Substacks recommended by Marianne Fons | Reporting from Quiltropolis

Recommended by Marianne Fons

Letters to Dead Authors & Artists

By Kelcey Ervick

Letters from the living to the dead. Curated by Kelcey Ervick.

Tales of a Wayward Yogini

By Sue Ferrera

Fostering healing, acceptance, and radical joy through storytelling + community. Subscribe to find calm in the chaos.

I met Sue in a breakout room during a workshop on honing Substack columnists' skills. Turns out we have quilting and yoga practice in common. Namaste, and let's sew!

- Marianne Fons

In the Dirt by Beth Hoffman

Learn more about the economics of farming, the dirt on the politics of agriculture and tales from our ranch, Whippoorwill Creek Farm.

I'm a mostly-fiction reader, but picked up Beth's book after visiting the farm for a winter writing session. She's an excellent writer (no surprise), and I learned a lot about what it is to be an independent farmer in today's Iowa.

- Marianne Fons

The Racontourist

By Jason Walsmith

Hey there! I am Jason Walsmith - I am a traveling musician, photographer and storyteller. I write about music, travel, people, places and things.

I was re-introduced to Jason and Emma Walsmith by Naomi Hupton at Petite Cafe in Winterset. Jason, Emma, and I spent a wonderful quarter of an hour or so talking about future potential collaborations.

- Marianne Fons

Julie Gammack and Guests

If Iowa had a group chat, this would be it. Hosted by Julie Gammack, this Substack blends independent journalism, lively opinion, and unexpected voices from across the state. Think potluck, but with more insight and fewer Crock-Pots.

Iowa Writers Collaborative Roundup

By Julie Gammack

Linking readers and professional writers who care about Iowa.

Christie Vilsack

I write about people living close to the land who believe in community and the public good. Teacher, writer, wife, mom and gramma. Proud Iowa First Lady, candidate and USAID Advisor. A world traveler but an Iowan by birth and choice.

On Food and France

By Wini Moranville

Life-enhancing food and travel essays, insights, and tips—plus the occasional recipe.

If you live in the Des Moines area or are passing through, you can count on Wini to tell you where the good food is.

- Marianne Fons

Black Iowa News

By Dana James

Black Iowa News is an independent news platform designed to highlight Black perspectives, showcase the Black community and amplify the voices of Black Iowans — online and in print.

Blankie

By Marie Minerva Estela

Supporting Blanket Gravity Magazine

Dining Well in DSM by Wini Moranville

By Dining Well in Des Moines

Where you'll discover great food finds and the best restaurant experiences in Des Moines.

Art Cullen’s Notebook

A view from rural America: immigration, agriculture, environment, politics

Iowa Boy Chuck Offenburger

...Iowa, small towns, and saddle shoes

This Stays Here

By Nicole Baart

A Substack about community for people who want to be better neighbors. Life in my small, rural, Iowa town is idyllic--and also really hard. I imagine the same can be said about wherever you live. Come join the conversation!

Relatively Minor

By Vicki Minor

A newspaper column providing a weekly dose of humor.

The Habit of Art by Kelcey Ervick

Handwritten & illustrated newsletter about making art and telling stories.

Shelby’s Substack

By Shelby Van Pelt

My personal Substack