The Midstack Directory
A library of Substack publications from over 250 midlife women
Welcome to the Midstack Directory, a library of Substacks from midlife women. This Directory is a part of
, a new Substack membership community for midlife women writing Substack publications, from the editors of the bestselling Substack .Last updated November 13, 2024.
To see the benefits of a paid membership to Midstack, click here.
We hope this directory will continue to grow, and it will updated regularly (at least once each month).
If you’d like your publication to be included in our Midstack Directory or to learn more about the criteria for inclusion, click here.
Coming soon: In future editions of the Directory, we hope to organize Substacks according to category(ies).
How To Use This Directory and Find Your People:
Browse: Read through these publications — all from midlife women — and find the ones whose voices, topics, and perspectives resonate with you.
Subscribe: Become a subscriber — free or paid — to the ones that most interest you.
Recommend: Are you a Substack writer? Use Substack’s Recommendations feature to share the publications that you most love with your own audience.
Comment: Become an active member of these publications’ communities by interacting with their posts.
Mention the Publication in a Note: Give a shout-out to your favorite publications in a Note by highlighting their posts, quotes, or your own perspective on their writing.
*Note: These publications do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of Midstack and Midstory Magazine. If you have health concerns, related to midlife, menopause or anything else, please make sure to see your physician or another medical professional in person.
Suggested Read: “Unraveling the Mystery of Midlife Brain Fog in Women”
by Danna Schmidt: Thoughtful and/or inane and irreverent musings, weekly soulful poetry, provocative prose, and a basket load of life-altering + altaring practices & rituals designed to help you navigate human’ing in new ways. by : “I am a writer in my mid 50s based in Brooklyn, New York who is most often associated with lifestyle editorial and cocktail books (my most recent is SIGNATURE COCKTAILS). For my Substack, I write about those topics, but also venture a bit outside the splash zone.” : A publication about reinvention and the moment you know something has to change—in your job, your relationships, or yourself—start here. ‘s Substack: Amy Gabrielle is a widowed mother exploring the intersection of sexuality and grief as a catalyst for growth after catastrophic loss. She explores her own post traumatic growth, breaking barriers and stereotypes with photographic self portraits and videos. She provides her audience with a provocative look at the expression of midlife sexuality that is rarely found in today’s popular culture and social media.: From a self-help author, wellness coach, and founder of C. Daley Wellness. With a passion for empowering individuals, she explores themes of personal growth, mental health, and spirituality through her writing and coaching. by Sam Galloway: A publication by a late-diagnosed neurodivergent, tenacious midlife struggler and self-proclaimed self-advocate. by : “My Substack is both blog and newsletter covering all topics to help women live more Awake, Well, and Empowered or what I call the AWEd Life. I also provide exclusive content to paid subscribers of behind-the-scenes of my podcast as well as a place to chat to keep the podcast conversation going.” by Mel Parks: “My writing comes from a midlife perspective which values the present but often looks back while having one eye firmly on the future. I am developing a Substack project called: My Book Writing Adventure which builds on my Arts Council funded project last year: Moonpause.” by : “I am a writer and academic, and my research focuses on the intersection of bodily autonomy and maternal ambivalence. I have a PhD in English/Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London. I'm from D.C., but live in the UK.” by : “I'm a City girl, mid-life writer, editor, and trailrunner who will never ride a horse or eat meat. I'm a Manhattan-born city dweller who is not a cowgirl but here for the fashion. My Substack is about rthe challenges of long-distance mid-life romance, and the reality of a city girl who will likely never ‘go country,’ in the words of Alan Jackson.”: “Life in the countryside comes with its quirks, but I’m determined to live fully—finding joy and meaning while asking one big question: Can knowing the countryside, its history, and its people help us respect both place and each other at a deeper level?" From , a eco horticulturist and organic gardener, writer, filmmaker and broadcaster.: Katie Mitchell is an English teacher who lives in suburban Atlanta with her two children. Her essays have previously appeared in Braided Way Magazine, HerStry, Literary Mama, and Appalachian Review, among others. by : About perimenopause and menopausal women’s issues, science, medical issues in midlife. by Lindsey DeLoach Jones: A little place on the internet for messy humans. by Katherine Libonate: From a mom of (3) teenage boys (17, 14, & 12) living out her mission to share research, knowledge, and insights to living a happier and fulfilled life especially during challenging times. I have a background in the Science of Happiness, Positive Psychology and Neuroscience.: “We’re on a mission to make publishing clear and kind. As authors with Big Five houses, co-hosts of the popular BOOKBOUND podcast, and publishing experts who have helped hundreds of women write and sell their nonfiction books, we STILL struggle every day with the daily grind as writers and authors! In other words, we get it. And we see you.” : From a creative business strategist for female founders and mission led organizations. Speaker/Facilitator. Writer. Mom. Nature obsessed. Meaning-chaser. Morning lover. Community builder. GenXer. Recovering journalist. Equity Leader. by Ingrid Wagner Walsh: A platform for those intimate conversations with a wider audience of deep thinkers, from a writer, cultural anthropologist, and constant questioner, by Burgin Streetman: “This is the diary of my senior year as a 50-year-old undergrad, slouching towards graduation. Posts on Tuesday and Friday. #Classof2025” by Lisa-Marie Cabrelli: A weekly Journal Prompt to get you unstuck. Is your life as stagnant as a puddle of mosquitoes? Find your direction, regain your motivation, and live your extraordinary life. It's your midlife Call to Adventure. Write your story. Change your life. by Tineke Tammes: “A weekly newsletter in which I focus on ONE topic to help women stuck in their (corporate) careers to take the next step in THEIR career transformation towards fulfilling work and happy careers.” by Victoria: The latest personal reflections, essays, and introductions to resources, experts, or other writers who provide fresh insights about caregiving or self-development. by : “I began CeCe's Musings a few years ago in order to ponder the questions I have about this crazy, wild, scary, wonderful world we live in today. My topics often are about aging, books, relationships, my anxiety, letting go, and family, but you never know what might inspire me.” by Elizabeth Kopple: Bringing together grieving parents as we find ways to channel our grief and move forward without moving past our children.: “A companion to my podcast called Actual