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Author: admin@sarahshotts.com
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Art as Self Regulation & Balancing my Creative Ecosystem
A Podcast Experiment
Greetings from my creative ecosystem.
Sorry about the breathing noises. Not sure what went wrong with the audio, but I’ll haul out my pop filter next time. If it’s really bothersome you can read the transcript.
I talk about…
Art as a self regulation tool
Closing loops on obligations
Rebalancing commitments
Art I’ve been making
Self publishing
Writing and ideating fiction
Show Notes
Newsletter / Zine / Mood Board
Neurokind Virtual Retreat (it’s free!)
My Brain on Motherhood Portfolio
Artist’s Residency in Motherhood
Subscribe for Monthly Zines
Thanks for exchanging your time and energy. If you’re feeling particularly generous here are other ways you can lend your support.
Leave a comment (it’s free!)
Restack or recommend on Substack.
Buy my book.
Forward this email to a friend.
Pledge support via Patreon ($3+) or Substack ($7+) for a monthly zine in your real life mailbox.
I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment to let me know what resonates. Should I do this again?
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Mood Board, Zines & Creative Retreat
Quarterly Update // Winter 2025
Hey folks,
If you missed the memo I’ve changed up my online ecosystem.
I’m no longer using Substack as a blogging platform.
So if you want monthly updates from me you’ll need to opt in over on Beehiiv.
Meanwhile, I’m experimenting with keeping this space open for Self Publishing 101 (which I don’t have the fortitude to move again) 🫠, Crowdfunding 101, podcast, and archive. People keep signing up so I’ll be sending quarterly updates here pointing to all of the other places I publish things. This is the first of 2025.
You’re Invited!
Who else sees those words and hears Mary-Kate and Ashley singing? 😂
First I want to be sure you know about the free retreat I’m hosting January 25 & 26 over at .
The Neuro Nest is a virtual creative retreat for neurodivergent folks.
It’s completely free – powered by paid supporters of over the last year.
You can read more about it below. There are two livestreams and several other prerecorded workshops. If you miss the live event you can complete the prerecorded workshops at your own pace. There’s also a chance to participate in a collaboration. Take a look at what materials you’ll need to have to join in.
Virtual Zines
Since moving my blog I’ve published two virtual zines:
Exit, Pursued by the Algorithm
and Time Capsule
Tap through the links above to read them online for free.
Paper copies go out to my Patrons for $3+ a month.
I’ve also added zines to my bookshop if you’d like to buy a specific issue.
Buzzing over Beehiiv 🐝
We’ll see what happens long term, but I had twice the open rate on my Beehiiv newsletter as I have on Substack recently. My theory is that people are starting to treat Substack like a social media (subscribing to far more than they can read) and posts get lost in the feed.
In the Studio ✂️
Alongside my monthly zines I also share a studio update in my monthly newsletter.
Here’s a snippet from January’s update:
Something I realized during NaNoWriMo is that I want to make my noveling process more interdisciplinary. My first step was printing out images from my novel’s mood board. Holding these in my hands and moving them around was incredibly regulating after an overstimulating holiday season.
If you want monthly updates like this be sure to subscribe.
Or follow via RSS.
Speaking of RSS
I’ve been soapboxing about this for a while now.
Honestly this is making a huge difference to my nervous system.
I’m also moving from Gmail to Fastmail via ’s recommendation and I am loving the blank slate feeling.
Don’t tell other people what to write about. 🙄
When I changed email platforms someone reached out to tell me that I should stop writing about the algorithm – and dude – I’d love to. But I write what I’m interested in. If you don’t like it get out!
Reader, I blocked him.
I truly hope I’m done with this topic. But the reason my brain (and therefore my writing) has fixated on algorithms is the negative impact they’ve had on my creative process and mental health. The time I spent researching my Dirge to the Old Web was not wasted. It was essential to my autistic processing and enabled me to make big shifts to my online experience.
Fingers crossed this is the last you’ll hear about algorithms from me for a long time. Because I’ve escaped.
I think that’s it? I’ll send the next quarterly update in March or April.
Cheers,
P.S. Something I made for my Wheel of Time friends.
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Which way should I go? 🍄
Where to find me in 2025.
Heads up!
Substack is no longer my blogging platform.
