Mark Starlin Writes! was originally called Monday Morning Mark. Every Monday morning, I sent out a single One Minute Wit story (humor that can be read in under a minute.) After six months, I started adding a microfiction story and a longer story, creating a sort of magazine format for my newsletter.
As time passed, I added more things, like serials and essays, which I published on different days of the week. So, I felt like a name change was in order. I changed my Substack’s name to Mark Starlin Writes! But I continued to send out a Monday Morning Mark newsletter every Monday.
I’ve been doing a weekly Monday Morning Mark for almost four years, and while I think the magazine format was a good fit during that time, it has started to feel a bit like a straitjacket. Frankly, I don’t think it is sustainable for me in the long run.
So, it is time for a change.
Monday Morning Mark Goes Retro
I know some of you look forward to reading Monday Morning Mark on Monday mornings, so I will continue to publish it on that schedule. But I am going to take it back to its roots and send out a single “One Minute Wit” story every Monday morning. I plan to schedule issues months ahead and not have to think about them as much.
Monday Morning Mark won’t have three stories anymore, but hopefully, it will still start your week off with a smile.
Freedom!
For the rest of my writing, I want the freedom to publish whatever and whenever I feel compelled to, one thing at a time, short or long, any topic or genre. I don’t want to be tied to a rigid format or schedule (of my own making!) I believe this freedom will be more creative for me and, hopefully, more surprising and enjoyable for readers.
Creativity Is Unpredictable
Consistency has its merits, but I am more creative when I am inspired or excited to write. Plus, writing is not my only creative passion. Music was my first love, and lately, it calls to me as much as writing—probably more.
If writing were my only creative outlet, sitting down every day and writing might be a good practice. But I want to chase inspiration whenever it happens and in whatever form it takes. I want to make music when I am inspired to without having to worry about putting together a weekly “magazine” newsletter.
I want to return to the feeling of writing being fun, even exciting. Not a commitment.
Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss
This is a major change in strategy for me, but it won’t be significantly different for you as a reader. Other than my newsletters may arrive at any time or day.
If you are as old as me, you might remember when you used to look forward to going to the mailbox to see what surprises it would bring. This will be much the same. Some days, you will get a newsletter from me. It could be anything. A fiction story, a humor story, a comic, poetry, an essay, a short serial. And some days, you might get a newsletter from someone else. You won’t know until you check your inbox or app.
I think it is good to take chances and shake things up occasionally. The last thing I want Mark Starlin Writes! to be is boring, predictable, or stagnant.
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Mark
Whatever the plan, it sounds good to me. I am a loyal fan. No strait-jackets allowed. Freedom rules!
Wise choices. I’ll keep up.