Happy Friday, Midstackers! I love the idea of Substack directories and am so happy to be part of this one. There is another great one that didn't make Jessica's list called CollabStack, by Marcy Farrey. It is a forum for Substackers to find collaborators for articles, interviews, etc. across existing Substacks. It's a great way to build this community.
Also, I wrote this last week and didn't post it here, but it seems to be resonating with a lot of people. I wrote it in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day on April 26. They are an important mode of resistance right now.
This is great, Ingrid, I recall your indie bookstore article coming across my feed, but not having the time to read it and I will now. Also appreciate you circulating CollabStack- that's a fantastic place to check out for collaboration.
Many thanks for the shoutout for SmallStack (hooray for small!). I would be remiss if I did not also direct you toward Qstack, run by Mr Troy Ford. It's a fabulous directory of so many brilliant queer creators on substack, and it helps fill the gap of that missing "LGBTQIA2S+" category we've been asking for.
I love that you provide this opportunity to share. Thank you! This morning I published my interview with A.E. Osworth. We discussed their latest novel, "Awakened," and why anger is a fantastic fuel for writing.
I also loved what they had to say about the world at large: "I think it’s really important to remember that, particularly as a trans person living through this time, I don’t get to live through another time. I have to live my life right now. So, yes, it’s bad, but I can’t make that my whole life because I only get one."
I also published the 7th Caregiver's Watchlist, Art: 'Imagination, Connection and Hope', which has 3 great TED Talk recommendations.
If you’re seeking inspiration and hope, you’ll enjoy this. It’s inspiring to see how these three people are reimagining their purpose through art, or art through their purpose in life. What they do is imaginative, connects and inspires. I hope you feel lighter after watching these.
This hit my inbox in the rare moment where I was able to read it and actually take some action to submit my newsletter to one of these directories (lol the under 1000 subs one). Thank you!
This week I wrote about a new-to-me Swiss tradition (in this part of the country), the Eierläset, which is like a combo relay race/egg toss. I don't think there's an actual market for a book on all these traditional festivals, but I would love to write it. Til then, newsletter: https://ljgolden.substack.com/p/throwing-eggs-is-our-culture
"Even maintaining is a win." This is such an important (and hard) lesson for all of us, especially when social media makes it seem like everyone else is stronger, fitter, better, or thinner.
I love how you are using the animal deck as a grounding force during a time of transition and seeking. And I love how hummingbirds show up for you. I've written about how deer seem to show up for me and that the one time I was ever called upon to pull a card from an animal deck, I pulled the deer. So fascinating!
In Matt Haig's "The Life Impossible" (a book I devoured but then on reflection, liked less), one of the characters talks about how those moments where you're thinking about someone and then they call or text you are psychic moments. Maybe that's not how they talk about it, but that's how I remember it. Seeing your comment here after reading your post reminded me of that; ever since reading that book, I think of those coincidental contacts from friends as a psychic thing.
I love this. I think of moments like this as life's invisible strings being pulled. All these connections exist that just take a little tug to push them forward.
This really resonated with me! I believe in all the ideas you shared. And I forgot how epic the finale of Six Feet Under was! Must go back and watch again.
Yes! I still mourn those characters and that storytelling. So. Good. And I think sometimes people think psychic, spiritual or woo-woo moments have to be BIG to qualify as such. But I think these kinds of connections can be much more subtle. You just have to be open.
It's wonderful to have this opportunity to share here! I had an unexpectedly moving experience after publishing a post called Talking With Strangers on my Substack, THE PINK ZONES where I gather and share what I’m learning from women elders about how to flourish as we age—despite the cultural messaging that tells us otherwise.
What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would land with her. She wrote this beautiful reflection in response, https://randomconversations.substack.com/p/being-seen-through-the-eyes-of-another, and it reminded me: this isn’t a one-way exchange. There’s a quiet reciprocity in storytelling that nourishes both the listener and the one being witnessed.
Amazing to see the sharing and reciprocity. I loved this - "While she remains open to future romantic partnership, she has many rich and fulfilling relationships, so she’s not searching from a place of lack. This, I thought, is something more of us need to hear. Especially as we age."
I shared this last week but very late so I don't think anyone saw it. Plus I haven't written anything new yet!
In the middle of Canada's existentially important election, I wrote about all the little ways I’ve been getting more involved in my community and standing up for what I believe in. Learning to use my voice. Saying something. Doing something. Feels good!
And I got my 9-year-old involved and created a tiny activist!