People. I'm 51 and female and a single mom of twin girls. I talk about my childhood in 80s Miami, my coming of age in 90s and dissect contemporary culture and the future of the creative industries.” by Lisa Frame: A newsletter and community for women navigating the messy midlife mayhem. by : “This is your sanctuary – a curated community of leaders, writers, and creators where you can let your guard down, share your struggles, and celebrate your wins with like-minded peers. Here, we go beyond transactional connections and foster deep, meaningful relationships built on trust, vulnerability, and mutual support.” by : “A space for mindful exploration and living with deliberate intentions. Through stories and lessons from my four decades as a daughter, friend, wife, mother, and woman, I share insights on deepening our connections—with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.” by : Filled with reading recommendations and tips and tricks for living a literary life. Laura believes reading is the best form of creative inspiration and that talking about books could help reunite our divided society, cure the loneliness epidemic, and help woman in midlife find their next chapter. by Elissa Devins: “As a 50 year-old Korean-American Jewish adopptee who is a part-time legal services attorney with a neurodiverse family, I explore my identities, share my art (drawings, Kdrama flip dolls) and write about Korean pop culture, aging, politics, art, Korean expressions, class conflict and so much more. I also do Q and As with Korean-American creators.” by : “I write about the complex relationship between art and health, writing from lived experience of being a full-time writer for twenty years while also navigating debilitating depression as well as from my academic background and through frequent interviews with other creatives. I am a mid-forties cis woman and the Substack seems to attract primarily a similar audience. Although it's not specifically about midlife, the questions and issues that are addressed often appeal to the midlife woman.” by Sandra Ebejer: “A place to find insights and advice on art, inspiration, and creativity. Each week I publish an interview with an artist, author, or other creative about their work, their influences, and how they break through challenges, and I also offer playlists, reading recommendations, and reflections on art and writing.” : Focuses on various issues including parenting, being a later-in-life mom and views from a different perspective, a Canadian-born child of Hong Kong immigrants who grew up in the suburbs. by Shawna Gamache: “My own little internet mixtape of books, culture, feelings, 90s nostalgia/trauma, parenting, midlife angst, and what it means to me to be alive in this moment.” by : Bestselling author and GenXer Elisa Lorello navigates midlife through her Duran Duran lens. by Allison Deraney: Written by a sober-focused mom and lawyer who is waking up to life in mid-life, daring to speak up as a woman in recovery while writing her way back to herself. It's a publication that honors slowing down with intention so that we can discern what it is we truly desire.: “In midlife, I started asking questions about my relationship with various institutions such as motherhood, career, and the church. My questioning led to me leaving various places and beliefs. My Substack is all about deinstitutionalising and deconditioning from all the things I had believed in for most of my life.” by Tamara Foster: “A podcast and book club that aims to explore the stigmas that malign our gender. By delving into our life cycle and pulling back the curtain on themes that speak directly to stigmas, De-Stigma Dialogues hopes to create a true community of women living honestly and out LOUD.” by Amy Halloran: “This year, I’m exploring the twinned histories of American bread, and the modern American woman, looking closely at my grandmothers and an author who also came of age in the first part of the 20th century. I’m trying to understand the lives of the women who baked me, and my own 57 years.” by Nina Badzin: Honest conversations about the ups and downs of friendship, often with a midlife focus.
Suggested Read: “Our Friends’ Invisible Pain”
: From , “I write about leaving. In midlife, I started asking questions about my relationship with various institutions such as motherhood, career, and the church. My questioning led to me leaving various places and beliefs. My Substack is all about deinstitutionalising and deconditioning from all the things I had believed in for most of my life.” by Allison Hiltz: A weekly-ish newsletter about motherhood, midlife, and the social norms that shape our experiences. Drawing on my personal experiences, observations, and policy expertise, I’ll cover topics that include: Career shifts, Single motherhood, Mental load, Divorce, Perimenopause, Reclaiming yourself, Public policy (paid leave, childcare, etc.), Social supports (or lack thereof) and….Whatever else is on my mind! by Sasha Neal: A fledgling Substack exploring daughterhood in midlife, including caregiving in the sandwich generation, the state of social care in the UK, dementia, loss, grief and dancing. by Anna Sansom: “I write about pleasure, libido, reframing desire, and intimacy. Mostly personal essays and occasional erotic fiction.” by Kelly Kearsley: A newsletter about internet things, book things, life things, and other things. As my kids say, it's not that deep. (But because I am in midlife, the deep things do surface now and again, sometimes prompting tears or laughter or both). by Maggie Frank-Hsu: “According to research 27% of Americans are no-contact with at least one family member. "Estranged" is dedicated to stories and interviews that provide a deeper understanding of family estrangement beyond blame and shame.” by Allison Barrett Carter: “The space where I share intimate essays, thoughts, and tips about living an intentional family life. It is unique content about something parenting-related that struck me, with some website round-ups. I post once a month.” by Felicia Sabartinelli: A bi-weekly newsletter that chronicles life in my 40s’ and the new decade ahead. With ferocious passion, humor, and humility, I share personal essays and musings, book recommendations, interviews, and much more! by : ‘I share with subscribers what I’ve learned (and continue to learn ) that makes this one of the happiest, most fulfilling, and most creative time of my life. I also share stories of people “in their prime” who live great stories that can inspire us all.’ : “I write about my own journey to thrive - which covers loss, grief, self-compassion, self-limiting narratives and beliefs, and celebrating my moments of joy.” by : “My writing embraces the rich tapestry of human experience, explores the beauty of diversity, and celebrates authentic voices and the stories that connect us. I believe in finding joy in the whirlwind of existence and uncovering the common threads that unite different cultures.” by : A journey of self discovery where life’s little moments turn big. A humorous look at a situation that will leave you thinking and looking a little differently. by Laura: “Primarily about my infertility journey, about trying to conceive a second child and how having recurrent miscarriages has affected me. Most of my pieces are about the conflicted feelings of trying to conceive while also dealing with the trauma of knowing that pregnancy does not guarantee I will have the second child I want so badly.” by Sanna Salanimi: From “an adult whose paradigm was properly rocked when a therapist suggested I had autism. A second opinion confirmed this. My story is not unique for women my age: we are the Lost Generation. We are women whose pro-social attitude (adopted by force or by choice) aided in our masking our life-altering disability for decades. Now, in middle age, I’ve finally arrived. One of my special interests is sex. I write about sex and love and how this autistic woman experiences it.” by Dawn Levitt: The intersection of hurt and healing, creating art from trauma of the past, looking forward to the best years of our lives yet to come. by : Midlife is a time one’s identity shapeshifts to reveal what is essential and true. From the Middle features essays written about these very changes, and how one’s inner authority amplifies in the second half of life. by Stephanie Weaver: “I do a curated themed stack featuring that week’s thoughts, then media (books, tv, film) that relates and a recipe.” by : Award-winning author, historian and TED speaker writes about emotions and the stories we tell about them. by Anne: About anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss, as well as love and life. by Angela Amman: Stories of writing back to myself as my family shifts into the teen years and beyond. I share my perspective on reclaiming my sense of identity and how it affects the art I'm consuming and the art I'm attempting to create. by Victoria Navarra: “I write mostly about caregiving for my mother, middle age, writing, running, and whatever else occurs to me. These essays are intended to be like glosses (annotations in a book) to my life--short personal essays.” by Leanne Rose Sowul: Explores character traits that form resilient humans and strong communities; how to be, raise and create good humans (for parents, teachers and writer/creators). by Treena Orchard: Poetic explorations of life, relationships, live, and how we understand and think about our place in the world, from an anthropologist, author, and activist who explores sex, gender, health, and tech through a creative, feminist lens. Firmly Gen X! by Eva Lydon: Musings and observations from a mid-forties mother of two. Trying to spread a bit of empathy, understanding, compassion, laughter and unity amongst other women and parents. Building a new business and writing a book by : A newsletter to explore and share and celebrate (and commiserate and investigate and contemplate) both the process of becoming and the act of being an older woman. The word “hag” might be an insult these days, but it doesn’t get applied to the callow and inexperienced. Being a hag means you’ve put in the time and you’ve earned the experience. So come be a hag with me. by : “I write about my life in Brooklyn as a southern transplant, mom, cyclist, etc. I have written about dealing with breast cancer and admiring Dolly Parton. I write about understanding the world in this body at this age and understanding how I got here.” by : “I write about the experience of a midlife woman (self)diagnosed (or curious) with ADHD, as well as ideas and suggestions for dealing with some of the challenges such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, procrastination, overthinking and overwhelm.” by Jennifer Crow: “Through personal stories and thoughtful analysis, I encourage mid-life women to reflect on how societal expectation have impacted their identities and share tools for reclaiming their stories. I talk about everything from breaking taboos and confronting hidden forces to using writing as a way to heal. Recurring themes include gender roles, mental health, personal empowerment, and embracing growth.” by Hilary Connors: “Honing the craft of writing as a form of my self examination while also sharing this journey with others who write for personal reasons. I want to be a part of a collective unfolding of common and uncommon experiences in midlife.” by Catherine: An exploration in ‘give no f*#ks’ writing in midlife, while exploring faith, doubt, grief, and figuring out what one wants to be when one grows up. by Sherisa de Groot: Serves as a personal documentation of what it means in these moments to be who we are. by Lucy Handley: About being childfree/childless (when I always hoped/expected to have kids); having a midlife ‘bounce’ via clubbing and house/disco music; positive ageing. by Sophie Cartledge: addresses the realities of perimenopause and late discovered neurodivergence. Sharing personal experiences, resources and research links. by Jennie Russo: A collection of essays about being messy and hot, sweaty and chic and staying classy throughout. by Ann Marie McQueen: Provides information and inspiration to people making their way through the perimenopause, menopause and midlife transition. by Emily Taylor: “I write about life in South Carolina from a feminist perspective. Most of my concerns come from my identity as a middle aged mom.” by Andra Watkins: From a New York Times bestselling author who spent her formative years in a Moral Majority-era Christian Nationalist church and school in rural South Carolina. by Sara Stansberry: From a storyteller at heart, a writer by craft, and a certified life coach by passion who addresses what so many feel: the slow burn of becoming disconnected from themselves.: From , a health and science journalist, speaker, founder of Screen/Life Balance, and author of How to Break Up With Your Phone and The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again. by : “I write about philosophy in everyday life: meaning in life, love as a moral practice, who we are, and how all of that intertwines. Philosophy is one of the ways people make sense and meaning out of everyday experience—even if you didn’t study it in school. I’m a philosopher because I can’t help it, and it turns out that a lot of people are too. I also write about the value of the liberal arts.” : “I give women permission to get out of blame, shame, regret, fear of failure and needing to know the outcomes. My stories are personal, candid and often the column which is weekly reflects on a particular place we tend to hold back or doubt ourselves - either in grief, happiness, dreams, love or parenting. I am also a book coach and writer so I write about writing!” by Jeannie Ewing: “I write essays about reconstructing one's identity in midlife, building resilience after loss/illness/trauma, parenting in midlife, and grief.” by : Stories of healing from years of intense mothering, supporting black, autistic, sons as they navigate adult life, caregiving, menopause, late dx ADHD, and holding 30 year marriage together w/string 🧵& paper clips📎 by : About making art in the margins, about memory, creative life, mindfulness, simplification, aging, gratitude, grief, and loss. Alongside essays, I share ongoing art and advocate the keeping of illustrated journals as a way to document life. : “A long-form, serialized experiment; a craft exercise in sifting ideas from poetry to prose, and back again; and a story it has taken me 3+ years to reteach myself how to write. Written with love for everyone who has gotten sick and those who have always been sick.”: Ink Tank is for copywriters, marketers and midlife women building their businesses. writes about copywriting psychology, midlife messaging plus smart stuff for writers. by Celia Cain: a community and newsletter