Today I’m going to share my most recent author newsletter update. You can subscribe by filling out your contact info here.
Dear Reader,
Since publishing my debut poetry collection, Too Jagged to Hold, I’ve focused all of my creative energy on how to help it get into the hands of readers who need these poems (tldr: marketing is hard, and the internet is an abyss, but I am learning a lot). Thank you for being a part of my publishing journey. One of the best parts of sharing my work has been hearing what people’s favorite poems are and what resonated with them- it’s like drinking a giant cup of hot chocolate for my heart.
I haven’t done much writing, but I have read some incredible books lately: Katabasis, by R. F. Kuang (depressed nerds go to hell, literally), Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell (the protagonist is a monster), and Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao (surreal adventure and incredible world-building).
Now I’m trying to figure out what I should create next…and I would really love your input.
I’ve always been a poet at heart, but I’ve also written short stories and I have a draft of a novel that’s currently on the back burner. If you’d like to read my favorite short story, which was published by Zooscape, you can read it for free here. The novel I shelved is a gothic romance inspired by my interest in the Bluebeard fairy tale, but I would have to rework it substantially before it would be ready for publication.
Imagine for a second that you could place an order (free of charge) for the type of writing you’d most like to receive from me in the coming months. What would it be?
Just email me and let me know what you’d like to read. If you’re short on time, you can reply with just one letter (or a mix):
A) Poems in a similar tone or vein (raw, intimate, lyrical pieces)
B) Poems but mix it up (any theme you are interested in?)
C) Essays drawing from both my personal experiences and professional knowledge (trauma recovery, mental health, meaning and purpose, relationships)
D) Short-fiction (emotionally honest, character-driven stories)
E) A novel (something fantastical, weird, emotionally intense, or cozy)
Your answer can help me guide where I put my creative energy. I want to write what feels meaningful for you, not just for me.
Thank you for coming with me on this journey-
Kristen Hornung
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