Newsletter: Vol. 1
This newsletter is a poor substitute
I’d much rather be strolling through the woods with you, or down a cobblestone street, deep in conversation. Or be engaged in an energetic discussion over a tasty meal. I’d rather you were thumbing the pages of a handwritten note on fine stationery than scrolling past pixels on your device, but this will have to suffice, for now.
That makes me wonder, though. Do you like the idea of receiving a newsletter in an envelope in the mail, on paper? Maybe it would be nice to go retro. Let me know your preference by taking a quick survey here: Threestory Press Newsletter Survey. No promises, but it could be fun.
Two Books
Speaking of snail mail, I recently enjoyed reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Have you read it? Made me want to start writing letters again. I have bundles of them saved from pre-email college days, and from the two years I spent living in Puerto Rico. They actually read a lot like emails or texts, not as pithy and profound as I might have hoped, just catching up on the details of life. Maybe it’s time to up my letter-writing game.
I also very much enjoyed Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Such a generous book. I’ll admit that the writing didn’t grab me at first, but the characters and the story were deeply thoughtful and I ended up loving it. It made me want to be good. There were definite resonant themes with some of the poems I’ve written. My dad liked the book so much that he sent the author a copy of The Gift of Broken Things. Allen responded with a kind (handwritten) note of appreciation.
Additional encouragement to take up pen and paper (and envelopes and stamps) in thoughtful ways.
A Poem
And speaking of strolling down a street with you, I recently came across this gem from the poet who has probably influenced my writing style the most: Kay Ryan.
Ideal Audience
Not scattered legions,
not a dozen from
a single region
for whom accent
matters, not a seven-
member coven,
not five shirttail
cousins; just
one free citizen—
maybe not alive
now even—who
will know with
exquisite gloom
that only we two
ever found this room.
from the collection The Niagara River, Grove Press, 2005
I don’t feel particularly gloomy about having found a room that we can share, but I like the reminder that we don’t need to speak to broad audiences to have a lasting influence; to make a connection.
The Gift of Broken Things
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, and thanks to many of you, The Gift of Broken Things is now in the hands of several hundred people. That’s many individual connections. We have received many kind notes from readers. Thank you!
If you have enjoyed the book and would like to share it, we have launched a website and the book is now available at threestorypress.com.
You can also currently find the book in person at two local gift shops: The Artisan Shop at Allied Arts in Menlo Park, and Ladera Garden and Gifts.
If there are other places you think should carry it, let me know and we’ll reach out.
Spread the Word
If you’ve liked reading this and think someone else might as well, please forward it. They can also subscribe to receive future versions here: Threestory Press Newsletter.
I plan to send something out about once a month. If you’d like more frequent updates, follow us on Instagram.