It does however remain home to Self Publishing 101, intermittent podcast episodes, and quarterly updates from me.
If you’d like monthly blog posts (and printable zines) you’ll need to sign up here.
Sorry for the confusion.
Take care.
Sarah (they/them)
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Bright Spots for Your Day 🌈
A Hungry Caterpillar + Self Pub 101 Update
I’m still writing a novel so I’m keeping this short and sweet.
In the Studio ✂️
When I finish a big project (like crowdfunding Entwined) or have a lot of big feelings to process I like to make things with my hands.
After my first book I started my first bricolage The Mental Load.
This month I made The Mental Load II. This sculpture is roughly the size of my child and includes broken toys and the detritus of motherhood.
Don’t worry. We have two Elmo figures for some reason and this one was all scratched up.
Exciting updates to Self Pub 101! 📖
Just a reminder this course is completely free.
This is not a funnel.
It’s not a marketing tool.
It’s just me paying it forward to help other indie authors.
This month there are two new guest speakers!
shares his expertise as a professional book cover designer. This mini module covers how to collaborate with a designer. And you can also check out Nathaniel’s tips about designing your own cover. (His newsletter is gold. Go subscribe.)
There is also a new indie author spotlight featuring fantasy novelist B.S.H. Garcia.
Stop everything. 🍁
Before you go back to the real world open a new tab and watch this short video of Mr. Rogers visiting Eric Carle’s art studio.
(If you didn’t already know Eric Carle is the illustrator of many classic children’s books including The Very Hungry Caterpillar.)
If you want to live in the warm and fuzzy for a bit longer hop over to Eric Carle’s blog and read what he wrote about the program in 1997.
And drop by ’s metaphorical seed swap. 🌱
Profits to Charity ☕️
Tis the season for gifting.
Two of my favorite authors and educators (John & Hank Green) founded good.store which donates 100% of profits to charity.
Over the past year they have donated 9 million dollars to support maternal mortality and tuberculosis treatment in impoverished countries.
If you’d like to gift loose leaf tea, coffee, soap, or quirky socks, swing by good.store and use my affiliate code SARAHDSHOTTS for 25% off.
I don’t do much affiliate marketing, but I really love good.store’s mission. And the Keats & Co. Breakfast Tea is my new favorite. ☕️
The Compost Heap is free to all. Thanks for exchanging your time and energy. If you’re feeling particularly generous here are other ways you can lend your support.
Leave a comment (it’s free!)
Restack or recommend on Substack.
Buy my book.
Forward this email to a friend.
Join during November to get this zine in your mailbox!
If you missed my last post I’m planning to shapeshift this newsletter into a zine in 2025. This month was an experiment and I really loved making this. I’m definitely leaning into analogue in the new year.
You’re invited to comment, but I am unlikely to respond in a timely fashion.
Cheers,
This newsletter is a curated collection of tidbits from my overgrown Compost Heap (or digital garden.) Rummage around, turn the heap, and see what you can find for yourself. 🪱🐛🌱
Illustrations by Gracie Klumpp of Leave the Fingerprints. 🐞
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Spotlighting Art & Books by Mums
A Shop Small Gift Guide
I’m on a Substack hiatus this month re-drafting a novel. Meanwhile enjoy this gift guide featuring mums who contributed writing and art to Entwined & Ember.
Visual Art
Original Collages & Prints by cover artist Twiggy Boyer (US)
Fine Art Illustration Prints from (UK)
Tapestries, Paintings & Prints by (US)
Handcrafted Gifts by (UK)
Books
for black birds pushing against glass and Darkling by (UK)
Milk: An Intimate History of Breastfeeding by (UK)
Creative Tools
Creativity is Your Self Care by (UK)
Wild Union Oracle Deck by Erica Settino (US)
My own book… Discover Your Creative Ecosystem is currently sold out (and on preorder.)
But I have a stack of Creative Ecosystem Art Journals in stock and ready to go.
And, of course, you can still preorder Entwined & Ember.
Please keep in mind these are still in development and will not arrive for the 2024 holiday season.
Memberships
Joyful Visibility Creativity Circle by
by
Support a Charity
Donate to founded by to support mums and birthing parents.
The Compost Heap is free to all. Thanks for exchanging your time and energy. If you’re feeling particularly generous here are other ways you can lend your support.
