Springing Forward

Where and what I'm writing is changing

Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash

(Trigger warning: minor rant and shameless self-promotion to follow)

Spring is here, and, like Planet Earth, I’m experiencing something of a rebirth in my writing. Since I began this newsletter, the platforms I’ve been writing on have undergone numerous changes, some to my advantage, others…not so much. Although I’m not reliant on my writing income for life’s necessities, I’m not content to work for nothing. (One of the reasons I’m no longer adding to my stories on Vocal Media.)

I’ve just finished my third year writing on Medium. The first two years were wonderful. I made enough to pay my property taxes which thrilled me to no end. I’ve met other writers through the platform, for whose support and fellowship I’m grateful. I’ve also learned much about writing online and experimented with different genres, from poetry to politics.

Recently, Medium got a new CEO who’s been making changes that have not been good for yours truly. Along with many of my fellow writers on the platform, I’ve begun focusing on writing elsewhere. I will probably continue to post things there occasionally to keep a hand in. I’m not much of a bridge burner.

The good news is that…

I’ve been accepted as a paid contributor on the NewsBreak app, and it’s free for you to subscribe and follow me. In addition, if you use this link, I get a small bonus that costs you nothing (hint, hint).

Unlike Medium, NewsBreak makes my stories accessible to its 45 million active users. Since I started writing there early this year, something I wrote was read by a human being over 94,000 times.

On Medium, where I have 315 more stories and twice as many followers than I do on NewsBreak, it was about 7,000 reads for a similar time frame. Consequently, the money is much better at NB, too.

For you, my dear readers, the experience will be somewhat different since NewsBreak does not allow the broad range of content that the other platforms I’ve worked with do. Its focus is news, and they like to run local stories. There’s no profanity, clickbait headlines, or listicles allowed. People sometimes write about poetry, as in “April is Poetry Month” sort of stuff, but nobody goes there to read actual poems.

Speaking of poetry, one of my haikus was chosen for the 2023 edition of the Pennsylvania Bards Eastern PA Poetry Review anthology. You can buy a copy on Amazon, but I’ll save you the trouble and expense and share the poem here:

The Wind and the Cherry Tree

Photo by Denise Shelton

Like an April bride

I trod a path of blossoms

To pick up the mail

I was invited to read my haiku at a ceremony at one of the fine Hilton properties, but it’s a two-hour round trip. That seems a bit much to read three lines, although it’s an honor to be asked.

In future issues of What’s Denise Shelton Writing Now? I will still include poetry even if it’s not being published elsewhere.

Here are some links to a few of my NewsBreak stories. Oddly enough, I’m doing very well with recipes. If you’re interested in writing for NewsBreak, you can find out more by clicking here.

How Easter is Different in Other Countries (Dousing, whipping, and voluntary crucifixion)

How the Amish Celebrate Holy Week: An Exploration of Easter Observances (Similarities and differences with other American customs)

Home Cooking: Irish Spaghetti (My grandmother’s weird Good Friday go-to)

Kansas Has Been Home to Several Families of Ruthless Serial Killers (The family that preys together)

Transforming Your Pennsylvania Lawn Into a Wildflower Meadow (This is just me pandering to the local format. The principles are the same in many places.)

That’s it, for now, inconstant readers. I appreciate you all hanging in there with me on the journey. What’s that link again? Oh, here it is.

Cheers,

Denise