Why Root and Branch?
The phrase “root and branch” means “every part of the thing.” I don’t want to limit myself here to either memoir or fantasy stories. I want a place where both can go together, because the one flows from the other. Root posts are my memoir pieces, which explore my past trauma and my path to healing with a self-help vibe. Branch posts are my fantasy pieces, which deal in themes of perspective and control. Heartwood posts are for my paid-only audience. These are also memoir pieces, but they get into more detailed accounts of my traumatic experiences. There will never be samples or previews of Heartwood posts, because I don’t want it to be possible for my kids to stumble on what I have to say in them.
New issues of Root and Branch come out on Thursdays, every other week. Heartwood posts are every other Tuesday.
As with any good metaphor, “root and branch” contains more meanings. For one, it’s important to stay grounded while reaching for the sky. As a survivor of emotional and sexual abuse, I have found this to be a helpful bit of thought work: I imagine myself rooted and strong like an oak in the face of adversity. What can some squawking magpie really do to a tree?
The final reason I chose the name Root and Branch is because I love trees. Particularly evergreens. Sitting beneath the boughs as the wind rustles them against one another, smelling that evergreen scent, and feeling a bed of needles beneath me—that’s my happy place. I would like to cultivate such a warm, inviting space for myself and my readers. My hope is that this newsletter can be a source of healing and growth in itself.
If this sounds interesting to you, you can head to my first Root post here.
Readers Say
“Thank you for your words on grieving. I found them insightful, and left me with a sense of curiosity; what more can I learn about myself?” - Brad Allen
“I admire your strength. Most admirably, your courage to share.” - Teague de La Plaine
“This is a wonderful piece! I think your reflection on how your feelings about writing change and evolve over time is really poignant.” - Meta Wagner
