Introductions
Who's who?
Here you will meet other readers of The Fiertzeside - a Who is Who. As we’ve progressed in this space, we’ve found a meeting of minds and many who have extended the conversation beyond what I’ve written. I find myself in awe of the many different writers and artists here, which is, at times, rather scary! I am extremely grateful and honoured by your support of this project. I couldn’t have wished for a more vibrant gathering.
For readers outside of Substack, please know that your participation from afar is greatly appreciated, your anonymity respected and that you are held warmly in my heart. You are very, very welcome to The Fiertzeside.
Some readers within Substack are active in Notes where they may be followed:
, , , ,, Anne, Antonio, Barbara G, , , , , @Casey, Coral, , dougfort, , , , Gary, , Glenn Blalock, Gratefulmushrooms, , Jana S, , Jen, Jessica, , Karen Cook, , , Khalann, Kristė, , , Lorraine Tilbury, , , , , , , , , , Robin H , , Sabrina, , , Scott Mech, , sion ficl, , , , text , , , , , andAnd many readers are Substack writers
Alexander M Crow writes The Crow's Nest. There are two strands to his newsletter. The first to which I was initially drawn stems from his experience as a lifelong naturalist, which includes a period of time spent living as our ancestors would have in the forest. Now is a good time to subscribe, as he recently began a series guiding future naturalists who aren’t quite sure where to start, a series Alex plans to compile into a book. The second strand to The Crow’s Nest is his fiction writing on which, I confess, at the time of writing, I have not yet delved.
is a Ukrainian author of more than 20 books. On Substack, he writes , a blog which includes short fiction, poetry, faith-based posts, social commentary and psychology. is who connects “the dots in macroeconomics, technology & culture to form the "big picture" so you can build perspectives on current matters with clarity, identify great businesses & improve your financial & mental wellbeing to thrive in a better world tomorrow.” Amrita recently launched her publication with four posts a week. Respect, Amrita! writes which is at the time of writing a relatively recent Substack. However, Ana is no stranger to writing, being a NY Times and USA today bestselling author of steamy, romance novels. Her posts provide insights into a writer’s life, and the inner workings of her characters. Though not really my genre of read, hey summer’s coming, and life at the river beach might need a bit of steam! writes is Substack newsletter “discussing culture and politics without all the caterwauling”. Sounds good. His topics of interest are as wide ranging as local news with a personal flair, the value of mathematics and rumination on the happiness index.Anjaneyulu kommuis a new to Substack writer whose first posts are on the topics of friendship and love.
’s is one I just had to subscribe to. It’s a life I can relate to, even though mud is rarely a feature of my life in Portugal. is the ringleader for Projectkin, a community of family historians interested in stories. She aims to help you get started with your own “family history storytelling journey”. A good companion forum to . is a long-standing Substacker who writes which is a perfect title for his letters. Music to nourish your soul, letters to a younger self, and climate news and activism, there is always something to ruminate upon and draw inspiration from. If you or anyone you know is looking for ecologically friendly employment, I recommend a trip to this particular post. writes for a living, being an author of six non-fiction books. She also hosts a podcast aimed at those who aspire to being ‘the fearless writer’. Her newsletter, reflects on “what it’s really like to write books and call it work …” Beth has also spent a lot of time in Japan, and if you ever plan an extended visit, she intends to include a guide to slow travel in Japan. writes which I discovered through someone sharing her very self-confessed raw story about how out of a period of poverty developed a food security plan which led to her sourdough story. It’s actually a good place to start your read of her Substack. writes the self-effacing newsletter and podcast . While not always daily, Chasey’s output is prolific with even more than one post in one day. This is a no-holds barred Substack where Chasey wears her heart on her sleeve. Expect anything from steamy romance to dreams and personal ramblings. Frank and fun! has recently launched a Substack entitled . He describes it as a place for learning, relaxation, and of course, coffee. Christian writes in Norwegian, with the occasional post in English. His first post is introductory, describing his tentative return to social media after a period of virtual slumber. He is a teacher who recently discovered an open source coded gaming engine he’s excited about - yup, he codes! hand makes art maps. Each has a story, sometimes real, sometime fiction. She does this collectively as much as individually, recommending and sharing her practice so that we might ourselves be able to leave a visual memory as a legacy to our families. It’s exciting and if you want to learn more about this enterprising endeavour, and view some spectacular art, head on over to . is a guide toward the light from a place of darkness, to the path when you are lost and truth midst the chaos. Bringing together a wealth of ‘research, exploration and innovation at the frontiers of survival, media, metaphysics and expanded consciousness’, Demi shares positive memes, and deeper dives into spiritual and metaphysical content. is the author of the non-fiction book Fixing Fractures: Restoring Shattered Relationships in Business and Life. His Substack is personal, and takes you on the road with him as he tells related stories and invites deeper reflection.Duane Marcus has worked the land for a lot of years and is highly connected to nature both for sustenance and for healing. You’ll be pleased to know he sells from an incredibly colourful stall at a farmers’ market, offering tie-dyed shirts, herbal teas and more among other things. I only wish it wasn’t on the other side of the Atlantic because I just know I’d be among one of his best customers. His posts are philosophical musings on a variety of topics, imparting wisdom I wish I’d had access to earlier in life.
