that I chose, which are “strange tastes related to horror, fantasy, and very random non-fiction,”… and I read my newsletters.
The newsletter format is an evolution of the blog. It combines the private side of email and the public side of having writings living on the Internet. I read about 40 of these things consciously.
Today, I want to recommend just 10, which cover different themes… Plus a background song 🎶, a recommendation 💡 so you don’t go crazy among so many authors, a story 🖊️ and some thoughts 💭.
A song
I like to read with music, and it’s been a while since I recommended a song. So, I leave you with this beautiful song by the Australian folk duo Angus and Julia Stone.
Ten newsletters
In Spanish
1.- Bruja Maldada, by Elisa Díaz
I started reading her because of a story that takes the blue whale challenge as a framework, a supposed phenomenon that seems like an internet horror story (a creepypasta) that encourages teenagers to harm themselves little by little until they end up, you imagine, disappearing from the planet.
Why subscribe? This witch’s stories mix disturbing information with social analysis.
2.- La inconformista, by Gabriel Salvadó
I must admit that for a long time, I thought this letter was written by a woman. Because it’s “La inconformista”, right? Well, I rolled my eyes the day I finally saw that its creator was an excellent male illustrator.
Why subscribe? Because this author doesn’t just talk about writing, but through his drawings (which are beautiful!) he encourages creativity. And we all need that.
3.- Miradero, by Samuel Domínguez
Reading Samuel is the most beautiful serendipity that has happened to me on Substack. His letters cover several topics: he writes about his life in Palestine as a teacher, a fiction series (where one can also participate!), and about his writing.
Why subscribe? Because his tone is very light, which is good because his emails arrive daily. I actually read him in a combo with a coffee in hand.
4.- Angélica’s substack, by Angélica Vázquez del Mercado
Some people hate history; you know that I don’t fall into that category. The letters have left me speechless because I found information I didn’t know about the history of my country (Mexico).
Why subscribe? Because in a letter you can find out gossip that, double or nothing, you didn’t know.
In English
5.- The World of Franz Mori, by Francis Moricete
It often happens that you meet someone online, and then you meet them physically. With Francis, it was the other way around. She had a stand as an illustrator and tattoo artist at the La Mole comic convention. I bought stickers from her and saw that she had a newsletter. Today, she is one of my favorites.
Why subscribe? Because Francis has a charming structure that resembles mine, ha! I don’t know where she gets her recommendations from, but she seems to move in worlds as low on the Internet as I do. Her newsletter inspires me to create.
6.- On Things, by Madeleine Dore
“On Things” is the name of this newsletter. And yes, it is my role model when talking about random topics. I feel that Madeleine is good at reaching deep places without much effort.
Why subscribe? Because there is no edition in which she cannot save a quote for later.
7.- Out of the blue, by Mari Andrew
Out of the blue could be translated as “coming out of nowhere.” But it is also “coming out of the blue,” and in English, “blue” is also a way to describe sadness.
Why subscribe? Because her posts are incredibly enlightening and fun.
8.- Maybe Baby, by Haley Nahman
Haley was the first newsletter author that I followed fervently. A writer living in New York. Although it sounds like something out of a movie, her writings always make me discover something new about the power of writing and being a young woman in a metropolis. She doesn’t publish as often anymore because she had her baby, but I know I’ll find something good when a letter with a number arrives.
Why subscribe? Who doesn’t want to read someone fulfilling their creative dream?
9.- The Garden of Forking Paths, by Brian Klaas
He is a researcher who writes in The Atlantic (no more introductions, he’s amazing), and his newsletters are a balm of curiosities about the world. I quoted him the day I talked about astrology. I just read this gem about multi-billionaires, and I’m glad my bank account isn’t that big.
Why subscribe? Because I’m sure you’ll understand the world better after reading Brian.
10? I’m going to recommend two people here.
… But how? Weren’t you going to quote just ten? Well, this is my newsletter, and ten has two digits: Laura Díaz and Cristina Hontanilla. The first one writes about SEO and horror. Yes, just like you read it. I’ve copied the second one’s writing exercises. I met her in person and am proud to be her fellow writer.
Bonus recommendation
In this note (something like the posts inside Substack), I wrote about how you can use a template if you read too many letters and need to know which ones you could unsubscribe from.
And since NOBODY likes promotional newsletters, you can use the free site Leave Me Alone to find out which ones are junk in your inbox.
A short story
The Office
“So, Nacho? The one from human resources”, Amanda said with her mouth still full of salad.
“Oh no. He’s super old!” Dani answered with a particular sparkle in her eyes.
“So… Beto, the one from IT!”
“He’s sooo weird.”
“Mmmh… Well… what do you call this guy? Johnny? Well, Juan, the one from sustainability”, Amanda guessed, using a fork as a magic wand.
“Yuck. He’s with the finance manager.”
“Really? She must be in her fifties, right?” Amanda already had lettuce in her hair when she came up with the following name. “I know! I know! This guy from logistics, Bruno!”
“You’ll never guess.” Dani laughed.
“Well, that’s what I see. Is he a man, at least?”
“Yes, I still like them more.”
“Me too, but I wish it wasn’t like that anymore,” Amanda replied.
“I’m not available anymore, in case you want to fall in love with me.”
“Forget it. And what do you mean you’re not available? You’re building castles in the air! You haven’t even dated, right?”
“No.”
“Does he know you like him?”
“No.”
“So?”
“He texts me on Slack… outside working hours.”
“Oh, but how cheesy. It’s like we’re in elementary school. Who could be so…? No! I know. It can’t be. No. It’s so obvious that it could be.”
“Who?”
“The only person in this company who could write halfway well: You’re dying for Emmanuel.”
Daniela turned bright red.
“He writes well, yes.”
Amanda brushed the pieces of salad off her head and said, with the epiphanic depth that only someone in the office cafeteria could have:
“I don’t know much about life. But, despite popular belief, words are often more dangerous than stolen glances.”
Some toughts
These thoughts are short. It’s an invitation to read more new authors. To not only read published people but also give novel creative people a chance. That applies not only to literature but also to any art: go to concerts in your area, and attend events where there are local illustrators. I’m sure your creative soul will thank you.
Is it your first time? I’ll leave you more letters here.
With virus-free love,
J. McNamara, aka Geeknifer.
You can contact me on Instagram, Telegram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
