Along the Hudson
New Publication Name
Micro 2 Go was the original thought I had when contemplating what to name my Substack newsletter a year or two ago. I wanted to send out short fiction twice weekly, and the idea stuck. Since that time, I’ve grown as a writer. I’ve changed. Though I do love really short fiction, (I will always hold a special place in my heart for 50 and 100-word stories), and I will still write a lot of it, I don’t always want to. Sometimes I want to write about real-life experiences or play around with other forms/genres. For this reason, I’ve decided to open the door a bit wider. Moving forward, my writing here and elsewhere will land under my new publication’s name, Along the Hudson.
One of my ancestors is named Lewis Dudley Deming. He was born in 1820 and spent most of his life on the Hudson River as a boat pilot and captain between Albany and New York City. (The man has a fascinating history…for example, while making a run to the West Indies, he was shipwrecked and floated on a hatch for nine days until being rescued! But more on this later.) Though I will never be a riverboat pilot, I can’t help but feel the same draw to the Hudson that Lewis presumably felt. For some reason, my life has led me here, and it’s where my family calls home: the Hudson River Valley.
I live a minute or two from the river on the east side. Looking westward, from my backyard, I can see the Catskill Mountains looming in the distance. I’ve spent the past decade of my life either on or around the Hudson. As a result, it provides me with a constant source of inspiration. Some of my best story ideas have come from quiet mornings, exploring or hiking along its banks.
Rivers are one of my favorite metaphors for life. And, just like the Hudson, I’ll continue to adapt and change as time passes.
I feel a sense of permanence with Along the Hudson. I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.
I hope you’ll continue this writing journey with me.
Thanks for being here. More to come later in the week!
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Justin
The new name is perfect, Justin. I feel a connection to the Hudson River also. Even living in New Jersey, we were about ten minutes from the Hudson, and we spent many days walking along it, watching the boats and collecting rocks with my dad. I love the Hudson River School painters. Their works could be good illustrations for some of your pieces!
I like the new name, Justin! I like microfiction also, and limitations can be inspiring, but there is no need to permanently limit yourself or your writing. When I first started writing, I discovered that I could not limit myself to any genre or niche. I had to be free to write whatever interested me at the moment. Which is why I ended up with "Mark Starlin Writes!" as my newsletter name.
It may not be the best writing career strategy. But if I am honest with myself, writing is a hobby for me. And I am fine with that. Especially at my age. Plus, it's more fun.