Starting over on Substack

And why I hope you'll stick around.

Hi friends and fellow bookworms, welcome, welcome! It’s been a while.

Allow me to reintroduce myself, and to tell you a bit more about what I’m going to be writing here on Substack. Like my blog, it’s called The Literary Edit, and it’s a newsletter for people who love books.

I’ve been blogging for over a decade, and a freelance journalist for almost two years, yet writing this first introductory post has been surprisingly nerve-wracking. I’m sending it two weeks later than I had planned, a whole year after I actually created this Substack. It’s undergone several rewrites, and has involved much encouragement from friends. Only now - one glass of Shiraz down - I’m finally ready to press send. So, why the nerves? Partly because it’s been so long since I last published anything on my blog, I’m worried all of you might choose to unsubscribe. Secondly, I want this to be a place you love, one that you’ll comment on, somewhere that you’ll feel a sense of community and that becomes your go-to for good books.

Many of you will know me from my blogging days. But, for those who don’t, I’m Lucy, a 38-year-old bookworm currently living in Bondi. I’m a writer, book blogger, library curator and literary salon host. When it comes to my love for books, there simply is no before. They have long been the canvas on which my life has been painted, and here is where you’ll find all my bookish content moving forwards. There will be the same Desert Island Books series I first launched on my blog, where I ask some of my favourite authors about their favourite reads. You’ll find literary round-ups, reading recommendations a-plenty, and a glimpse inside some of my favourite storied hotels around the world.

I’ll also be sharing personal essays, thoughts on creativity and helpful hacks for anyone who wants to carve out more time for books.

Once you’ve subscribed, you’ll have access to my weekly posts which will drop every Sunday and Wednesday. You can read them via email, in your browser or on your phone or tablet in the Substack app. And of course, you can unsubscribe at any time. Most of my posts will be free of charge to read, but - if you do choose to subscribe - not only will you have my eternal thanks, but you’ll also have the chance to win a signed book each week.

Like many writers on Substack, this is the first time I’ve charged directly through my work as part of a reader-funded publication. If you have the capacity, I’d love for you to consider supporting me through a paid subscription, but if all you want right now is the free option, that’s totally fine. Everyone is welcome.

Thank-you, as always, for reading my words. Getting to write is a huge privilege, and one that I never take lightly. If you made it all the way down to the bottom of this long and rambling post, thank you. I’m happy you’re here. And I’m so looking forward to continue sharing my love of all things books with you.