Substack, Anyone?

Hi, there. I have recently–very recently–as in this morning, recently–started a Substack account. Well, this morning was my first post. I actually started the darned thing a few weeks ago and have been checking and rechecking my settings, my About page, etc. Some of those might change as I learn more.

Anyhoo, this is my first post. I am sharing it in full here just so you get the gist. I’ll include a link in case you’d like to subscribe, but even if you don’t, some of those posts will also make it here to my blog. Not all, mind you. That seems like a lot of work and I chose Substack to cut down on my frenzy. I’ll be dropping my account from Instagram, closing my Jo Allen Ash Facebook page, and possibly one of my YouTube channels because, hopefully, I won’t need them all anymore. I can quit stretching myself in all directions like an octopus on a merry-go-round reaching for multiple rings.

Thanks for sticking with me, folks. There’s very little on the site but the below post. Yet please check back at intervals. Something might grab your interest. An interest much appreciated! (PS: Clicking on the below image will take you to my site, or you can type in robinmaderich.substack.com in your browser)

I’d like to welcome you to Reading, Writing, and Randomicity.

I do love to read (hence the Reading topic) and plan to share with you my opinions of various books I’ve read or desire to read or have heard someone go on ad nauseum about reading. The books may be new releases, older ones, or from times gone by. I enjoy everything from history, fiction of all sorts (fantasy, sci-fi, beach reads, historical fiction, time-travel, and so much more), biography and autobiography, and the occasional cereal box (although I do not plan to provide reviews of those—yet).

Randomicity is about the other parts of my life, the moments, minutes, hours, days, where I commit myself to pursuits as arbitrary and possibly short-lived as crafts, travel, paranormal investigation, gardening, antiquing, the unexpected trip in my car when I took a wrong turn, my many failures at crochet, teaching an impossible dog to sit, etc. Randomicity.

The majority of posts will be under the Writing heading, where my many years as an author (published and pre-published) come into play. I have spent more time than I care to reveal putting words on paper and releasing them into the world. A world frustrating to navigate, full of ups and downs, joys and disappointment, and always questions, questions, questions. I have learned a lot about the craft and possess a desire to share knowledge and/or trial-and-error guesswork with you all in enlightening, useful, provocative, or just plain entertaining tidbits. Because, yeah, I might actually know things after all this time.

Posts will be released in the following categories:

· Butt in Seat and Write On (answers to real questions I have been asked)

· Miscellany and Minutiae

· Don’t Sell Yourself Short

· Now That You Mention It

· Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

· Crap, Did I Really Do That?

Still, mistakes could be in the offing. Views expressed. Disclaimers declared. In other words, everyone needs to do their due diligence, and keep those grains of salt handy…

I also plan to release a newsletter soon (possibly called The Shouting in My Head—I haven’t decided yet) about my various books under my various pen names as news occurs, including release dates, the not unexpected frustrating moments, dubious anticipation, relief, excitement, and general yakking.

I would appreciate if you’d come join me!

Robin

(aka Jo Allen Ash)