for sensitive people who want to deepen their intellect, develop their intuition, and enhance their creativity, from a mindset coach, healer, mentor & songcatcher. Celia is an ALS widow and the mom of 3 boys. A former academic and professor who experienced burnout, Celia now guides others on their healing journeys..: “As a women’s health acupuncturist (Rebecca) and doula/motherhood practitioner (Theresa), we have decades of work between us supporting women through life transitions and pivotal moments. We have also crossed through early middle life and are beginning our chapters of late middle life. We have seen and experienced the gaps of information and the lack of preparation and conversation as women move into and through this often overlooked phase.” by Rebecca Gale: “I write about the people and policies that shape parenting and care in this country - many of which are parents in midlife. I also investigate why we devalue care so much and how we can shift the narrative and policies that make being a parent in this country so much harder than it needs to be.” by Christine Vaughan Davies: “I look for the sacred in the everyday and focus on spirituality, grief, resilience and care for others and ourselves. I share stories and practices from my work as a hospital chaplain and spiritual director.”: A weekly Substack newsletter by that blends mindful and intuitive eating insights with practical strategies for cultivating a healthy relationship with food and body image. The '5-Senses Sunday' section adds a unique, sensory-based twist, inviting readers to explore their world through taste, smell, sound, touch, and sight, creating a deeper connection between their senses, food, and overall well-being.: “The two separate sections of my Substack are: 1. A Suitable Vessel For Magic, which is a book in the making and a podcast about co-creating a double memoir with my late trans husband who died in 2020. 2. Writers Daily Dive is a daily writing group on Zoom where we write together in silence.” by : “I believe that it is possible to live a beautiful, simple and slow life, but I understand that the modern world makes it increasingly difficult. If you want slow living content, with equal parts contented optimism and understanding realism, I’m your girl.”: “Features sobriety-focused shorts, both directly and indirectly. My writing can read like flash fiction, touching on motherhood, trauma, step-mom’ing, divorce, grief, but moreover : recovery - recovery from alcoholism and so many other life patterns of that time.” by Keris Fox: “I interview women about money and share my own money misadventures.” by : “Where I share about the joys (and occasional tragedies) of learning an instrument at an age where you’re expected to be settled-in and have life figured out (I’m not and I don’t). About data, because that's what I do professionally. About the intersection of these things, or their lack of intersection. About taking on the challenge of learning an instrument while juggling a full-time job, family and and life’s never-ending curveballs.” by Lauren Fields: Journal entries from the perspective of a mid-life corporate dropout, recovering people pleaser, in a mid-life awakening.: “My Substack is called Writer at Large and it's mostly about the craft of writing but it's also about my life as a writer. I'm also a daughter, sister, wife, stepmom, friend, aunt, and grandma so I write about those things too.” by Katie Delaney: “Aimed at midlife women who are trying to understand who on earth they really are. Following burnout, the loss of my parents, and now grappling with divorce, I explore elements of my identity now that I have been completely unstitched from my old life. There is also a fledgling podcast.”: A newsletter about reading and writing from a New York Times best-selling author, co-founder of the Bob Woodward Foundation, journalist, and consultant. by : Exploring the ways we build our families- especially those that are “alternative” - Let’s Start a Family focuses on transitioning after divorce, blending families, electing not to have kids, IVF, solo parenting, miscarriage, chosen family and so much more. The newsletter and correlated podcast honors that “family” is not a static concept but one thar evolves as we age, and becomes more nuanced in middle age. Authored by a midlife solo mama currently trying for another baby with her over 40 year old eggs. by Nneka Kelly:: Focuses on mindful communication and journaling to support abuse survivors. combines creative writing practices from her experiences in literary publishing; meditation lessons from her travels in South Asia; and strategies from her own healing journeys to help other survivors achieve forward momentum by Kim Van Bruggen: A publication meant to inspire, enquire, and pave the way for those of us making a major life transition, whether by choice or circumstance, no matter what age we find ourselves making it.
Suggested Read: “Spotlight on Older Women and Why We’re So Awesome”
by Keisha Kokonezi: “About my experience recovering from severe Long Covid, mental health, beauty, and grappling with everything that is a part of this new phase of life—including being in perimenopause.” by Jen Gates: Personal essays, newsletter and journal style about waiting for the menopause, while confusing the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety and trying to manage it all. by : “The life of Sarah, the first matriarch of the Hebrew Bible, receives only a handful of mentions in twelve chapters of Genesis. But the effects of her story have influenced our ideals of motherhood and faith, as well as women’s roles and reproductive rights. In The Life of H: Sarah, Reimagined, I explain my connection to this complex and controversial story, share poems from my book-in-process, and discuss how we can find new life and meaning by re-considering Sarah’s experience.”: From Hong Konger-American writer, artist, avid student of life who writes about relational and intergenerational trauma, and how this intersects with her East-meets-West immigrant experience. by : Personal and collective transformation through Nonviolent Communication, Quaker concepts and language, especially Irish which offers a very different way of seeing each other and the world. by Lisa Cheek: “I came here as a quick way to connect to others. I’m going to share my favorite things and thoughts… if I ever have any. I promise they will be brief like my attention span.” by : “About a journey both personal and universal: the way in which we navigate big changes in our lives, especially when they come later in life. In my case, the journey is about navigating gray divorce and dementia caregiving while fiercely holding onto my destiny: the belief that this is not where my story ends. I was 62 when I made the decision to leave my 33-year marriage and within a month of that decision, I suddenly became the full-time sole live-in caregiver for my mother with advancing dementia. Perhaps it is not where your story ends either and that is why you are here. I want this newsletter to become a place of belonging, where we share our stories of living in multiple dimensions.” by Kari Bentley-Quinn: About the challenges of being diagnosed with ADHD in midlife, trying to navigate reality as a neurodivergent human, and life as a theater maker in New York City by : “I'm a caregiver to an elderly parent with dementia just trying not to lose my mind