has just launched her Substack . She is a professor in Econometrics and Bayesian Probability and a jazz musician. She writes about her observations as a quant, and her first post provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of voters, who are not loyal to any particular party, in next year’s upcoming election. writes a travelogue, the most recent journey of which is to Peru. I jumped in for Machu Picchu. Their journey is told like a story, and all the characters met along the way ripe for inclusion in a novel. Fun to read and a good way to learn about a place rather than a travel guide. is the author of the book, Eleven Hidden Gems in the Works of the Inklings: The “Music of Iluvatar” in the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Owen Barfield. His stack continues his work, illustrating the ‘secret literary theory’ behind the fantasy worlds of these authors. He begins your journey into a with Father Time. Good, thoughtful insight which I am certain some of you will absolutely love.A quick look at
’s stack by the same name and I could see how came to be at The Fiertzeside. Also known as Big Jim, he’s an eco-socialist operating a radio station, and newsletter from “an old Wonder Break Truck in Rulo, Nebraska”. If that truck still goes travelling, Big Jim, I think you’ll be greatly appreciated and welcomed by our community here in Portugal! writes : During a period of depression, Gillian created Li’l Bean who has ‘a big heart, a cheeky sense of humour, and an Australian accent’. Together with the hopeful heart of Li’l Bean and a friend who shared three glimmers and sparks of joy daily, Gillian makes a daily quest for beauty and joy which she now shares. Who doesn’t need that reminder in their lives? offers a stack for book lovers. She both writes and shares her love of books. At the time of writing, she is about to release her first serialised novel, a Victorian gothic, Aeonian. It’s a good time to join. writes writes, shares and freely gives (with credit) lyrics to blues songs. At the time of writing they launched a podcast promising interviews with people from the blues world.Helen Reynolds is a new to Substack artist. Her newsletter, entitled Workbook: Helen Reynolds, with topics already as diverse as traditional Indonesian dyes and her own artistic process, I feel sure this is going to be an informative and artistic emporium of delight.
is a high school student who writes articles, reflections and poetry from a multi-disciplinary perspective with the aim of engaging critical thought. adores Mexico so much that she built herself a house there and opened a bookstore. A great guide for the slow traveller, this is “A love letter to Mexico”. Wonderful insights even for the vicarious traveller: provides a tremendous resource for those interested in witchcraft and metaphysics. Her Substack, offers monthly downloadable resources, which are beautifully compiled, each based on a given theme. Additionally, her tarot reflections offer a downloadable associated ritual. For those not wishing to practise, there are plenty of thoughtful articles, e.g. on the human superpower of meaning-making. at the time of writing is about to launch her Substack (love her already!) and proposes that she’ll be “pebble-tossing from a trauma therapist hoping to generate healing waves”.Jo is reclaiming her creativity and invites you to do the same. Often creative pursuits take a back seat to the daily humdrum of life. Jo is working to reclaim the time she gives to investing in her creativity. Even during a slump, her art is inspiring to gaze upon.
