Six Month Substack-a-versary!
Just Musings.
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Welcome, welcome, welcome,
As you can see from the title of today’s post, this week marks exactly six months since I embarked on my Substack adventure and founded The Ink-Stained Desk. It feels like a fitting moment to pause, look back at the path I've tiptoed along, and peek hopefully into what lies ahead.
Community.
One of the most enriching aspects of these past six months has been discovering the incredibly vibrant and supportive community on Substack. In my ‘real life’, I am glaringly lacking in people who read for pleasure or write for subsistence. I have found those people here on Substack, and for that, I cannot be more grateful. From insightful comments on my posts to the sheer generosity of writers sharing their wisdom and encouragement, it truly feels like a collective of passionate individuals eager to connect and uplift each other. There's a unique sense of camaraderie here, and it's been a genuine pleasure to engage with so many brilliant minds.
Fiction.
My reading list has exploded since joining Substack, primarily due to the amount of great fiction being published here. I've devoured so many stories, from short, punchy pieces, beautiful poetry and the serialised fiction! OMG! (—some of you out there are amazing storytellers and deserve so much more recognition than you receive.) The sheer diversity and quality of the storytelling available are a testament to the incredible talent flourishing on this platform. It's been a constant source of inspiration and enjoyment.
Creativity.
Beyond the written word, Substack is a veritable hub of creativity. I've been consistently amazed by the innovative ways creators are using this platform, from analyses of niche topics to breathtaking photography and unique works of art. It's a space where experimentation is encouraged, and the boundaries of what's possible seem to be constantly expanding. This pervasive spirit of innovation has been both infectious and inspiring for me.
At this point, if this were a 90s television sitcom, there would be a montage of the essays and articles (scenes) that I have published in the last 6 months that have led me to this point. I will spare you this (—although the temptation to put something together is strong!). Suffice it to say that we have dug deep into genre, discussed the evolution of different stories and found piles of websites from which to access public domain art. Of course, there have been numerous personal reflections, musings on the craft of writing, and explorations of ideas that have captured my imagination at the time.
Each post has been a stepping stone, a moment of learning, and an opportunity to connect with you, my readers.
Looking into the Future.
As I look hopefully into the future, I find myself beginning the process of querying my first novel, a gothic folk horror set on an island that has both weird and wonderful lore. I look forward to talking more about that soon.
I'm also particularly excited about the newly launched Short Story Dissection series. This is where we'll roll up our sleeves and delve into the mechanics of short fiction (—leaning heavily into the horror and fantasy genres), pulling apart elements like character development, plot structure, and thematic resonance. My aim is for this series to be a practical and insightful resource for both readers who want to appreciate the nuances of a good story and writers looking to hone their craft. I believe there's so much to learn from closely examining the masters, and I'm eager to embark on this analytical journey with you all.
Basically, this week is to say the biggest and warmest thank you for being a part of the first six months of The Ink-Stained Desk. I'm genuinely excited about what the next chapter will bring.
Keep an eye out over the weekend as I’m doing a little (—or huge) overhaul of The Ink-Stained Desk publication page. I’ve been stalking a few of my favourite pages over the past few weeks, and you’ve all made me jealous of your beautiful layouts, so I’m determined to improve my own.
See you on Wednesday for the second instalment of Short Story Dissections.
C M Reid at The Ink-Stained Desk.
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Congratulations on the anniversary! I’ve greatly enjoyed your articles 💜