This an “about” page. So, what’s it about?
The Next Write Thing is about recovery and growth. Recovery from disordered eating and thinking, recovery from depression and trauma. It’s about the stories of my childhood and the lessons I’ve learned. About how I move through the world. It’s about love and community. About laughter, gratitude, and freedom from fear. It’s about coming out in the 1970s and having a gay dad. About doing the 12 Steps, one step at a time. It’s about being patient and honest and kind. About discovering my true purpose and sharing it with the people around me. So, it's about almost everything.
I’ll tell you my stories and share from my heart. I’m so happy you’re here.
About being a subscriber to The Next Write Thing
I publish one essay every Wednesday. My essays are about my life. They’re amusing, brave, and kind. Some essays are more serious than others, some are funny, some are sad. I look for the humor in my world through my writing. I am very fortunate to be able to laugh at myself.
About free vs. paid subscriptions
I decided when I started writing on Substack that I wouldn’t paywall any of my work. Recently, I experimented with paywalling older work, but it’s just not me.
I believe in an honor system and meeting people where they’re at. Writing my essays takes thought and time. It’s not my hobby––it’s an evolving career. If my writing is valuable to you and offers something you can’t find anywhere else (me!), consider supporting my work with a paid subscription. If you’re not into the model, but would like to support my work from time to time, you’ll always find a donate button at the end of each essay. And please share with anyone you think you might enjoy my stories.
About Nan
I'm a happily-aging kid raised in the 1960s. I'm a writer and a web + graphic designer. I live in upstate New York, and perform in story slams every so often. I love, maybe not in this order: laughing, books, learning, my friends, word games (especially crossword puzzles), Ted Lasso (especially Roy Kent), chocolate, bright colors, my pups, and my cat (even though he’s a bit psycho). I believe in kindness, healing, and––I’m reaching for this––a higher power or higher purpose that’s greater than just me. That's a new idea in my world, and I’m hoping that it will set me free.
In February 2025, I was published in The Rumpus. Read the essay here. At almost 64 years old, my first acceptance to an online literary magazine. I’m verklempt!
If you’d like to know more about me, treat yourself to this fun Q&A I participated in with . It will probably tell you more than you’ll ever need to know about me, but it’s sure to entertain!
I’ve resisted sharing my writing for so long. When I was a kid I wanted to be a writer more than anything. My role model was Harriet M. Welsch, of Harriet the Spy (more about Harriet later). Somewhere along the way, I lost track of my dream. Time's a-wasting so I'm here, writing, and claiming my life.