Just read your article, Kathryn! Happy Belated birthday - I don't know if you're connected to Helen Palmer but perhaps there's something here that would interest/open up some more inspiring possibilities? https://palmersquared.substack.com/p/groundhog-day
Happy Friday, Midstackers! I love the idea of Substack directories and am so happy to be part of this one. There is another great one that didn't make Jessica's list called CollabStack, by Marcy Farrey. It is a forum for Substackers to find collaborators for articles, interviews, etc. across existing Substacks. It's a great way to build this community.
Also, I wrote this last week and didn't post it here, but it seems to be resonating with a lot of people. I wrote it in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day on April 26. They are an important mode of resistance right now.
https://ingridwagnerwalsh.substack.com/p/resistance-is-an-indie-bookstore
Oh yes! I forgot to add CollabStack! It's such a great resource. https://collabstack.substack.com/
This is great, Ingrid, I recall your indie bookstore article coming across my feed, but not having the time to read it and I will now. Also appreciate you circulating CollabStack- that's a fantastic place to check out for collaboration.
Ingrid's writing is clever and fun - go check it out!
Many thanks for the shoutout for SmallStack (hooray for small!). I would be remiss if I did not also direct you toward Qstack, run by Mr Troy Ford. It's a fabulous directory of so many brilliant queer creators on substack, and it helps fill the gap of that missing "LGBTQIA2S+" category we've been asking for.
https://qstack.substack.com/
Thanks for mentioning QStack! I feel like I might need to do a much bigger roundup of all the directory stacks.
Yay for SmallStack. I've found so many great newsletters through this directory!
It’s such a terrific resource!
I love that you provide this opportunity to share. Thank you! This morning I published my interview with A.E. Osworth. We discussed their latest novel, "Awakened," and why anger is a fantastic fuel for writing.
I also loved what they had to say about the world at large: "I think it’s really important to remember that, particularly as a trans person living through this time, I don’t get to live through another time. I have to live my life right now. So, yes, it’s bad, but I can’t make that my whole life because I only get one."
https://creativereverberations.substack.com/p/cr-044-ae-osworth-on-using-anger
What a brilliant quote!
Right?? It's given me a new perspective on how to see this hot mess of a world we're living in.
Thanks, Jessica. This is becoming a great way to stack up reads for the weekend!
This week, I shared an overarching Index that contains work from January to April:
- Cancer articles,
- A Directory of Cancer-related publications that subscribe to Carer Mentor's network of authors/creators,
- the World Cancer Day Anthology (a collaboration),
- plus a directory of support organisations.
Establishing this before the first week of May was one of my 2025 personal goals. Many of the authors/creators I didn't know in 2024
"Index: Cancer Articles & Resources. Building a community support network and resources." https://www.carermentor.com/p/index-cancer-articles-and-resources.
I also published the 7th Caregiver's Watchlist, Art: 'Imagination, Connection and Hope', which has 3 great TED Talk recommendations.
If you’re seeking inspiration and hope, you’ll enjoy this. It’s inspiring to see how these three people are reimagining their purpose through art, or art through their purpose in life. What they do is imaginative, connects and inspires. I hope you feel lighter after watching these.
https://www.carermentor.com/p/7-this-caregivers-watchlist-art-imagination
Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing all these resources!!! I appreciate it.
Thank you for this amazing resource!! I wrote a rather philosophical piece here about releasing the things that weigh us down (just posted). https://www.jenknox.net/p/on-remembering-we-are-not-alone-and
I tried to submit my Substack via your link but got an error message ( twice).
So here it is: Https://www.posts.wordsworthsharing.me
Would love to be in your directory. PLMK what to do.
I’ll look into it! Thanks for letting me know!
The directory submission questions came up, I completed them, but when I submitted it, I got this.
No idea why! I’m getting the submissions. I’ll fix it. Thanks!
This hit my inbox in the rare moment where I was able to read it and actually take some action to submit my newsletter to one of these directories (lol the under 1000 subs one). Thank you!
This week I wrote about a new-to-me Swiss tradition (in this part of the country), the Eierläset, which is like a combo relay race/egg toss. I don't think there's an actual market for a book on all these traditional festivals, but I would love to write it. Til then, newsletter: https://ljgolden.substack.com/p/throwing-eggs-is-our-culture
I wrote about my strength training journey and why it's worth it even though I'm not naturally strong. https://maryannjacobsen.substack.com/p/slow-midlife-strength-journe
Damn the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Also, you are VERY strong. <3
"Even maintaining is a win." This is such an important (and hard) lesson for all of us, especially when social media makes it seem like everyone else is stronger, fitter, better, or thinner.