as Mom loses hers, because murder/suicide, while appealing, is not a great option. These are our stories, and resources as I find them.” by Lisa Renee: A place for midlife musing, a platform for essays and letters about one woman’s life experience, writing essays by a big lake in New York, trying to figure out how be a person in a mad world. by Diane Shipley: About midlife, grief, chronic illness, pop culture and community (but funnier than that sounds). by Amanda Montei: Essays on culture and books, plus a writing group for founding subscribers, from the author of TOUCHED OUT: Motherhood, Misogyny, Consent, & Control, available now from Beacon Press, as well as the memoir Two Memoirs (Jaded Ibis Press) and a collection of prose, The Failure Age (Bloof Books). by Kristin Gourlay: “Delivers deeply reported, deeply personal, stories from medicine, art, culture, and history about our obsession. I aim to help us grapple with that ache we all have for the perfect cure.” by Lane Anderson: A feminist newsletter about care work, family, and capitalism and how to make things better for everyone. by Rose: About the journey of writing a memoir, and about how writing a memoir enriches not only the life of others, showing them what has gone on before, but it also enriches the writer in the process of doing it.: Good mental health is an art based on the habit of catching and appreciating ordinary moments. writes about these ordinary moments in her creative practice of curating her mental health, based on her lived experience of a diagnosis, and as a life long journaller, teller of stories, and someone who enables the stories of others. by Phoebe Assenza: Business, tech culture, and regular culture through the lens of a feminist in the middle of her life. by : “The important stuff: I believe in love, learning, acceptance, and growing.”: “I write about my personal growth, midlife career transition, undoing generational trauma, becoming an athlete in my 40s, sobriety, and my quest to become a published author. I reflect on my memoir (currently querying agents). I publish personal essays as well as more traditional blog-like entries.” by Shelly Mazzanoble: Your source for humorous, observational, and relatable takes on parenthood. If you can’t laugh you’ll… probably need to get that checked by a doctor. by : From a published author and professor of English, a mother of two adult children, and a dementia care partner for my husband, Mike, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at 54. by : “I'm a 57-year-old US-born journalist and author living and working in Paris. I am a single twice-divorced empty nester loving this phase of exploration. I write about Paris, French politics, dating, sex, feminism, and all things related to women refashioning the second half of their lives.” by Andrea Case-Rogers: On a quest to reinvent myself to tread more lightly on the planet and contribute something positive to the world. by : A registered dietitian with an insatiable curiosity for understanding scientific concepts investigates the midlife stage in women. : A media and lifestyle platform for women in their (roughly) 30s-50s. We publish thoughtful content that empowers women to reimagine this period as a time of growth, exploration, and possibility.: Grief advocate hoping to reduce stigma around substance use related death and other hard things. by : “From a creative strategist and marketer who works with agencies and brands to help develop and deliver their story in creative and innovative ways. As a midlife "correspondent" I work with many companies and brands who serve and are trying to reach a middle-aged and senior audience.” by : From a strength coach and critical thinker. I’m also a skeptic who likes to tell stories, pick things apart, and draw. by Carrie Lynn Hawthorne: by Kerala Taylor: Interrupts notions about what it means to be a mother, woman, worker, and wife. It's about deconstructing the truths we hold dear, unlearning everything we’ve taught, and finding a better way forward. Also, I hope, laughing a bit along the way. by : From an artist-educator-creator with work in McSweeney’s, Slackjaw, The Offing, Jane Austen’s Wastebasket, Frazzled & more. She was named a Jonathan Larson Grant Finalist for Visionaries in Musical Theatre & a Finalist for the Cultural Alliance Innovator Award. She is a member of the Dramatist Guild, AEA and is a Designated Linklater Teacher. by Linda Anderson: by Cindy DiTiberio: A feminist exploration of marriage, motherhood & divorce and how my own divorce at age 43 set me on the path to discovering my wants and needs for the first time in my life.
Suggested Read: “Is This The End of Marriage?”
by Heather Johnson Durocher: A newsletter and community about midlife, marriage and long partnership, parenting adult children, and how to keep moving forward — literally and figuratively — through it all. by Courtney Naiboff: Musings from the middle: midlife body and mind observations from the author of Your Postpartum Body. by : “Julie Stone writes Rom-Coms and women's fiction with older heroines, because there should be no expiration date on happily-ever-after. She also pens a weekly GenX substack-a comic bend on "back in my day" when everything was just a little better.” by Vivian Manning-Schaffel: From a journalist, essayist, and untethered culture nerd who covers entertainment, pop culture, psychology, health, and anything zeitgeist-y. by : Writing about mental illness, anxiety, therapy, comedy, self-isolation, midlife, hiding from the world, self-esteem, living with mental disorders, growing up troubled, mother/daughter trauma/drama. by : Reassuring and supportive advice on resolving conflict at home and work a lawyer and negotiation coach whose mission is to share the conflict resolution skills she has built at Harvard Law, in corporate boardrooms, and at home parenting her teenagers. by Abigail K: “I use this space to explore, expand & express myself so I can connect with & inspire others.” by : “The Next Write Thing is about recovery and growth. Recovery from disordered eating and thinking, recovery from depression and trauma. It’s about the stories of my childhood and the lessons I’ve learned. About how I move through the world. It’s about love and community.” by Lani V. Cox: Essays by a latchkey kid but without the key, so learned to break into the house; a reader, writer, friend to animals and scones; and a first generation American living abroad since 2009. by Lisa Bolin: A home for my ponderings and wondering about life, a dash of poetry, and seasonal change from an Australian living on an archipelago in the Baltic Sea.: From a culture and health journalist whose writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Glamour, and Vox. Wherever she goes, she brings a little bit of Miami with her. by : “I explore the gap between what I expected this phase of my life to be like and the reality of my experience. As a mom of two twice-exceptional kids, I’ve had to shed my ideas about what parenting would look like, and am chatting my own territory as I go.” by : “Fiction, essays and photography. Sometimes about Calcutta, New York and Paris, my three homes.” by : “I explore the gap between what I expected this phase of my life to be like and the reality of my experience. As a mom of two twice-exceptional kids, I’ve had to shed my ideas about what parenting would look like, and am chatting my own territory as I go.”
