I love how Substack works—it’s the personification of the bohemian Gotham parties I read about and dreamed of attending but which had largely disappeared by the time I moved to NYC. Hundreds of intelligent, opinionated people chattering brightly about their favorite authors and directors or huddled in cosy corners comparing their philosophies of life. I went to a few—one of the first was on the upper East Side and Marvin Hamlisch played piano, just because he felt like it. People listened and sipped and spoke sotto voce about what I imagined were matters of consequence.
The thing about those parties were the connections you could make, without that even being the point—or maybe precisely because it was not the point. New friends were simply excited to introduce you to their friends, and share with you the name of the singer, dancer, or artist whose work you just had to experience in person. The same new acquaintance might suddenly gasp, recalling an agent they knew who was looking for something just like the thing you were working on. If not, they definitely knew the sort of gathering where you were bound to meet the right collaborator.
Well, that is Substack. Except it all happens online, with us wearing a lot less fashionable outfits—I assume—and not having to navigate to strange neighborhoods or take cabs after dark, and very little downing of trendy cocktails. The conversations begin almost daily, ebb and flow over days and weeks and months, and yield surprising results.
The following is a case in point. I came across
last year, and enjoyed reading a few of Lupita’s posts. I contacted her and mentioned that my memoir was new, and she was happy to interview me for her #NuevasPáginas series of new books by Latinx authors. I sent her a photo that Russel took of me working on Watchfire, and sent it off. Months went by and I kept reading the intermittent posts, and following her travels and book events here, as well as Instagram. Then, this week, my interview came out on her Substack, coinciding with HatS’ NIEA award (for Latinx nonfiction). Here is the interview—be warned, there’s Mexican food mentioned, so maybe eat first!Another cool Substack I have been enjoying for months now is the boat-focused
and they were kind enough to feature another excerpt from my book this week (previously, they ran my book’s Prologue, and also a short essay I wrote about holiday gatherings among cruisers in Mexico). NOTE: If you are not a subscriber, you won’t be able to read the excerpt. I love the way they always illustrate the literary pieces they run on SCA, and this gorgeous night-time image is the best yet.And of course, there’s my connection to
which continues to surprise and delight me. Today the magazine’s Music Editor Celia Chavez wrote a timely and incisive column about learning to value yourself as an artist in the face of the careless greed of the billionaires who run music streaming services. I hope you’ll take the time to read this important piece; it isn’t too long or heavy, but it is profound.My last bit of news this week is yet another book award. My memoir was a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and they sent my publisher a box full of goodies—stickers, the award booklet and a big heavy silver medal. I had forgotten that we’d even entered that contest, so that email from Rebecca was quite a nice surprise. I love that her faith in my book is being rewarded, at least a little bit. I’ll post the photo below, because why not? Eventually, the book awards for the 2023 titles will all be given out, so I might as well enjoy the moment!
The boat work continues. The sun is out for a day, then rain is forecast for over the weekend. But it looks like we’ll have sunny dry painting days next week. Sorry about not including the promised book reviews, I was painting the rudder and the skeg yesterday and today (see below), so that little writing project got bumped to next week.
I hope to see you all back here then. Thanks for coming along with me in this journey.
hasta pronto!
Huge congratulations, Jennifer! This was the week that was! So glad HaS has a long long lifespan that just keeps on sailing with temperate and favorable winds.
I enjoyed listening to Honeymoon at Sea on Audible. Great job!