Has it been a year already?
It has. I started this newsletter for a couple of reasons.
I needed a space where I could write about my obsessions.
I needed a break from working exclusively on one project (aka, a memoir that never sold).
Then I needed a break from working exclusively on my next project (aka, a novel about my MLM obsession).
I wanted to connect with people.
I’m proud of what I accomplished over the past year with OBSESSED: A Newsletter. I’ve learned so much by diving into personal obsessions, from childhood to the present, which is now called middle age. I believe obsessions serve a purpose. When we connect the dots and understand why we are obsessed with something (or someone), we get to know ourselves and the world around us better.
Here’s one of the things I realized: essay writing is one of the great loves of my life. Yes, I’ve had many obsessions. But this is more than an obsession. Throughout all my ephemeral passions, whether that’s becoming a vintage chair dealer or a professional Halloween costume maker, or dropping everything to “live free” on a hypothetical motorcycle, writing is that one thing that sticks.
Publishing personal essays is scary. Sometimes it feels like I’m squeezing all my secrets into a glass bottle and throwing them into the ocean. I don’t know who’s going to pick up the bottle, and I certainly don’t know how those secrets will be received. But I got lucky. You’re all here, twelve months later, still willing to pick up my glass bottles. You even take the time to comment or send me messages to share your own obsessions, which I enjoy so much. Thank you for sticking around.
This newsletter is getting an upgrade
First thing’s first, the time has come to turn on paid subscriptions. I spend a lot of time thinking, writing and revising the essays I send to my subscribers twice a month. I take this newsletter seriously, because I respect my readers and want to deliver quality pieces.
If you enjoy this newsletter, believe in paying artists for their work and are in a position to do so, please consider becoming a paid subscriber for $5 a month. If you enjoy this newsletter and would prefer to remain a free subscriber, thank you for being here too.Starting today, OBSESSED will be come a weekly newsletter. Paid subscribers will have access to weekly posts and the full archive, and free subscribers will continue to have access to 2 posts a month.
I’m excited to announce a new series called Obsessed Interviews, where I interview a guest about an obsession of theirs. It’s going to be fun, and such a great opportunity to hear from someone within this community. My first interview will be published next week. Everyone, regardless of their subscription option, will have access to this new series. Stay tuned!
I’m looking forward to the next chapter of OBSESSED. You can expect short and long-form essays, more intimate pieces I haven’t had the courage to write yet, humor pieces, interviews, poems and more. Cheers to that!
See you next week.
Congratulations on one year! Excited to keep reading:)
Wow! Congratulations!
Michelle, I've become obsessed with your essays and I look forward to the weekly newsletter and the Obsessed Interviews. Please keep me posted!
I love your essay "genre" i.e. the kind of essay that you have created. As an enthusiastic reader, I am so grateful to be included in your personal, insightful and humorous "editorial" journey. It is so much meaningful than the typical magazine or newspaper editorials.
Merci Michelle !
brigitte XX