Hi, I’m Alice. And I’m so glad you’re taking a few minutes on here. I started Confessions & Coffee because life is wild and wonderful.
And. We. All. Need. Breaks.
Like you, I love words and when you get a newsletter from me—most Friday mornings—we’ll take a little time to have coffee, read, and pause in the hurly-burly of it all.
What does that mean? It means you can expect essays that look at lines from other writers, lake views, and work that resonates with your busy, beautiful life.
I’m a full-time writer, mum (UK spelling as I was born in England), and writing coach at the magical world of The Novelry. Twenty years ago, I moved to the Canadian mid-west, Treaty Six Territory, Homeland of the Métis. I discovered vast skies, fierce winters, and built a life in Saskatoon.
My years of publishing have taught me:
Writing helps me understand the world better
All great writing asks a question
Reading helps us discover something new about the world and about ourselves
My years as a parent have taught me:
I need to find creativity in small quiet moments
My kids are a mirror, if I look, where there’s so much for me to learn
I have ADHD and so taking time to pause is essential for my busy brain.
When I started Confessions & Coffee, I wrote about secrets of my writing life. As I’ve written more here, I’m making a space here for all of us to press pause, feel seen, and connect with other like-minded people. People who yearn for a little more creativity and space to breathe. I want us to find a glimmer of recognition together.
Coffee and sunshine are an added bonus.
Would you do me a huge favour? Comment below and tell me a little about you. What’s your name and where do you live? What do you do when you have a few minutes to yourself? As we get to know each other, this space improves for you.
As a huge reader, I always have a pile of books beside my bed and in my office. Share a book you love, too, please. And your Substack, if you write one, or one that you adore, so we can connect.
Welcome.
Alice
xoxox
Hi there. I just found you through David Roberts from Sparks from Culture. What a nice surprise to find another Canadian here! I'm on the west coast, living on the water in a downsized house, with my dog and hubby keeping me company. Three grown kids, three grandkids and both a parent and in-law with dementia (and not living with us, but caregiving all the same.) So many great things to read on this platform that sometimes I feel I'm taking an extended coffee break! But, after decades of working way to hard for too long, I'm ok with that. Happy to meet you and look forward to reading and being part of your newsletter community.
Hello Alice. - I love this post. Thank you. Gratitude is important to me. The authentic not sucking up kind.
My name is Danusia [Da-noo-shuh]. I live on the edge of Exmoor in a house surrounded by fields full of sheep. I work in London and where hired.
-When I have a few minutes to myself I plot interior decorating projects. I’m committed to upcycling and adore vintage finds.
-A book I love is “Dangerous Ideas About Mothers” edited by Camilla Nelson & Rachel Robertson. Or the London Review of Books compendium of personal ads called “They call me Naughty Lola”, for a giggle.
-My substack is Parents Who Think. https://danusiamalinaderben.substack.com
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