Dear Reader,
Happy 2026. Since I last sent out an email in 2025, the whole ICE invasion exploded in Minneapolis AND in the greater Twin Cities.
And I am a lifelong Minnesotan.
So I did what I always do in hard moments: refrain from sending letters for the time being. I don't stop being a writer. If anything, I'm making space to be more present to what's in front of me.
I get my bearings and sort out frames. I witness what's going on and take notes to share when I have something specific to say. Then I prioritize my monthly podcast and write show notes. During these two months, I released two timely episodes.
Plus I'm working behind the scenes with writers.
So emails have waited. But I've been thinking of you.
In this post-Valentine's day catch-up email I'm sending not one, but TWO podcast links with real Minnesota creatives, plus a related announcement.
The Episodes:
Listen to Ep. 115, Writing for Good with Terry Newby here.
Listen to Ep. 116, Loving Our Neighbors with Jillian Rae here, including her new single, F*** ICE. (Except uncensored.)
Both episodes were recorded in the thick of this ICE quagmire.
These are, in a way, bookends, and I invite you to listen to both. But listen: While I'm calling you to recognize the energy of now, it's essential that we don't store that energy in our bodies, so I ask you to walk in nature or otherwise move to process the big emotions of living through times like these, and not go numb.
Join me on Substack for my upcoming First Draft Recording Masterclasses:
As a language teacher who started as an exchange student at 16, the best way I know to capture my most powerful lessons is to teach them to people expressing themselves in real time.
That's why I'm planning to offer a series of masterclasses called First Draft Recordings, in which I teach lessons on special topics, with exercises to practice and guidance on projects from me—with FREE but limited spots each session, by invitation only.
These call recordings will help me draft books.
And who's invited?
1) Paid Substack subscribers (join the free level for details when they're available; but only paid subscribers get invitations)
2) My Circle for Real-Life Writers (not currently open)
3) My 1:1 clients and special guests (fully booked)
Recordings from the lesson part will be posted in those groups. To get personal guidance from me, you have to be present.
First call on March 5, 6–7:30 pm (CT) is Safety Instructions: Explore what you need to move through your narrative journey and tend to yourself as you write your stories.
RSVP link coming soon on my Substack.