by Kristi Spence: “About paying attention to what’s around us and giving thought to things often overlooked. It’s a newsletter about exploring what catches our eye and giving it a second glance - it’s about cultivating something meaningful in our everyday experiences.” by : From a nutrition and somatic therapist who treats trauma-related food and body concerns and writes about whole-self wellness and encouraging this over selfies for the next generation. She is the author of the award-winning books Nourish and Nurture.: by Tawnya Gibson: Personal essays that cover those ‘off the record’ moments of life. by Brenda: Focuses on life after structured (corporate) work. I retired September 29, 2023 and write about enjoying life and retirement. by Sari Botton: Explores what it means to travel through time in a human body—of any gender, at every phase of life. It focuses on the good, the bad, and the ugly we experience with each milestone, starting early in life. It’s about the experience of getting older, and what that means at different junctures. : “A newsletter and podcast designed for mid-career women, typically between 35 and 55, who are navigating personal and professional transitions. Drawing from my experience moving from NYC to Paris and my work as a career coach, I share real stories, coaching insights, and practical tools to help you embrace the messy, transformative journey of self-discovery.” by Sarah Styf: by Rebecca D. Martin: A place for those who want to pay attention, a home for anyone who finds poetry and literature a compass to making sense of life. That true-north needle often makes us feel a little different, and I know something about being different: chronic illness and late-diagnosed autism have set me on a course that doesn’t fit with traditional expectations. In this space, I meander from poetry reading to middle-aged autistic experience, from literary women: “the reincarnation of a blog I started in 2020 to address the many issues/transitions of midlife in a way I couldn't find. I wanted to create the community I was craving, and contribute to a shifting cultural conversation about age. I write personal essays that acknowledge the challenges but also highlight the hard-earned wisdom and growth, journalistic style pieces to share resources and information, lifestyle bits and pieces, and I also share midlife-adjacent links and recommendations that I think will be helpful/interesting to my midlife audience.”
Suggested Read: “Style Knows No Age”
: by Lanette Sweeney: “Started as a pledge for me to reflect on all the content I consume. But then my mother attempted suicide, so some personal stuff has gotten in there, too.” by Shelby Tutty: Explains the biology of perimenopause packaged as entertainment. It's written by a certified menopause educator and health professional and is filled with valuable, applicable health and wellness information.” by Tracy Mansolillo: A guide to overcoming adversity, building resilience and transforming your life. With deep insights from the worlds of psychology, neuroscience, and metaphysics, The Power of Change offers a roadmap to healing, human connection and the pursuit of joy.
Suggested Read: “Life After 50 Is Not the End”
: From an author, Fortune 200 leader-turned-entrepreneur, and mom of two boys. I'm passionate about helping people make better decisions (especially when the stakes are high) and snacks. by : “I write the weekly newsletter, Pretend You're Good At It: personal stories about fear, flailing, and figuring it out. I’m trying to unravel my default assumption that everyone else navigates the world with certainty and confidence while I’m out here living life as the Queen of Hesitation & Doubt.” by : “A newsletter for women in mid-life or later who could use a good laugh or cry, maybe a book or lipstick recommendation, and a community that really sees them. You’re not invisible around here.” by Marychris Melli: “My deeply personal, honest and vulnerable reflections on being a women. All that it has done to me and for me and how societal expectations affected all of it. My deep hope is that these stories resonate in a way that makes you feel connected and seen.” : A rainbow of beautiful truths + curated creations seen through the lens of a seasoned midlife coach, licensed counselor, art therapist, queer artist, and bestselling + award-winning author of Midlife Emergence: Free Your Inner Fire. by : “Documenting how I am creating a new life for myself in midlife after a sudden and unexpected upturning. I recently completed the Camino de Santiago (Camino Francés) and have written about that along the way.” by : From a fiction writer, essayist, educator, and the author of Shout Her Lovely Name and Community Chest.: Giving a voice to true stories and reflections about sexuality aimed mainly but not exclusively at straight women in midlife. All with a view to celebrating female sexuality, encouraging conversations and promoting healing. by Susie Schwartz: Resources and understanding, feature articles about health and illness, expert patient help, and some musings from a 50-year-old woman (me!) who is happy to still be alive! by : “I write about grief in all its forms, grieving the loss of loved ones, the changes that occur in our relationships after kids, and the impact that grief can have on not just you and your family but on the rest of your relationships. I write for women who seek to be understood, women who feel like they are losing themselves in motherhood or their marriage.” by Natalie Serber: “My newsletter read.write.eat. begins with a brief essay, mostly about my midlife experiences. Next comes a section in which I describe and promote book(s) I love. The next section is about writing. And finally I share a recipe.” by our Midstory Magazine co-editor Stephanie Sprenger: “I write about motherhood at midlife, ADHD, feminism, women’s health, relationships, divorce, therapy, and yes, I am an unapologetic Swiftie. I am a semi-apologetic navel-gazing nostalgia junkie currently working on my first memoir.” by : “I am a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, and author. In my research, private practice, and writing, I draw on science, philosophy, and practices from clinical psychology to share practices proven to foster healthier relationships between partners, parents and children, and between our most important life roles.” by Nim de Swardt: A storytelling project that elevates the insights, experiences and wisdom of those who have lived over 18,000 days (50+ years) to re-connect us all. by Nicole Giordano: A newsletter and community creating closeness, understanding, inspiration, and joy for women in midlife. by Mary Dansak: “Chronicles my return to horses after a 35+ year hiatus. I remark how this has brought me back to my truest self, and connect to women who have put themselves on hold.”: “I write where I am: a woman in my 50s sharing my authentic and honest experiences around reinventing herself later in life: new career, sobriety, divorce after 30 years of marriage, relationships with my adult children, dating and romantic relationships in midlife and sober; grief after not just the loss of parents, but also of a sibling and a nephew.”: From women of faith, over