Substacks recommended by Brian Watson

Recommended by Brian Watson

Keaton Fuller is an Iowa-based writer usually found journaling in dive bars or long-distance running from his demons. His most recent work is a comedy series called Friendly Faces, a bright-dark comedy about a rent-a-friend service.

Words by Baye / Art by Miki

By Baye McNeil

I'm an author, columnist, and teacher. I write funny, heady stories about life for a non-Japanese person living in Japan. Miki is an artist, designer, and all-around renaissance woman. We live in a house we built in a quiet corner of Tokyo. Welcome!

A Word About...

By Benjamin Dreyer

Words. Words about words. Words about copyediting. The occasional cultural observation.

A gay fox in Japan 🏳️‍🌈🦊

By Tales Gubes

Stories of gay life in Japan from the perspective of a Brazilian polyamorous nomad

Tales embraces vulnerability for the reader. Their work is honest and, above all, loving.

- Brian Watson

Reading the Queer Classics

By Garrard Conley

exploring influential queer literature, #bannedbooks that have defined our culture, from the author of Boy Erased

Embracing the Full Catastrophe

By Casey Mulligan Walsh

Casey Mulligan Walsh writes about life at the intersection of grief and joy and embracing the in-between. Her memoir, The Full Catastrophe: All I Ever Wanted, Everything I Feared, is forthcoming from Motina Books in February 2025.

I've known Casey for a few years now, and her writing is a good mix of delicacy and emotion.

- Brian Watson

JAPAN ORDINARY -photos-

By Japan Ordinary

I like to capture the INTERESTING NORMAL in my life. I hope you can feel the REAL ATMOSPHERE OF JAPAN from my photos.

So Much Stuff

By Sue Mell

How the things we collect—and can't let go of—express who we are.

Sue’s writing is a hug when you need it most.

- Brian Watson

Backup Account

By OttO Kent

TikTok meta-cultural critique sparked by my gay-ass algorithm. This is my backup account.

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

By The Shit About Writing Team

A twice weekly newsletter chock-full of guidance and support from publishing industry insiders. Expect author interviews, guest blogs, giveaways, and more!

SOS (Save Our Serotonin)

By Greg Mania

A newsletter about life, literature, & Lexapro.

The Book of Zevelation

By Zev Good

"If it comes up, it comes out."

Another Gen X writer who reminds me of both the universalities and the uniqueness we experienced in growing up queer in the 1970s.

- Brian Watson

Dreaming in Japanese

By Leanne Ogasawara

A Newsletter of Life, Love, and Language

Always lyrical, always beautiful.

- Brian Watson

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).

It’s nice to have writing friends who’ve been where you are and who know the anxieties you face.

- Brian Watson

Badreads

By Lauren Hough

Essays, bad jokes, rants, and unsolicited advice from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Hough, and a dog named Woody Guthrie.

Back when I was charting my writing path, Lauren was an inspiration. Her writing continues to inspire in its raw honesty and passion.

- Brian Watson

Lahim Lamar: A Writer's Journal

By Lahim Lamar's Substack

PNW Writer. I write fiction and humor. I write about queer stuff, Black stuff, disability and inner freedom (with mixed results). My posts are free, so just click on "No Thanks" to get to the content.

Japanese One Word At A Time

By Bob Myers

Deep dives on topics of interest to Japanese language learners and translators

One of the most erudite writers on the Japanese language I know.

- Brian Watson

Third Thoughts

By Melissa Febos

cold takes on writing, embodiment, and the art of obsession

SLANT LETTER

By Stephanie Duncan Smith

A newsletter for writers looking to deepen their craft and do it in style—from an editor in publishing who believes in the spiritual practice of the creative process.