Should I?

Subscribe now to let me know if you think I should begin a Substack on writing and life? I'm talking light and shadow, joy and sadness, untold secrets and behind-the-scenes, all of it.

Dear friends,

Back in the day, when I had a job with a boss and a business card, I used to dream about living a creative life, doing what I love. I even carried a secret dream - so secret that it was tucked deep into the recesses of my heart and no-one new about it - of writing a book. Back in those days, there was a thriving blog scene, with such things as Google Reader, for reading all the blogs you like, and ‘blog rolls’ for recommending all your friends. I used to wake up each morning and log onto to Google Reader to get a peek into the lives of people I admired, who were living the kind of life I dreamt about.

Now, more than a decade later, sitting here editing the manuscript of my sixth non-fiction book, I know that a lot has changed. I got braver for a start, and began making decisions to do what I loved. I am so grateful for much of what has happened these past few years. But also the blogging scene changed, and social media took over, and while there is much to love about it, it doesn’t quite replace the old world of blogging, which felt familiar, safe, intimate and special.

But today I took a masterclass from the lovely folks at

Substack Writers

which inspired me in a way I wasn’t expecting. It felt like the old days, but done better. And it made me want to create my own Substack, and share behind-the-scenes of life as an author, mama, Japanologist, midlifer trying to make the most of this precious life before it evaporates, as we know it will.

So should I? Should I write one? If you would be interested in hearing from me, about navigating midlife in all its joy and difficulty, the real world of writing books and using writing as actual medicine, about my best Japan travel recommendations, then let me know by subscribing below, and I might just make it a thing.

You and me. And others like us. Open-hearted. Open-minded. Freedom seeking fearless writers who want to make the most of this precious life. Sound good? Let me know by subscribing and I might just do this. Thank you to Louise Gale for inspiring me to start my first blog all those years ago, and to Kari Chapin

ACCOUNTABLE. a diary about details.

for inspiring me today.

Beth Xx

Photo by Holly Bobbins