Waning Moon Round Up

In This Missive:

• Wondering: what you’d like to see at Missives in the future
• Reading: Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins
• Listening to: Palankeen & A Witchy Lullaby Playlist
• Planning: An online get-together for August
• Checking Out: Urban Gardening with Toad & Sage

What I’ m Wondering

I lovingly created a new survey for all my paid subscribers and Substack saw fit to eat it and then replace it with a horrid, ‘demographic’ style survey. I have dismantled that but apologies to anyone who was sent was sent that.  I am wondering what my readers like best about this newsletter—the Round Ups, Long Reads, Online Hangouts, Poem Dares. Would you like to see more writing advice, glimpses of my writing process, or day-in-the-life type posts? Anything else?

Missives from the Verge with Allyson Shaw is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

What I’m Reading

The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins

This novel was a bestseller in the UK and there was a lot of buzz around it. It was made into a miniseries for ITV, adapted by Collins, but I haven’t seen it. I was blown away by this book—a deconstruction of race wrapped up in the neat package of a compulsively readable mystery. Set just after the abolition of slavery in Britain—when the slave trade freely continued in the colonies—and slavery in all but name continued in Britain—the narrative is a finely tempered blade sent straight into the heart of racism that sadly continues in the UK. It’s also a dizzying love story about trauma and addiction. The book feels like a light hand drawing back the veil, and Frannie Langton is an unforgettable heroine. 

What I’m Listening To

J.R. Rivero Kinsey’s solo project Palankeen —soulful and strident beauty:

AND

I’m made this witchy playlist a while ago but continue to add to it. Each song has a kind of incantatory power for me: 

What I’m Planning

I’m thinking about hosting a Lammas New Moon Writing Hour or Social Hangout at the beginning of August. Is there interest in this?

What I’m Checking Out:

Amy Prentice’s website about urban gardening: Toad & Sage. 

Missives from the Verge with Allyson Shaw is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.