the age of 50, who have published many books and spent a lot of time thinking, talking, and writing about midlife and beyond. by Skylar Liberty Rose: A writer, coach, and pro-aging advocate helping women embrace their 40s and 50s with passion and purpose. Through courses, coaching, and circles, she has helped thousands of women to smash ageist stereotypes, challenge a culture of anti-aging, and create meaningful change in their lives. by : “At the age of 61, I feel as though I’ve gone through every kind of feelings about fashions, trends, and just dressing in general, and ended up in a place where I’m very happy with my closet, but I just need something to keep me accountable with my consumption.” by Cathy: Written from the point of view of a woman who has lived half a life, including personal stories as well as social commentary by Fran Mason: “I’ve tried to braid my life’s threads together, keeping a sense of continuity with the person I’ve been at every stage of my life. I still find inspiration in the things I enjoyed as a child, and before I could drive, and when I was always broke: journal writing, reading, bike riding, exploring, finding the natural world in the city.” by Kerstin Auer: “I write about midlife as a GenX woman, caretaker of my husband who had to retire at 50 due to a devastating diagnosis. Navigating life and taking inventory of who I am and what I'm learning along the way.” by Francesca Moroney: “I started my Substack to chronicle life post-divorce, which happened to coincide with my children entering or ending college, the pandemic, and my own mid-life changes. I write about what healing means to me.” by : “Sister stories from history and in fiction. Celebrating sisters who changed the world in big ways and small, as well as novels, new and old, that feature sister-relationships. My monthly round up email includes writing news and a book giveaway.” by : Musings on this unique life stage (generously defined), with recipes. Current focus on breast cancer and an upcoming move to Portugal. by Kerri Sparling: About growing older with type 1 diabetes. by Amelia Wilson: A weekly newsletter packed with genius ideas and advice for infusing more joy into each day—for people who know that real happiness is not found in a fancy job title or expensive jar of face cream. Each Friday dispatch is filled with practical happiness advice—from travel tips and how to create a beloved family tradition—to what to watch, read, and cook.
Suggested read: “Tales of a Midlife Failure”
by Sommer Schafer: “Because we always need more conversation around literature, books, writing, reading, and what it means to live thoughtfully in the world.”
The Spark by Madelyn Postman: A place for inspiration and community for readers and writers. The monthly newsletter includes an author interview, book recommendations, writing resources, and personal updates.
: Part memoir, part side-bar conversations about midlife, creativity, recovery, and a new diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. by Barbara Valentin: “My attempt to stop wasting this precious life, and I sincerely hope you’ll join me on what promises to be a sometimes bumpy, sometimes ridiculous, but ultimately enlightening journey.”: The focus is the empowerment of women after midlife through creativity, and especially through writing fiction and also features articles on sexuality, beauty, health and finance after midlife. by : “Spills the beans on how I research my historical murder mystery novels, set in 1920s London. I share favourite historical facts, sources and research tips, often about women's changing role in the 1920s. Like many mid-life female authors, I've taken charge of my career by self-publishing.” by Holly Holt: “I write about the cocooning, the waiting, the boredom, the confusion, and the (potential) breaking open that midlife brings. As a lifelong seeker and, more recently, caregiver to my elderly parents, I share practices that have supported my health and sanity including what I call ‘deep river’ writing, seasonal and lunar rituals, embodiment (yoga, dance, somatics), personality theory, and energy work.” oard Life by Kristin Fellows: How one woman unintentionally built an adventurous 30-year career in documentary film with $20, a little magical thinking & no film degree. by Stacy Smith Rogers: “I write about ways I've discovered strength post-divorce and the power of community, friendships and the pursuit of leaving a legacy for my three daughters + one granddaughter.” by : “StyleYourStack is my stack for folks on Substack to receive design and tech help for their newsletters. I'm a web and graphic designer, in addition to being a writer, with years of marketing and design experience. My aim is to demystify the process of publishing on Substack, and helping you understand and utilize the tools available to you.”: Twice weekly posts on fashion, culture, current affairs, dating, divorce, grief, and professional issues from a trade union leader. by Shawna Ayoub: A free monthly publication on topics of expressive writing for release and recovery and memoir. by : “A tiny corner of the internet where I share honest, occasionally funny, always truthful musings on parenting, mid-life, complicated grief, and my herculean efforts to live with joy and purpose while navigating the rocky waters of life (especially after a difficult diagnosis).” by : A newsletter about the complexities of adolescent mental health and development, offering insights into cognitive and emotional challenges faced by teens. It serves as a resource for parents, educators, and professionals navigating the teenage years. by : “A newsletter for people who want to watch more movies made by women. It began as a blog that I started in late 2017, after the Harvey Weinstein allegations broke. It was a wake-up moment for me when I realized that the vast majority of movies I watched were written or directed by men. I wanted to correct my vision and make an effort to seek out more movies created by women.” by Lynn Shattuck: by Emily F. Popek: Explores the culture of parenting and education, from a midlife perspective, from a writer, parent, PR professional and rural enthusiast whose parenting idol is Ramona Quimby's mom.
Suggested Read: “She Wears Short Skirts, I Wear T-Shirts: Reflections on Mothering a Tweenage Swiftie”
from writer and editor Holly Sawchuk: Figuring it all out — the murky midlife of a woman who is sometimes flying and sometimes drowning. by Loretta: A brutally honest, often messy, sometimes hilarious account of midlife dating and sex post-divorce. by Tamsin Chennell: by Rebecca Ferguson: For women aged 35-55+ who are craving an expansive vision for their sex lives. It features stories from the journey of Rebecca Ferguson, who went from a sexless marriage to a multi-orgasmic wonderland, in which she achieved 3000+ orgasms in one year. It’s filled with data, tips and candid observations about what worked and what didn’t.
by : Where humor, philosophy, and storytelling intersect. Marketing for people who hate marketing. by Sarah McCraw Crow: Covers books, art, late bloomers, and writing. It also includes an occasional series called Midlife Authors, featuring writers who debuted at midlife.
