Hello, there!
An introduction to this newsletter
Dear readers:
I’m sorry in advance, but here’s the deal: a very nice man told me if I wanted to get published I should start a newsletter. So, here we are. You see, I am trying to get a book published, and I’d really like to do it traditionally (i.e., not through self-publishing methods). In today’s world, if you want to publish fiction, you need to have some kind of platform. I’ve started an Instagram (@hlmgarrisonwrites), and now it’s time for the longer form angle: the newsletter. So, there it is—we’re only here so I can get published. Right? Right.
At this point I hear my late grandmother say in her sweet, creaky voice: “Hannah Lee, Jesus truth?” (which was her way of calling BS on someone).
Well, I can’t lie to grandma. To be totally honest, I’ve also wanted an outlet to write… just for writing’s sake, especially when reflecting on the more existential, philosophical, or theological topics of life. Many of you know I attended the University of Oxford last year for a Certificate in Theological Studies. The process taught me that I really enjoy writing essays and personal reflections, and I need an outlet for that. I have this nasty habit of falling down thought rabbit holes in my head at very inappropriate moments: when I should be listening to friends, when my pastor is giving a sermon, when I’m toasting nuts on the stove. So, all of this is to say for the sake of the pine nuts I think I need to give myself an outlet.
Now, I do dearly hope this will be enjoyable for you all. I know everyone gets a lot of emails and I don’t want to add to your pile flippantly. I promise to be conscientious of your attention and not take it for granted. Also, there are a number of you on this mailing list who have supported me in my writing journey for a very long time, and I’m deeply grateful for you. I know I can keep my writing close to my chest, and perhaps you are ready to actually know what kind of trash fire Hannah keeps under her lid. Well, your wait is over, dear reader.
Finally, something I do long for and hope we can foster together is community. I am excited to share what I’m working on and thinking about, but I’m even more excited to hear your responses. I’ve recently been reflecting on the nature of storytelling, how there is always a teller and a listener. The beautiful thing is that more often than not when a good story is told it inspires another, and then the listener and teller swap places. I hope we can do this. I hope as I tell you what’s going on in my world, you tell me about yours. Like some wacky dosey-doe formation, I hope we all swing each other around and go careening into delight.
Alright, Hannah, calm down. Keep your shirt on, love.
Right, right. Back to business. Anyway, I’ll publish this newsletter monthly. My plan, at least for the next few iterations, is to slowly introduce you to the book I am trying to get published, Footfall. I will also share personal reflections and news (you guys will be the first to hear of any publishing news!), as well as what I’m enjoying reading, listening to, watching, and playing. That will be it.
I hope you consider subscribing. I hope you share this with your friends and family. But more than all of that, I hope you have a great day.
Take care, dear reader.
Hannah