Yes and the very women who need it most stop.
I started by writing a bunch of questionings and worries -- and then I got a tiny reminder from the universe that everything's going to be okay: https://treuwords.substack.com/p/its-written-in-the-cards
"And I'm gonna like it"--Love that ending.
I love how you are using the animal deck as a grounding force during a time of transition and seeking. And I love how hummingbirds show up for you. I've written about how deer seem to show up for me and that the one time I was ever called upon to pull a card from an animal deck, I pulled the deer. So fascinating!
That's amazing! You know, it doesn't matter how many deer I see, I always stop and look at them in wonder!
Love this, Elizabeth! I'm trying to pause and play too, but it's hard.
This week I wrote about my personal ghost stories and psychic moments. I think we all have them if we’re not afraid to look.
https://open.substack.com/pub/distractedbyprettythings/p/my-ghost-stories-and-other-out-there?r=43tgx8&utm_medium=ios
In Matt Haig's "The Life Impossible" (a book I devoured but then on reflection, liked less), one of the characters talks about how those moments where you're thinking about someone and then they call or text you are psychic moments. Maybe that's not how they talk about it, but that's how I remember it. Seeing your comment here after reading your post reminded me of that; ever since reading that book, I think of those coincidental contacts from friends as a psychic thing.
I love this. I think of moments like this as life's invisible strings being pulled. All these connections exist that just take a little tug to push them forward.
This really resonated with me! I believe in all the ideas you shared. And I forgot how epic the finale of Six Feet Under was! Must go back and watch again.
Yes! I still mourn those characters and that storytelling. So. Good. And I think sometimes people think psychic, spiritual or woo-woo moments have to be BIG to qualify as such. But I think these kinds of connections can be much more subtle. You just have to be open.
Hi all! I wrote about Glennon’s departure and how disappointed I was by it. Happy to have found this Substack! Thanks! https://kimkearns.substack.com/p/glennon-doyles-departure?r=cafum
I wrote my first post and note (after lurking for months) about carving out more time for my own writing by moving to a small island.
https://open.substack.com/pub/cfaddenwriting/p/happy-international-workers-day?r=60zr&utm_medium=ios
It's wonderful to have this opportunity to share here! I had an unexpectedly moving experience after publishing a post called Talking With Strangers on my Substack, THE PINK ZONES where I gather and share what I’m learning from women elders about how to flourish as we age—despite the cultural messaging that tells us otherwise.
I interviewed an incredible woman I met through Substack, Cathy Joseph, hoping to highlight her insights on what keeps her thriving. https://www.drheidilescanec.com/p/talking-with-strangers?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web
What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would land with her. She wrote this beautiful reflection in response, https://randomconversations.substack.com/p/being-seen-through-the-eyes-of-another, and it reminded me: this isn’t a one-way exchange. There’s a quiet reciprocity in storytelling that nourishes both the listener and the one being witnessed.
It truly warmed my heart.
Amazing to see the sharing and reciprocity. I loved this - "While she remains open to future romantic partnership, she has many rich and fulfilling relationships, so she’s not searching from a place of lack. This, I thought, is something more of us need to hear. Especially as we age."
Also, I'm in Vancouver too - hi!
Thank you Holly! I loved that part too :) Great to meet another Vancouverite!
I shared this last week but very late so I don't think anyone saw it. Plus I haven't written anything new yet!
In the middle of Canada's existentially important election, I wrote about all the little ways I’ve been getting more involved in my community and standing up for what I believe in. Learning to use my voice. Saying something. Doing something. Feels good!
And I got my 9-year-old involved and created a tiny activist!
https://open.substack.com/pub/thisisniceforus/p/learning-to-speak-up?r=am2eq
We need more like you in the US right now!
I shared how difficult the start of my 45th year has been personally and financially and the women who are helping me stay inspired anyway:
https://createmefree.substack.com/p/aprils-ups-and-downs-how-nellie-wong
Just read your article, Kathryn! Happy Belated birthday - I don't know if you're connected to Helen Palmer but perhaps there's something here that would interest/open up some more inspiring possibilities? https://palmersquared.substack.com/p/groundhog-day
Sending best wishes and a birthday hug!
Thanks for the connect!! Appreciate you.
You're very welcome Kathryn! Helen's monthly article packs a punch regarding links to festivals and events.
I’ve signed up. Appreciative!
Gratitude for sharing Threadstack with more people!