Greetings people of the world,

The sun shines on Belfast City, and apparently I'm "Leaving the Herd Behind' as I sip a cappuccino laced with medicinal mushrooms at Black Sheep Coffee.

It's ironic, as I write to share about an exciting new development, with the hope that you will join me.

Writing, recording, online gatherings

I'm not sure if I'm late to the party or ahead of the curve, but having puzzled over the best way to share stories, courses, writing and audio in an accessible and streamlined way for a long time, I'm delighted to have found the Substack platform. It seems like the ideal place to share what I do, in an engaging and accessible way.

If you're not already familiar with Substack, it was founded as a place for writers to share content, build community and gain support. It now offers audio, video and other features. Some of my favourite cultural commentators and artists are already there kicking up a storm (Martin Shaw, Tom Hirons, Tad Hargrave, Jen Murphy, Andreas Kornevall).

It's an enjoyable platform to browse, and certainly more wholesome than most social media platforms.

I'll be sharing:

• Writing (stories and essays)
• Audio recordings (stories & interviews)
• Resource lists and storytelling tips
• Hosting online gatherings (Myth as Medicine sessions and story cafes)

If you want to have a peek and start following ahead of the launch, or to come say hi and recommend other accounts worth following, you can find me at:

Rekindling the Hearth on Substack

https://substack.com/@dougiemackaystory?utm_source=profile-page

I'm sitting on a handful of articles on storytelling, seanachies, salmon and the likes. Mythopoetic musings and stoking the flames of ancestral culture. A creative wellspring is bubbling up.

I also sense it as a place to share new, rough form stories for the first time- not polished enough for stage, yet too good not to share.

I'm curious to know, if there's anything you'd like me to offer, or write about specifically via Substack?

Feel free to offer ideas here:

https://forms.gle/BUXxB9ErvRsh8GA98

You'll receive an update with my first article in the coming week.

I'd love it if you feel to subscribe, share, comment with gushing high praise & poetic compliments. But no obligation and feel free to dip out if it's not your thing.

There's a place for you by the hearth should you decide to join me there

Beanacht

Dougie

Check out Substack