There are no rules
aka: I'm changing things up (again)
I open the washing machine with my head hung low. I am a failure. The clothes and towels inside smell musty, and who mixes up all their laundry like this anyway? Me. The failure who can neither sort her wash nor remember to switch it over to the dryer.
I pour more Free and Clear detergent into the basin and press the normal cycle button, when it dawns on me: there isn’t actually a RULE about re-washing your laundry. I mean, no one would even know that I did this (for the third time this week), right?
While it might not be the most eco-friendly, and certainly not the most efficient use of my time, re-washing a load of laundry isn’t technically breaking any major cosmic (or literal) rules. There are no dire consequences for this action, so why am I beating myself up about it?
Well, I, a rule-follower, refuse to invent more rules where none exist. It’s exhausting, unhelpful, and you know what? Fast forward a few months later, after the mantra “there are no rules” has simmered in my head for a good long while…and I am way better, measurably better at switching the wash on time.
It turns out, letting go of arbitrary rules frees us up to be human, make mistakes, and move forward with dignity.
Let’s apply this same mantra to my newsletter. I changed the name awhile back to Recipe for a Bookish Life, which felt right at the time because I received lots of encouragement, comments, and views on recipe recommendations I shared on Instagram—and I’ve been sharing about my reading life on the internet for years. I followed the “rule” to lean into your niche and give the people what they want.
But I’ve been feeling boxed in. I might have my laundry situation better under control, but I haven’t been inspired in the kitchen, I rarely follow a recipe, and reading isn’t my only big interest. After a break from social media and a lot of Substack scrolling, I realized I needed to—once again—change the name of my newsletter. (You practically just did! THERE ARE NO RULES).
I updated my About Page, and since you’re already subscribed, you may never see it—so here it is, a little explanation of what to expect from the new, the improved The Eclectic Reader.
It’s not much different content-wise from what I’ve already been sharing in this space, but to me the subtle shift is so freeing. I hope you’ll stick around to see what’s in store.
About
Hello! Sit down and let me get you a cup of tea, or sparkling water? I’m pretty sure I have a packet of hot cocoa stashed in the cupboard somewhere.
As you look around my home, you’ll notice a handful of collections: assorted mugs from Anthropologie (choose whichever makes you happy, and I’ll get the kettle), vintage floral paintings from secondhand shops and antique malls, and shelves full of books in nearly every genre: memoir, romance, mystery, literary fiction, poetry, and the classics. I’m actually I’m a minimalist by nature, so I keep these collections in check, and I’m not interested in starting any new ones. Except…on the internet, I can collect stories, book recommendations, reflections, lists, links, recipes, and anything else I’m fancying at the moment without cluttering my countertops or wall space.
So, let’s move over to this online corner where I intend to curate a gallery for curious visitors. Isn’t it cozy? Here, we share books, TV shows, articles, cute tops, skincare products, projects, delicious foods, and anything else that catches our fancy. Here, we indulge in as many hobbies, interests, experiments, and new books as we wish—because we’re eclectic, and we like it that way.
We also like schedules and plans, so here’s what to expect from The Eclectic Reader.
Wednesday
Book recommendations (like 5 books to read if you loved Tom Lake)
Reflections on the reading life (or on raising a reader)
Long form book reviews
Sunday Collections
Personal essays
Lovely moments
Recent reads
Recipes
Printable Reading Recommendations
Seasonal collections like Recipe for a Summer Romance
Printable Reading Recommendations
Seasonal collections like Recipe for a Summer Romance
Can I pour some more hot water in your mug? I’d love for you to stay and tell me what you've been loving lately.
A Bio
(Just in case you need to know a little more about me.)
After teaching English literature and composition, moving around the country a few times, and settling into a new work-from-home rhythm, I transitioned to writing and creating full-time. I currently parent my precocious toddler, co-host the Novel Pairings podcast, and teach in our online learning community.
I would love to get to know you better, so make sure to say hi and connect with me sometime!
YES! Fellow rule-follower here, too, and I love this.
I also love your new About section. SO welcoming, I can see the cozy space and want to stick around. Well done!
“Well, I, a rule-follower, refuse to invent more rules where none exist.” If I didn’t take anything else from this newsletter, this one statement could be life changing.