About the Quiet Rebellion
The Quiet Rebellion was originally created for Substack, but I decided my life would be less complicated if I kept everything under one roof, so to speak.
I’ve never been very good at staying quiet—especially when something feels wrong, unjust, or worth examining more carefully.
I’m a writer and an editor. I’ve spent over 25 years studying storytelling, language, and how writers can add emotional truth to their work. I care deeply about craft, but I’m also interested in what writing can do. How it can help us think more clearly, process tough emotions, and respond to world events that affect our lives and those of people we love, instead of going numb to protect sanity or shouting at each other. If we can’t understand each other’s words, saying them louder won’t make any difference.
I write about writing—but that’s not all you’ll find here. I write about how stories shape and save us, how words can persuade and influence what we tolerate or fight against, how they can help people develop empathy, and about how personal experiences intersect with culture, politics, and power. Some posts will focus on craft and creative practices. Others will focus on anger, grief, burnout, fear, hope, and the strain of living in a country (and a world!) where crises keep piling up, and staying involved and aware—let alone participating—becomes complicated. Often, those topics will overlap, just like they do in real life.
I don’t write to instigate outrage or get approval. I’m not interested in hot takes, pile-ons, or branding myself into a single category. I won’t fit. I am interested in careful thinking, being honest about emotions, and saying (writing) the things that might be difficult but are necessary or important. Even when it doesn’t fit neatly into one genre.
With this journal I have created a place for people who know their words mean something—whether they’re writing fiction, essays, journal pages, or messages they haven’t yet worked up the courage to send.
Why Subscribe?
If you’re looking for writing that fits the bullet point descriptions below, you’ll like it here. My articles and essays tend to:
Respect writers’ craft, but recognize that formulaic writing can be boring and fake
Talk about emotions in plain English—no therapy-speak or platitudes
Discuss politics and culture without dehumanizing or trying to destroy or cancel other groups or individuals
Use words on the page as a way to think, not just react (although I do tend to react now and then. Especially about certain topics.)
Values clarity, shades of gray, and honesty over chaos and noise
Some posts will challenge or annoy you. Others may make you feel like you’re not alone. Ideally, you’ll recognize yourself in a few of them, and we can make sense of some of the thoughts or emotions we’ve experienced these last couple of years. If you’re at all like me and you consider yourself a decent human, you’re probably wondering at some of the ideas that have popped up in your mind lately.
Stop back once a week or so, or sign up for my newsletter to be notified when I upload a new post. I don’t expect you to agree with everything I write. I only ask that we treat each other with dignity and respect. It’s high time we started acting like adults with advanced reasoning, listening, and communication skills.
Who This Is For
This space is for writers—and for people who don’t necessarily call themselves writers but use words to analyze different issues (including emotions, ideas, and so on), express themselves, or survive another day in this crazy world.
It’s for people who aren't content going through life as a silent, passive witness. For people who want their voices heard but don’t believe shouting on social media is the answer. For those who care—a lot—about justice, the truth, and integrity and want to speak up but don’t see themselves attending protests or joining in online fights every day.
It’s also for people who aren’t sure where they fit anymore but who still love their country. They’re smart enough to recognize when someone is blowing things out of proportion and fear-mongering but courageous enough to admit that same person might have a point now and then. They want to become more involved in the bigger issues of the day, but they don’t want to become someone they don’t recognize in the process.
You don’t need to agree with everything you read here—but I invite you to think things through with me or even take part in respectful debate.
You don’t need to have an answer for every question…or even most of them.
If you’re here because you believe words are powerful and still matter—and that how we use them matters even more—you’re welcome to stick around.
A Note on My Work
If you’re interested in working with me privately, I offer editing, coaching, and writing support, including developmental editing, manuscript/synopsis feedback, and mentoring-style guidance as you write your book.
You can learn more about this side of my business on the Services page. Ignore the mess around here, please, while I continue to refine this business in a way that will best serve my authors and myself.
Join Me
If you recognize yourself in any of my posts or I cover any topic that appeals to you, I would love to have you become a part of this community of people who share your interests. Leave a comment. I want to hear your thoughts and learn other people's views on things…or send me an email if you’re interested in any of my services.