Substacks recommended by Crystal King

Recommended by Crystal King

The Entropy Hotel

By Henriette Lazaridis

lessons on creative challenges drawn from sports and the outdoors

TERRA NOVA author Henriette Laziridis tackles creative and athletic challenges with aplomb.

- Crystal King

The Practicing Writer 2.0: A Newsletter from Erika Dreifus

By Erika Dreifus/The Practicing Writer Newsletter

Curating fee-free (AND paying/funded) calls and competitions—plus other resources—for writers of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

A writer's go-to source for contests, grants, competitions, and paying writing opportunities.

- Crystal King

Brooklyn Girl Books (etc.)

By Randy Susan Meyers

Randy Susan Meyers examines the ‘what if’ and ‘why" of life in her six novels, grew up in a Brooklyn library and still spends at least half her life reading.

Randy's books are a joy to read, and her insights on the world and life doubly so.

- Crystal King

Jane’s Calamity

By Jane Roper

Comitragic cogitations on a brazenly eclectic range of topics, including perimenopause, politics, writing, books, mortality, excess tupperware, and failing at mindfulness

THE SOCIETY OF SHAME author Jane Roper's absolutely hilarious and super insighful Substack on nearly everything.

- Crystal King

L.L. in Italy

By Linda Lappin

Wander with me to explore the hidden dimensions of place, memory, and self through travel, myth, and story. Italy, Paris, Greece.

Italy, gothic literature and places, and so many interesting posts on Linda's substack.

- Crystal King

Celia's Perfect Artichoke

By Celia Cerasoli

Musings about my passion for Food, Family, Art, and Travel. Coming from a culturally rich Italo-American background, food and the arts were almost as important as family. I invite you to relax and enjoy my stories, reflections, and recipes.

Celia's substack is full of my favorite things...Italy, food, and travel!

- Crystal King

Anjali's Mixed Marginalia

By Anjali Mitter Duva

Tidbits and advice on writing, publishing, language, art, culture, cities, travel, and more. Observations on navigating the world as a multidisciplinary person of mixed heritage—seeking out the rich experiences to be found in the in-betweens and overlaps.

Anjali's myriad perspectives on life, books, culture, and dance never fail to amaze, entertain, or inspire.

- Crystal King

The Curious Kat

By Katrin Schumann

I'm a bestselling author fueled by curiosity. This newsletter seeks to create community by sharing ideas about creativity. Get behind-the-scenes stories about writing & recs for books, art & movies that inspired me. Bi-weekly updates on novel #4 optional.

Bestselling author Katrin Schumann muses on art, books, and creativity.

- Crystal King

Publishing Confidential

By Kathleen Schmidt

News and analysis about the book publishing industry that you won't read anywhere else.

Before and After the Book Deal

By Courtney Maum

Real talk about the writing + publishing industry from an author who doesn’t want you to feel confused, bewildered, or alone. Plus: craft tips, reading recommendations, writing support + solidarity (unless you are a jerk to people in the comments).

Courtney Maum offers insight about writing, about getting your book out into the world, and the whole wacky publishing industry.

- Crystal King

Italian Unlocked

By Alex Falasca

Italian Unlocked helps you refine your Italian with advanced tips, cultural insights, and real-world usage. If you’re looking to polish your skills and sound more natural, join me to explore the nuances of the language! 🚀🇮🇹

Elizabeth’s Newsletter from Italy

By Elizabeth Minchilli

Food, travel, fun links & cocktails (not necessarily in that order)

Elizabeth Minchilli's advice on Italy and food is truly among the best.

- Crystal King

Understanding Rome's Newsletter

By Agnes Crawford

All things Rome

Agnes offers a wonderful glimpse into the city where my heart is, Rome.

- Crystal King

platonic love

By Aliza & Aja

A twice weekly newsletter by friends, for friends.

The 7am Novelist

By Michelle Hoover

Join award-winning novelist and writing teacher Michelle Hoover with tips and special guests for your morning writing wake up call, with a range of author interviews and writing challenges to help you get a new project going and keep you in your chair.

One of the best podcasts for writers! Michelle Hoover's Substack and informative podcasts will help you supercharge your writing.

- Crystal King

Midday Musings

By Iris

learn relentlessly, grow endlessly: reflections on personal growth, creative expression, urbanism, and hospitality

Simply Divina- My Tiny Tuscan Kitchen

By Judy Witts Francini

An American Cook in Tuscany. Becoming more Italian, one recipe at a time. Pull up a chair and join me at my Kitchen Table, the heart of the home.

CRAFT TALK

By Craft Talk

CRAFT TALK is a weekly newsletter about writing, creativity and productivity from author Jami Attenberg. This is also the home of #1000wordsofsummer, where, once a year, we write 1000 words a day together for two weeks straight.

Jami Attenberg is a font of inspiration for writers of all kinds.

- Crystal King

Dracula Daily

By DraculaDaily

Get the classic novel Dracula, emailed to you in real time as it happens.

The Hyphen by Emma Gannon

✨ a cosy online space for curious readers ✨ from Sunday Times Bestselling author Emma Gannon. Books, work, wellbeing & creativity. Top literature Substack globally. "One of Britain’s most prominent Substack writers" — The Times

One of my fave newsletters, and one that inspired me to make the jump to Substack.

- Crystal King

You'll Think of Something

By Jennifer S. Brown

What's this newsletter about? Life? Books? Writing? Meandering thoughts? Not sure. But I'll think of something.

Jenny is funny, clever, and you'll just love everything she writes.

- Crystal King

Miss Adventures

By Melanie Renzulli

"Miss Adventures" is me—a career travel writer in love with the world and the way it's connected. Original essays, photos, and ideas from adventures past and present.

From the author of the wonderful Italofile blog, this Substack keeps you even more current on Italy news and events.

- Crystal King

sandcastles with kerri maher

By Kerri Smith Maher

Book news, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the novel writing life, and for 2025 musings on all things 50. (Archive contains Authors Over 40 interview series.)

Italian Disco Stories

By Disco Bambino & Angelica Frey

Italian Disco Stories spotlights the makers, the artists, and the performers who made Italian Disco a worldwide, genre-defining phenomenon

Who doesn't love a bit of Italian disco?!

- Crystal King

The Painted Palazzo

By Mary Jane Cryan

Writer, journalist, historian, researcher, 60 year resident in Italy. Like my unique palazzo in central Italy, my substack includes a variety of subjects: lifestyle, expats, interviews, travelogues,guest posts. Come visit!

Mary Jane is an expert on Italy and in particular, the Tuscia region of the Lazio. She was a fantastic source of information on Bomarzo for me when I was writing IN THE GARDEN OF MONSTERS.

- Crystal King

Family Drama

By Lynne Reeves Griffin

Sensational books and practical insights into the conflicts at the heart of our lives.

Thriller author Lynne Reeves Griffin's excellent substack brings you practical insights to the conflicts at the heart of our lives.

- Crystal King

Constantly Curating

By Jeanne Blasberg

Where Life is an Act of Revision

HIBOU

By Catherine Elcik

On the hunt for a wise (and wisecracking) writing life

Cathy's excellent Substack is for writers on the hunt for a wise writing life.

- Crystal King

StoreyTime with Stephanie Storey

Join me, bestselling historical novelist Stephanie Storey, for updates on my latest books, movies, and TV shows, as well as posts about the real history behind my novels, and my recommendations for the best stories to watch or read.

Stephanie dishes on art, Italy, and culture. I always learn something when reading her Substack!

- Crystal King

Tasting Life Twice

Recommended by Crystal King