In This Missive:
Wondering: what you’d like to see at Missives in the future
Reading: Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins
Listening to: Palankeen & A Witchy Lullaby Playlist
Planning: An online get-together for August
Checking Out: Urban Gardening with Toad & Sage
What I’ m Wondering
I lovingly created a new survey for all my paid subscribers and Substack saw fit to eat it and then replace it with a horrid, ‘demographic’ style survey. I have dismantled that but apologies to anyone who was sent was sent that. I am wondering what my readers like best about this newsletter—the Round Ups, Long Reads, Online Hangouts, Poem Dares. Would you like to see more writing advice, glimpses of my writing process, or day-in-the-life type posts? Anything else?
What I’m Reading
The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins
This novel was a bestseller in the UK and there was a lot of buzz around it. It was made into a miniseries for ITV, adapted by Collins, but I haven’t seen it. I was blown away by this book—a deconstruction of race wrapped up in the neat package of a compulsively readable mystery. Set just after the abolition of slavery in Britain—when the slave trade freely continued in the colonies—and slavery in all but name continued in Britain—the narrative is a finely tempered blade sent straight into the heart of racism that sadly continues in the UK. It’s also a dizzying love story about trauma and addiction. The book feels like a light hand drawing back the veil, and Frannie Langton is an unforgettable heroine.
What I’m Listening To
J.R. Rivero Kinsey’s solo project Palankeen —soulful and strident beauty:
AND
I’m made this witchy playlist a while ago but continue to add to it. Each song has a kind of incantatory power for me:
What I’m Planning
I’m thinking about hosting a Lammas New Moon Writing Hour or Social Hangout at the beginning of August. Is there interest in this?
What I’m Checking Out:
Amy Prentice’s website about urban gardening: Toad & Sage.
I'm just now seeing this. So glad you're enjoying my music and thank you for sharing! <3
Fiona Apple and FKA twigs on a witchy playlist = yessss