John Lovie writes Mostly Water and delves into the beauty of open water swimming and kayaking in the Pacific North-West in addition to contemporary issues relating to water. I highly recommend reading his stories from a recent trip to Finland.
is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who writes . A published author and contributor to publications as prestigious as the New York Times, he offers his perspective on contemporary developments in his area of expertise, which may be of use to parents and families who want practical medical advice. He has just begun a serialised memoir which starts here.Joseph Lim A new to Substack writer who launched by sharing an in-depth article on US Foreign policy.
Joyce Wycoff writes gratitude mojo and substack field guide. If you are a new Substack writer, I can’t recommend this Substack enough. Once you’ve got yourself set up, Joyce’s questions and insights take you a step further toward a professional and abundant stack. Her gratitude mojo is expressed both in what she gives to help people navigate their way around Substack (check out her downloadable field guides) and also in the way she connects with writers and readers on the platform. In between commentary on making a better Substack, she writes about gratitude, connection and has an uncanny knack for finding extraordinary Substack writers.
recently launched which I’m very excited about. “The Possibilities Project is my hub to build community with folks who want to develop awareness, strength, ideas, creativity and flexibility, in a world that often tries to restrain and exhaust us.” Her first post is inviting to those who gather at The Fiertzeside as she is interested not so much in individual action (as promoted in self-help books) but more in how individual action (e.g. driving a car) collectively creates the outcomes it does. writes . Coming from a background in architecture, Julie builds hope in her students, finding ways to creatively adapt to the challenges of the future. Her Substack goes well beyond the technical aspects of architectural challenges and presents a thoughtful, ethical response to climate change issues. is a spiritual coach and tarot reader, poet and artist. She writes about the “mystical, magical, wild nature of our spiritual journeys” and offers “explorations into the liminal”. After following one of her meditations, “liminal” is my new favourite word. You’ll find her page here: .KateMotleyStories writes Motley Stories. I used to walk with the mindset that wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t concern ourselves so much with legacy, but instead leave the earth as if we’d never been here. Given I could be faced with grandchildren questioning what did I do knowing the crisis we are in, I am taking seriously the kind of legacy I will leave. If you are too, Kate will help you on the way.
writes , an exploration of the ecosystem of plants, animals and humans. Her newsletter will be of interest to readers of The Fiertzeside as she invites us to slow down and consider what a good future would look like. Inspired by writers we ourselves have met in the course of our journey, I’m super pleased Katharine found her way here. Kent Peterson writes a page a day using an old manual typewriter, then posts an image of the page for us to read. I think that’s amazing. There’s a story in each, so why not check out this amusing anecdote to get a flavour of his writing?Kim Peach Also new to Substack, Kim offers an interactive writing space. Each post provides three sets of three writing prompts and a time limit of 15 minutes in which to respond. She undertakes each prompt herself and documents a reflection on how the exercise went. Already, I can see the makings of interesting short stories or even longer novellas in the brief responses.
“…I summersaulted over my bicycle handlebars, but a pelvic fracture and two months of immobilization were the least of my unraveling. Life pushed me off the deep end. During bedrest, I learned that my deceased dad wasn’t my biological father. A few months later, my brain rewired itself to perceive solid ground as liquid. When I tried reentering the world with my new, wobbly perception, it was clear that my career was also going for a dive.” Unfixed is Kimberly’s chapter by chapter memoir of being Unfixed. I jumped in late and was immediately astounded by the poetry of her writing. Kimberly has a handy page for reading the memoir in chronological order. writes on a variety of subjects - history, politics, writing, family, Asperger’s, animals, humour and best of all, weird stuff. I particular recommend the series Yes, It Really Happened. is a neuroscientist who has turned her attention to ‘all things subconscious, energetic, and mysterious". She writes , ‘An odyssey into the mystical subconscious.’ She invites you, when reading her letters, to get your consciousness out of the way and let them seed in your subconscious and see how it grows. writes a newsletter of the same name in which she writes beautiful essays, letters and short stories. Each is deeply personal and emotive, highly observant and eloquent: “There’s something about waking up at three in the morning. It’s the most honest part of my day.”, after a directionless life, found himself spiralling into despair. He raised himself up to bring us . Part memoir, part inspiration. is an English professor in Japan who teaches both her students and us about the history behind songs from different places and eras. I was first drawn in by this post and as music is so much a part of our household, I can’t wait to read (and listen to) more of . writes , a seasonally themed digital notebook. The first season is based on words of poetry written on fallen leaves, then left in the forest as ephemeral art. A rather beautiful theme, wouldn’t you agree? is a creative writer and former professor, self-described as ‘a hunk of jade’. To find out why, you’ll have to head on over to the newsletter! Thought-provoking poems illustrated with AI artistry (among other work). describes herself as an observational poet with a deep interest and experience in travel. You will find her poetry and travel notes here:. writes the extremely popular . The title comes from an award winning children’s picture book with a title of the same name. He has released so many many more stories, each illustrated with colourful and moodful artistry.Marple is the writer of the mystery crime novel series, The DCI Doggett Mystery. Currently about to release the fifth in the series, their Substack invites you to follow their writing process and musings along the way. Good luck with the new book!
