It seems that people are spreading the word about this little newsletter. Most notably, Sam Wheatley, who writes The Nonprofit Leader. I commented on his "coming out" post “Yes, I was a pastor” sharing that I had published a vulnerable side of my personal history in the post “Purpose in the Pain” and found his article a fortifying encouragement. Sam responded by including my substack on his recommendations list. Thank you, Sam! If you are involved in any leadership role whatsoever, Sam’s newsletter is required reading. His writing is concise, practical, and sincere.
Hello newcomers, my name is Derek J Fiedler. In addition to writing this newsletter, I publish essays occasionally on The Symbolic World Blog, hosted by Jonathan Pageau. I post conversations and video essays on my YouTube Channel. But moving forward, you can expect more original content. I am refocusing my creative endeavors on writing fantasy stories, graphic novels, a mystical memoir, and music albums - more updates to come ;)
On this newsletter you will get introspective "deeper looks" into my journey as a fanciful renaissance man, father, husband, and aspiring VHS collector. I publish 2-5 posts per month. The recent style is more of a letter to a friend or a personal journal post that kneads together reflection, inspiration, updates, and life lessons.
Really though, these posts are subtly written to my daughter, Abigail. You may as well read "Dear Abi," before the start of each one.
Dear Abi, this week I learned where this road takes you [yeah, don't go that way...] or [hey, try it out! It's working for Dad so far].
She turns 5 this year. I picture her decades down the road lifting the lid of a weathered, leather trunk, flipping through old family relics, and opening a binder of these little letters by dad written for the world, written for her. And then, she reads one that sparks the imagination, or touches the soul, or gives a map to help navigate a confusing season. And I hope that you, my dear readers, will join Abi in lifting the trunk lid every time you open one of my letters.
Notables
Dirt Poor Robins is releasing the full length debut of their silent film “Queen of the Night” live on YouTube on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Join me in the live chat.
Fantasy author and fellow Symbolic World contributor, Nicholas Kotar, announced in his newsletter that he is publishing a limited-edition paper release of his book Son of the Deathless on Kickstarter. It’s a “Jolabokaflod” to remember! Special editions come wrapped in a clothe map sealed in wax - like for real.
I’ll be joining Neil, Nicholas, and Richard Rohlin for a discussion on modern myth-making this month.
Newcomers, it’s great to have you. Feel free to say Hi and how you found your way to this newsletter.