1 Sept. 2024

Closer to Fall

So much done and so much undone! That seems to be the eternal ode we live by.

The home native plant project (no more lawn!) has gone well here in its second year, I have a book (nearly) published, and I've been steadily bringing Waywords more fully online, now three years in to my five-year goals for it.

But much left! The new planting table and Little Free Library haven't been built, I've got the first Waywords online course to pull off before the calendar year, the podcasts are poised to publish again as soon as Unwoven is complete, and I really should remodel the bathroom and kitchen. No, really.

But so thankful that my days are filled, that I am creating, and the books to read--have I mentioned all the books?--are fulfilling and comforting, provocative and energizing. (Well, most of them, anyway.) I've brought most of my reviews over to the website. Expect a new one just about every four days.

How about you? What are you reading? What literary (or non-literary) goals do you have ahead as the northern hemisphere (hopefully) cools a little? Are there any we might connect on?

I'll make you a deal.

If you have any interest in--even someday--helping me a bit with my "Undones" so that I can also help you with yours, the Waywords Street Team may be for you.

What is it? A less "announce-y" email called Bywords and Watchwords that gets more behind-the-scenes and connects us into projects: ones where you can direct me more and ones where you can support and offer feedback along the way, even spread-the-word afterwards (hence, "Street Team"). Emails would come sometimes in the off weeks of this newsletter.

Some of my Unwoven editors and early readers are already there! If you'd like to be, too, just let me know. You can always change your preferences at any time!

I'll offer more on it soon, and then we won't talk about it for a while!

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In the meantime, here's what's going on and what's just ahead.

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Steve

Is it that time, already? Well, at least for my preparation for it!

This year's 13 Days obsession will focus on Horror: Print to Film! I need to choose 13 (or maybe 14) reads that have made their way to the screen for reviews and reflections. I've got it narrowed down to only about 100 titles. Want to help finalize the list? What should I read and watch?

Here's a list of my 100 pairings. Check off whatever you think I should choose. As a thank you, those who complete the survey can download a full copy of the 100 titles for their own nefarious purposes. Deadline: Sept 8! (I have to get reading!)

The Most Rewarding Newsletter?

As I get the hang of this newsletter business (and its new poll feature!), I'd like to be sure I provide what interests you most. Here's a quick way to tell me!

Labor Day Reading Let's this weekend not neglect the reason for its length. I've put together a few potent book titles for perspective, not all from the U.S. (No time to get one and read it by Tuesday? No one will notice if it takes you longer and you have to carry it around with you in public.) See the recommendations

Unwoven Update:

I was hoping that I would have a release date by this update, but (alas!) another delay in the print edition pushes us back a bit.

Better news:

• The eBook (ePub version) has been approved for release and should soon appear in various catalogs.
• Early reviews of the book have been unwaveringly positive!
• Supplement work continues apace and will be available soon. If you are reading this as a subscriber and are a paid Waywords member or a student or educator, you will be the first to know when these are available to download as PDF via a special email.
• The Advanced Reading Copy window (ARC) closed, but since the book is delayed, if you still know of anyone who would like an ARC for review, have them send me a message at this email address: steve@waywordsstudio.com.

Unwoven Details, ARCs, and Launch Party Info! Give me details!

And since there is another book delay, here is a form of poetry that does not appear in Unwoven, the zejel from Spain.

skin it seems extreme, I know, to think death is just instead of chain-link fence or deterrence leaving stink but our tradition is combat Read "skin"

If You Missed This Spread-the-Discount Message:

Expect to receive a separate individualized email as soon as Unwoven is launched with a one-time coupon for 25% off Unwoven in whatever format you wish; or you can save it for later and apply it to the Teacher Guide or online course.

Spread the discount!

Anyone subscribed to this newsletter before Launch Day (tba!) will also get this coupon! Just refer them to be a new subscriber.

Everyone who signs up and names you as the referrer adds 5% to your discount, up to 100%! Here's the link to refer:

What's Ahead?

• A rebranded podcast: Literary Nomads
• Short and long-form fiction
• Some frightening reading and writing
• Previews of the Unwoven audio & video work
• Daemon Maps: a series of essays in epistemology
• More on the The Waywords Street Team: ways to get more deeply involved
• Looking to 2025: themes and projects

​​​ ​​​​ ​Podcasts​ ​Fiction & Verse​ ​Education​ Copyright (C) 2024 Waywords Studio LLC. All rights reserved. Thank you for being part of our growing community!

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