writes , in which he challenged himself “to write a poem each week for a year”. This is now a habit which he shares through his newsletter. He describes them as “soul-searching and murky, hopeful, wry and as true as I can make them”. is formerly a popular political blogger who has turned to more creative writing, memoir and photography. Her Substack offers all of this and more, including an orientation as a naturalist.Paul Wood If you happen to be in the more urban towns of Britain and Ireland and are need of the shade of a tree with character, then look no further than The Street Tree. If I ever happen to return, I will definitely dig into Paul’s archives for nearby trees to gaze upon with greater appreciation than I might have before.
is an action researcher interested in panpsychism asking the question of “what it would like to live in a world of sentient beings rather than inert objects”. He writes where he shares shared stories in answer to that question. writes a series of ‘self care reflections inspired by nature’. Every poetic essay is illustrated with the most beautiful and atmospheric photographs. If you love ’s Hill, you’ll love the Vineyard Tales. Both are places where I like to spend my time.And if you like the previous recommendation, you’ll also love Renée Eli, Ph.D. who writes Beyond the Comfort Zone, a poetic pilgrimage into the wilds in a Sprinter van. Beautifully written, visually compelling and endlessly inspiring. Her observations are detailed and speak as much of the pilgrim as they do the landscape in which she is situated.
is a Soto Zen Buddhist priest who was given the Dharma name Fire Lotus, Listening Heart. In the newsletter , Shōren combines storytelling with a deep understanding of Zen. A good companion to Andō’s Silentium. is packed full of stories about writers trying to get their work out there. Richard illustrates the pitfalls with a dose of humour and hint of cynicism as publishing houses make money out of people’s hopes and dreams. A good example of how to give advice without seeming to. is a Romanian writer who gathers her tribe together under the shade of a tree. She says: “I've written about travel and family life, graduated from photography school and graphic design college, travelled by motorbike and horseback and, understandably, learned to write, photograph and draw - all in the last 16 years. But most of all, I've learned to slow down and believe that we can reinvent ourselves at any time, that it's in our nature to constantly grow, develop, explore” (DeepL translated). Her art and words are extraordinary and can be viewed at . writes a new to me Substack which has a little of everything, from Russell’s art, to short stories, to an envisioning of the new now. Many of you will like his declarations and manifestos, but be sure to check out the short stories that accompany his mixed-media art. is a zen practitioner and artist combines both in their newsletter. In, Sal takes a deep dive into art so we may learn and understand it from a unique, transformative perspective. A good example is Loverboy.Samuel Chapman who writes Brogues Britannicus is a fellow lover of alliteration, his Substack being about “Architecture, Art, Anglicana, Aesthetics, and Anything else”. A recent discovery for me, and possibly for you too, I would recommend starting with the medieval mindset and then move on to the modern mindset, particularly if you like a bit of philosophy.