Suggested Read: “On late bloomers, flowers, friendship, and Mary Delany”
by : Anti-diet fashion advice from a perimenopausal stylist. by Ashley Kelsch: From a former lingerie & sexual wellness shop owner turned dating & relationship columnist & coach, who now spends her time writing about and coaching people how to Unf*ck Midlife.: “I write personal essays about the neurodiverse experiences of women in midlife. I also offer coaching advice to self-employed neurodiverse women.” by : An unconventional—and occasionally unpopular—approach to raising strong, smart, and sane kids in a world that's lost its way. This candid exploration fearlessly tackles tough parenting topics, offering insights into the often bumpy transition to adulthood. From parents of ‘almost-growns’ learning to step back (kind of) to young adults navigating the complexities of 'adulting' (with varying degrees of success), this perspective sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of growing up—and letting go—in today's unpredictable world. by Kate Boyette: “I'm a newly single mother at 46 years of age, writing about my transition out of marriage and into my new phase of life as a writer. My essays discuss patriarchy, misogyny, motherhood, perimenopause, food, and finding my creative way.”: “As a former magazine editor I think of it as a left-of-centre mini-magazine. An essay I write anchors each week's newsletter (the "features well") and then around it I build the "furniture" in the form of carefully curated links to great external content including other Substackers' work. I include links to topics not typically covered by women's mags, including politics, art, creativity, craft, the environment and nature.” by Elise Young: “An account of a random street assault that injured my brain and left me in need of craniofacial reconstruction. I write about healing emotionally with my horse, Victoria, in a community of fellow equestrians, all women.” by Claire Ponders: A weekly travel newsletter for curious people in search of awe and inspiration, focusing on how we change the world by moving through it, and how the world changes us each time we feel moved. by : “Every parent who’s “doing it right” has struggles and challenges. The “normal” child does not exist; like so many others my family and I are neurodiverse. I have been writing my "Momoir" about autism and I lead my readers along the path from mystery and dark forests full of biting creatures through tunnels of quirky behaviors, ill fitting diagnoses, misunderstandings, tears, judgments, and diagnostic testing, and over the hurdles of social skills learning, friendship making, bullying, and self regulation strategies. We’ll voyage through the treacherous lands of middle school and high school to arrive at the podium of graduation and the prizes that come out of nonstandard neurology.” by : “As a midlife mom, business owner, writer and polymath, my stack covers a variety of interesting subjects. As a perimenopausal woman shocked by the blindspot modern medicine and society at large has for this enormously important and complex part of every woman’s life, I’m sating the quiet parts out loud with honesty, humor and humility.” by : Life at the bleeding edge of Generation X. Money, work, culture, and life in general from a writer specializing in business and finance. by : “My ongoing weekly sex tips for girls* (*girls who are holding on to mid-life by a thread). A modern dating and love odyssey for Young Olds, AKA, people with readers.” by Charlene Alofs: Stories inspired by a bumpy yellow brick road, finding humor in growing older and making up for lost time by celebrating the simple things, the extraordinary in the ordinary moments, and of course, YOU! by Miriam Verheyden: Deeply honest and vulnerable essays about love, fear, mental health, and being a woman in the world, as well as perimenopause, feminism, living a sober lifestyle, age-gap relationship (my husband is 25 years older than me). by Patsy Day: “I write about women navigating the wobbly middle of their midlife careers. My aim is to build a supportive community giving women the confidence to seek knowledge, explore new avenues, and embrace the sometimes scary, sometimes exhilarating uncertainty of this next phase of their working lives. The companion podcast launches [in September] where we interview women who've pivoted in their careers midlife eg midwife turned femtech innovator; doctors who re-specialised and founded a hormone clinic after not being able to find help for their sub-fertile, perimenopausal patients).” by : “(Wo)menopause is about being. Being what you ask? Just being. Essays about life, pain, mental health, humor and whatever else comes to mind from a woman of a certain age.” : “My Substack is, in broad strokes, about ‘Writing, Creativity, and Other Acts of Mayhem.’ In reality, it is about identity, finding time and space to be all the things we want to be while juggling all the things we have to be. Motherhood -- the real struggles and joys -- is a constant in my blog.” by Paige Geiger: The title (Work in Progress) is in reference to my current writing project (a memoir of my year as a young research scientist living in Florence, Italy) and because despite recently turning the glorious age of 50, I still feel like I am a work in progress. I write about work/life balance, parenting teens, healthy aging, and caring for a parent with dementia. Oh, and books! by Zoe Deleuil: Writing, reviews, essays, rants, recipes and more from the Perth desk of crime novelist Zoe Deleuil.: From a woman in midlife who was saved by writing, connecting fellow writers through literary citizenship. by Elizabeth Austin: “I share personal narratives that blend vivid storytelling with emotional insight. My Substack essays explore topics like single motherhood, endurance, and pushing through unexpected challenges, often with a sharp wit and candid vulnerability. Readers can expect reflections on atypical family dynamics, societal expectations, and the power of enduring through hardship.” by : From a seasoned writer, editor, and brand builder whose work centers around her achievements and passions, often as seen through the lens of aging: the business of fashion, beauty, and a devotion to wellness and fitness. by Jordan Rosenfeld: A place to reflect and dissect aspects of our changing bodies and world, as well as writing and books, through essays, reflections and analysis. by Janine Agoglia: Discusses practicing yoga when you are over 50, both on and off the mat from a GenX yoga instructor and how to use yoga, meditation, journaling, and breath to get through life's challenges, learning to be kinder and gentler the myself and teaching others to do the same. by : From a writer and a lifelong noticer, whose highest calling is to drink up the tiny details of life and share them with the world. by Holly Bailie: “I focus on personal growth, through a range of topics including mindfulness, fulfilment, and self-coaching/journalling questions.”
wow! so much good stuff from so many interesting women! I'm getting out my reading glasses! 👓
Thanks so much for including me. Really looking forward to getting stuck in to reading the others :)