Calling all adventurous readers and lovers of literary mayhem! Get ready to buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable writing extravaganza on Substack Notes! We've gathered a formidable squad of five talented writers from various corners of the United States, with an honorary member crossing borders from the great land of Canada. Together, they are about to embark on a wild writing adventure that will kick off on July 1st. But wait, there's more! As if one author per week isn't thrilling enough, we have a potential sixth participant waiting in the wings, ready to join this literary circus. Each writer will wield their storytelling superpowers, passing the torch (or rather, the pen) to the next in line, resulting in a magnificent tapestry of words that will transport you to worlds unimagined. Get your popcorn and bookmarks ready, folks, because this collaborative spectacle is about to unfold like a blockbuster hit! So, fasten your seatbelts, grab a cozy spot, and prepare for a ride of epic proportions, as our fantastic five (and maybe six!) take the stage on Substack Notes. It's time to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!
How This Will Work
Behold, the magnificent workings of our storytelling extravaganza! Throughout the entire month of July, our daring group of writers will band together, pen in hand, to create a literary masterpiece. But wait, there's a twist that will leave you on the edge of your seat! With a secret prompt to kickstart our tale, the adventure begins.
Hold your breath as I take the lead, crafting the opening chapter that will set the stage for an unforgettable journey. Once my creative juices have reached their peak or my word count hits a glorious 5,000, I will unveil my masterpiece on Substack Notes. But fear not, dear reader, for I shall not leave you hanging!
At the bottom of my post, like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, you'll find the tag of the next chosen writer. They will have 48 heart-pounding hours to weave their words and continue the story. When their time is up, they'll bravely click "Restack With A Note" on the previous piece, seamlessly blending their creation with the existing narrative. They'll then tag the next writer, unleashing a chain reaction of literary brilliance.
Prepare to be awed as this mesmerizing dance of storytelling unfolds, note after note, until the grand finale on the last day of July. Through Substack Notes, our epic tale shall grow and evolve, with each writer bringing their unique voice to the mix. Together, we'll create a masterpiece that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. So fasten your imagination seatbelt and get ready for a wild ride through the realms of the written word!
The Rules
Each writer has 48 hours to complete their section after the previous person’s post.
There is no minimum word limit. The maximum is 5,000 words.
All posts must be tagged with the person who is writing next.
“Yes, and…” is a rule we must follow. If someone decides to introduce a new element to the storyline, the next person has to just run with it.
How You Can Follow Along
If you haven’t already, join Substack Notes. You should already have access if you have a Substack account. If not, go to Substack.com/Notes, I’d be surprised if they didn’t have a way to sign up there.
Make sure you are following each writer so that you see what they post when they post it. Don’t miss out on a single segment!
Megan McCarthy -Essays on the Outskirts
Charlie Dorsett (they/she) - currently unconfirmed
The Writers
Laura Nettles
Laura Nettles is a worker of shadowy fiction, delving into the realms of horror, sci-fi, and paranormal romance. With a knack for sending shivers down readers’ spines, her published collection is aptly titled "Tiny Shivers."
When she’s not delving into the twisted worlds of Lovecraftian nightmares, you’ll find Laura with her soft and loveable dog Roy, named after Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist.
Laura proudly boasts a collection of 15 volume’s of Junji Ito’s hair-raising manga. This macabre library is a treasure-trove of outside-the-box horror, a constant source of inspiration.
But Laura’s twisted imagination doesn’t stop there. She has an inexplicable fascination with German expressionist films from the 1920s. Picture wonky architecture, haunting shadows, and a touch of madness. Elements she pilfers and incorporates into her own stories.
With her unholy talent and penchant for weaving unforgettable tales, Laura Nettles continues to hold readers hostage. You won’t want to miss her contributions to the collaboration.
Learn More About Laura
Genres: Horror, sci-fi, paranormal romance
Where to find Laura on the web: https://linktr.ee/laura_nettles
Latest Publications:
"Tiny Shivers" on Amazon and Ko-fi.
"Soot Scamp" on the No Sleep Podcast S19E15
Charlie Dorsett
Charlie Dorsett, the whimsical wordsmith of sci-fi and fantasy, weaves tales that will transport you to realms unknown. With a flair for the fantastical and a dash of intergalactic mischief, they craft stories that leave readers begging for more.
From a tender age, Charlie showcased their poetic prowess, delighting audiences with a published poem at the tender age of 8. Little did the world know that this was just the beginning of their literary escapades.
Dreaming of new frontiers, Charlie sets their sights on the stage, yearning to pen a play or a musical that will dazzle audiences with witty dialogue and show-stopping tunes. Watch out, Broadway!
But Charlie's ambitions don't stop there. They have their sights set on the small screen, dreaming of an animated series based on their vibrant fiction. Imagine the colorful characters, the sweeping landscapes, and the adventures that would unfold in glorious animated form.
So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a journey through Charlie Dorsett's imagination. With their fantastical worlds and mesmerizing prose, they will sweep you off your feet and leave you craving more. With each turn of the page, they will remind you that dreams can come true, even if they involve spaceships, enchanted realms, or a chorus line of dancing unicorns.
Learn More About Charlie
Genres: Scifi and Fantasy
Where to find Charlie on the web:
Latest Publications:
The Shadow Phoenix Saga:
Blinded Angels:
Haley Spence
Haley Spence, the mastermind behind spicy romances and Lovecraftian family sagas, is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of storytelling. With a quirky sense of humor and a penchant for the bizarre, she weaves tales that will leave you questioning your own sanity while simultaneously swooning.
