Hello darlings,
I’ve been tinkering over the past few weeks with some new format ideas to make this newsletter more appealing to all you dear readers, as well as something that comes out at the same time weekly. I used to be so good at writing to deadlines, but that’s all fallen by the wayside in the carnage of *gestures broadly at everything*.
But as I’ve said before, I really miss writing. And I miss the regularity and routine of writing to a set timeframe. Most of all, I miss engaging with readers on a deeper level.
So tomorrow I’ll be publishing the brand new format of Dear Clementine, this time with regular sections that you will hopefully love (or grow to love!)
Some of these sections will be available for everyone to read, while others will be exclusive to subscribers. As always, I am very open to feedback and suggestions for what YOU would like to read on a regular basis. I’d also love to know if the following outline floats your boat!
1. Before We Begin: opening words, a brief catch up, some insight into where I’m at and how my week has been. My little hello, before we get into…
2. The Deep Dive: this will be the newsletter’s feature essay, and it will be a real return to form for those who’ve missed my meatier writing. The Deep Dive will see me unpacking an issue (usually a feminist one, but not necessarily always) that’s either in the current news cycle or is perennially annoying/worthy of discussion. (To give you an example, tomorrow’s feature essay is about how the scrutiny of women’s bodies, age and value continues to plague us all. It was sparked in part by a conversation I saw shared on FB and in part by comments left on a video of Lola Young performing at Coachella.) One of my golden rules with writing has always been to tell the reader something they don’t know about something they thought did, and this is exactly what The Deep Dive will aim to do.
3. Bite Me: Short, sharp and smart takes on topics that don’t always need a deep dive. Because sometimes, all you need is a paragraph to get the point across. Subscriber only.
4. Run, Don’t Walk: My recommendations for the week. What I’m reading, listening to, watching, eating, enjoying - whatever I feel must be shared, you’ll find it in this section. Subscriber only.
5. It’s In The Cards: This ones for my fellow Tarot lovers - a weekly card pull with a particular insight into the card and a spot of guidance for the next seven days. Subscriber only.
6. With regards, etc: Some closing words, final thoughts, poetic prose to take us into the weekend. Subscriber only.
But wait, there’s more!
On Mondays, I’ll be publishing a subscribers-only newsletter dedicated solely to answering your Dear Clementine questions. You ask, I answer. It’s Big Sister Hotline advice the way you’ve always loved it - with lipstick, tough love and a shot of vodka.
(Submit your questions to bigsisterhotline@gmail.com!)
In addition to these, I’ll be exploring Substack’s new live video feature to bring a monthly subscriber-only club to the mix. I do hope you’ll enjoy this next phase!
As ever, thank you for being here with me. The world seems often heavy, but I’m reminded constantly of how many people are willing to share the load.
Love Clementine x
Pssst! I know I said publication would happen on Thursday, but the child’s school surprised me with a student free day the day before ANZAC day! So I’m still writing it - but subscribers can head to my chat thread to get a little preview. It will all be out tomorrow, then advice line will be out Monday and this weekly format will resume coming out every Thursday xxx
We do indeed share the load. You’re not alone with your feelings x. I think the
majority of your followers share your feelings and frustrations with the state of the world.