If you dislike finding yourself reading poorly written books, Sean McNulty sifts and sorts so you don’t have to.
is your first stop for recommendations on world-class literature. has a successful bookstagram in which followers are invited to join him on slow reads of big tomes. He has brought to Substack and in 2024 plans two slow reads, Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, and Hilary Mantel’s Cromwell trilogy. He also has a fireside gathering, and is happy for you to follow along in the warmth of the embers without ever joining in, but if you’re more outgoing and have lots to say as a curious and creative reader, he’d love for you to join in the conversation with his merry gang of followers. writes a newsletter of the same name, but is better known by the name of Sam. She “weaves shamanism, story-telling and spiritual mentoring with the wisdom of the ever changing seasons and moon cycles, to create a gentle and profound space for healing and transformation”. Her posts invite you into a mindful space, and offer a magical moment, or moment of soft, simple, stillness. I think you’d agree it’s something we could all use on a regular basis. is a new to Substack writer who claims to write what they think about. More specifically, they argue that “in this digital era, we’re surrounded by a constant stream of spectacle” and invites us to join them on a “journey towards a more meaningful digital landscape”. I think many of us here are on a similar quest. provides art to accompany your morning breakfast. She is a professional artist who, on Substack gives a peek into her morning sketchbook, . Her sketches include little snippets of joy and whimsy - a perfect start to your day. A wonderful, happy place to go that provides insights into the behind the scenes process of an artist. is a sociologist who reflects on “human interaction, human culture, human institutions and human relationship to the physical world”. She writes about themes we care about here, “democracy, inequality, economy, education … and climate change”, from her Appalachian home. If you love The Fiertzeside, you’ll definitely be interested in Sue’s perspective.Susannah Fisher is another person whose connection with nature can be witnessed in her extraordinary journals. She writes Cricklewood Nature Journaling and like Alexander above, offers tips for keeping a journal of your own and, through her chat space, accountability for those wanting to develop a habit. Simply through the action of starting I have learned a lot about drawing (I’m terrible, and have a long way to go before my journals look anything like Susannah’s), and have increased my knowledge of our resident birds. On the subject of drawing, I’ve discovered a kind of joy in my messy scribbles, so don’t let that hold you back if you feel it could be an obstacle.
Susie lives on a hill in France from where she takes the most gorgeous photographs and captures spectacular light both visually and in her poetic prose. A deeply thoughtful reflection on the changing of the seasons, she has an uncanny ability to give character to place.Tara Penry writes
. Similar in spirit to Joyce above, Tara’s generosity and giving nature bounds out off her pages. United states, she argues, are to be found in moments of enchantment. She searches for those moments in literature and beyond. Her writing is thoughtfully deep, and never fails to provoke reflection. is about to launch their publication of the same name, “a newsletter on creative life and affective encounters—my shimmering field notes of noticing the subtle and fleeting—and on how to nurture containers holding the fermenting unfinished—on the stuff that feeds our ongoing becomings.”Todd Brasel is also a mystery writer, but to put him entirely within this genre is misleading. He has also written non-fiction and has experience as a journalist. Two novellas are available to read, with two guides to find your way through them. I was hooked early on, so recommend a peek.
Tynette Deveaux writes from a position of activism for social justice and action on climate change. I believe her newsletter,
, to be currently on hold and I’m looking forward to her return as I know you will fully appreciate the posts which are available to read. is a leading writer in the team which aims to demystify all the terminology surrounding financial investment and make it accessible to people like me! I dared myself to read one of the articles, and he made good on their promise. It was almost as good as watching The Big Short. writes - The Clay Tablet where the reader is invited to engage in discussion on a variety of issues: social, current events, culture, personal development and self-improvement.Yogalogy by vishal is a space for spirituality and self-discovery. A new writer to Substack his first few contemplative posts promise food for inner reflection and rumination.
’s is a Substack for nature lovers, particularly for those who live or about to visit New Zealand. Her garden is dedicated to nature, in particular, butterflies. As a board member of the Moths & Butterflies NZ trust she is well-qualified to write about the species that she does, with birds and dragonflies also making an appearance. Even if you don’t have time to read, the photographs are stunning.I update this page at the end of each series, however, if you don’t see your name by the end of the series you joined and think it should be here, please give me a nudge. Similarly, if you were mentioned as a subscriber, but have since launched your own Substack, let me know so I can adjust accordingly.
Honoured to be mentioned! I'm pretty new to Substack, and this was a lovely surprise, thank you
Thank you for the mention! This is so wonderful!