From her humble beginnings in kindergarten, where she penned a children's book about a snake dancing to avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner, Haley's literary journey has been nothing short of unconventional. Who knew a dancing snake could be so inspiring?
In a surprising twist of fate, Haley proudly holds the title of having failed her AP English class. But hey, who needs that fancy academic recognition when you can create worlds where love and cosmic horror collide? It turns out, the traditional literary canon just couldn't contain her unique imagination.
When Haley isn't conjuring up mind-bending tales, she's a devoted mother to not one, not two, but three kids. And if that wasn't enough chaos for one person, two of those little bundles of joy are under the age of one. She's a certified "hobby-holic" with absolutely zero chill, managing the delicate art of storytelling while juggling diapers, tantrums, and sleepless nights. Talk about multitasking!
With the tenacity and determination of a toddler who insists on doing everything themselves, Haley approaches her writing with an infectious energy. There's no obstacle she won't tackle head-on, no narrative knot she won't unravel with a mischievous grin. Buckle up and prepare for a wild ride through her twisted imagination.
So, join Haley Spence on a rollercoaster of love, eldritch horrors, and a dash of chaotic parenting. Her stories will make you question reality, make your heart skip a beat, and leave you in awe of her unyielding spirit. You’ll eagerly await her contributions to this storytelling collaboration.
Learn More About Haley
Genres: Romance, Lovecraftian family drama
Where to find Haley on the web:
The Creative Bucket
Stories from The Eire
Marie Reynold's Romance
Kat Leo
Kat Leo, the enchantress of urban fantasy, wields her pen like a wand, conjuring worlds teeming with magic. With a writing journey that began in the realms of fanfiction, Kat's imagination knows no bounds. If there's a story to be told, you can bet there's magic at its core.
In a surprising twist, Kat isn't just a purveyor of enchanting tales; she's also an ordained minister. Who knew the power of words extended beyond the realm of fiction? From fantastical worlds to officiating weddings, Kat's versatility knows no bounds.
And let's not forget about her adorable guinea pigs. Parker Bandit and Parris Seasoning, the furry companions of Kat's writing adventures, add an extra dose of whimsy to her life. They're the keepers of magical secrets and the purveyors of adorable squeaks.
So, prepare to be spellbound as Kat Leo continues the story we are weaving.
Learn More About Kat
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Where to find Kat on the web: https://linktr.ee/katleowriting
Glory Fink
Glory Fink is an extraordinary wordsmith, blending humor and knowledge into her delightful works of fiction and non-fiction. When she's not busy being a wise-cracking fairy godmother, Glory can be found captivating audiences with her entertaining livestreams on YouTube and Twitch, proving that fun and profit can go hand in hand.
As a member of both secret and public societies, Glory embraces a world of intrigue and excitement. With numerous honors, awards, and distinguishments under her belt, her most cherished accolade remains the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council for Writing, a recognition received during her middle school years.
Glory's charm extends beyond the written word; she is a captivating conversationalist and storyteller, often leaving her listeners hanging on her every word. She's no stranger to the affections of moguls and princes, who have showered her with marriage proposals during her travels. Yet, despite these tempting offers, Glory finds solace in her beloved Mississippi, except during the sweltering months of July and August when she dreams of cooler abodes, like a walk-in refrigerator.
Bringing personal experiences to her craft, Glory embraces her unique identity as an autistic, queer individual with ADHD, EDS, PTSD, and PCOS. With crochet hook in hand and a pen at the ready, Glory writes captivating non-fiction, poetry, short stories, and flash fiction, all steeped in LGBTQIA+ themes within science fiction, paranormal, coming of age, and romance genres.
So, stick around and get ready for a splendid time. Glory Fink is here to entertain, inform, and sweep you off your feet with her additions to the collaboration project.
Learn More About Glory
Genres: All
Where to find Glory on the web: https://linktr.ee/glorywritestheblues
Glory Writes The Blues & Tom's Digest
Follow Glory on:
Instagram: @glorywritestheblues
YouTube: @glorywritestheblues
Twitch: @glorywritestheblues
Megan McCarthy
Megan McCarthy, the maestro of contemporary literary fiction and personal essays, orchestrates words with finesse and a touch of whimsy. Though her path to writing took a detour, with an original major in Graphic Design, Megan found her true calling in crafting stories that leave readers pondering life's profound mysteries.
In a bold and daring move, Megan once ventured into the world of gambling, armed with a single dollar. Alas, luck was not on her side, and that one dollar bid its farewell. Since that fateful day, Megan has sworn off gambling, vowing never to tempt the fickle hands of chance again.
Undeterred by setbacks, Megan's determination shines through. Longing to glide across the ice, she took matters into her own hands and taught herself how to figure skate by diving into books until she could eventually grace the rink with proper lessons. Who needs the traditional path when you have the power of literature?
So, join Megan McCarthy on a literary adventure where contemporary fiction dances with heartfelt personal essays. Prepare to be swept away by her words, as she guides you through the intricate tapestry of human experience. With her unique blend of wit, introspection, and a pinch of serendipity, Megan's stories will leave you both pondering and grinning, eager for the next chapter.
Learn More About Megan
Genres: contemporary literary fiction and personal essays
Where to find Megan on the web: https://linktr.ee/megan_mccarthy/
Hands Off My Rights: https://tangledlocksjournal.com/2022/06/25/hands-off-my-rights/
Follow the Story
The story is now live! Follow along here:
Oh, this is extremely cool! Cannot wait to see how this turns out!
Love this! Excited to see the story come together. :)