Why you're getting this email

Are you there, reader? It’s me, Nicole.

If you’re receiving this in your inbox, it’s because somewhere along the line, you signed up to receive email updates from me.

The reason you may not remember doing so is because it was most likely in the very distant past. Maybe even before the pandemic. Maybe even before this Substack thing existed. Maybe even in a former life.

Just kidding - I don’t believe in re-incarnation.

I also don’t really believe in email newsletters. Frankly, I don’t see the point. More precisely, I suppose, I don’t need one more thing in my life to try and fail at being consistent in.

But at the moment I’m starting to work on my next book, a theology of trauma from the Christian East with the working title of “Remembering All These Things.”

It’s been hard to get started—not so much because of how difficult the topic is, but because of the research and thinking and praying and discernment involved. And also because so much of my writing, focus, life priorities have shifted in the last few years. Returning to a more intentional writing practice feels like having to regain my land legs after a long time at sea.

I want to take my time with all of this. I want to write from a place that is whole and emobodied and prayerful and humble. I want to write in a way that honours and brings fruit from the struggles I have experienced the last few years, and throughout my life.

I know I can write a book in a few months—I’ve done it before. But I don’t just want to crank this one out. I want to savour it and sit with it and let it come out the way it needs to come out, for the sake of my own healing and salvation. And maybe, someday, for others’ as well.

“Where can I cultivate a space where I can slow down and put thoughts into words?” I have been wondering.

“Somewhere that is like a blog but a little more intimate? Like Instagram but a little more tailored to the act of writing, and not tied to a social media platform?

”Maybe where those reading my words are people who’ve already expressed an interest in my writing, particularly on the topic of trauma?”

If you know of any spaces like that, let me know. In the meantime, I’m going to try out Substack. So, welcome! Feel free to say hi or just lurk or troll me respectfully. Whatever works.

I’ll write a bit more soon about what I’m hoping to use this space for. For now, I just wanted you to know why you might be getting emails from me. I’m so glad you’re here but if you’d rather not be, feel free to unsubscribe.

Otherwise I will see you again soon!