Leave a comment (it’s free!)
Restack or recommend on Substack.
Buy my book.
Forward this email to a friend.
Or pledge support via Patreon ($3+) or Substack ($7+).
Join during November to get this zine in your mailbox!
If you missed my last post I’m planning to shapeshift this newsletter into a zine in 2025. This month was an experiment and I really loved making this.
This newsletter is a curated collection of tidbits from my overgrown Compost Heap (or digital garden.) Rummage around, turn the heap, and see what you can find for yourself. 🪱🐛🌱
Illustrations by Gracie Klumpp of Leave the Fingerprints. 🐞
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We Have Our Arts So We Don’t Die of Truth.
And revisiting Neurodivergent Boundaries.
We Have Our Arts So We Don’t Die of Truth.
Swooping in to my pre-scheduled post to add a bit of poetry from Ray Bradbury.
I finished this book today.1
To be fair I’ve skipped two days of noveling because my heart is too heavy.
I hope to take up the pen again tonight.
Process in your own time, but remember that art is life saving.
Not frivolous.
Creating is a powerful tool for self regulation.
A portal for connection.
An enchantment for dreaming a better future.
Take care of yourself.
I’ve deleted social media from my phone this week.
I may not go back at all.
If you’re a hyper sensitive soul you may need to set different boundaries than others. And if you’re autistic or neurodivergent it’s important to lean into sensory joy for self regulation.
Buy yourself a fidget, a box of crayons, or a book you loved as a kid.
Here’s what sensory joy looked like at my house yesterday.
Below is a roundup of posts from past Novembers.
I hope these can be a mental escape from your current reality if you need that.
Here is what I pre-scheduled for you earlier this week:
I’m on a Substack hiatus this month re-drafting a novel.
Meanwhile enjoy this tour of posts from November’s past.
Two Years Ago
I wrote this post about neurodivergence and boundaries.
November of 2022 was also the first time I connected in real time with my friend .
We spoke about motherhood & creativity & writing books.
Last Year
I wrote this reflection on the meandering journey to self publishing my first book.
And I wrote this love letter to Charleston, South Carolina and my Wheel of Time friends.
The Compost Heap is free to all. Thanks for exchanging your time and energy. If you’re feeling particularly generous here are other ways you can lend your support.
Leave a comment (it’s free!)
Restack or recommend on Substack.
Buy my book.
Forward this email to a friend.
Join during November to get this zine in your mailbox!
If you missed my last post I’m planning to shapeshift this newsletter into a zine in 2025. This month was an experiment and I really loved making this. I’m definitely leaning into analogue in the new year.
You’re welcome to comment, but I may or not respond.
Cheers,
This newsletter is a curated collection of tidbits from my overgrown Compost Heap (or digital garden.) Rummage around, turn the heap, and see what you can find for yourself. 🪱🐛🌱
Illustrations by Gracie Klumpp of Leave the Fingerprints. 🐞
1Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury (borrow here for free).
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Shapeshifting into a zine 💫
The medium is the message
The Medium is the Message
A few years ago I started making artwork with a gallery setting in mind (rather than Instagram.) That completely changed the kinds of things I was making.
I started the series My Brain on Motherhood and have been in over 10 fine art exhibitions.
That never would have happened if I kept making art “for” the Internet.
The medium is the message.
The platform that we create work for informs the work.
Earlier this year, I stopped writing paywalled posts for paying supporters and started sending letters in the mail.
Changing the medium of the message has made that work feel more personal and also more like human connection and less like work.
So I’ve been wondering how to bring that energy to what I’m making here.
I’m contemplating the ways in which I might go analogue with my newsletter in the new year.
To test it out I’ve typed up I am not a brand. I’m a human. as a zine.
This will be going out to my paid supporters this month as an experiment. (You can sub for as little as $3 a month via Patreon.)
I might alternate letters and zines depending on what I have to say.
What’s interesting to me is how much this is about intention.
Once I made the work with an art gallery in mind – I can then share it on Instagram. (My “I’m Fine” cross stitch actually went low key viral.)
But the frame in which I formulate ideas changes what I make.
So when I say I’m going “analogue” I’m thinking of creating physical zines on my typewriter. That’s the medium. I’ll send paper copies to paying supporters (a sliding scale starting at $3 a month.)
Once I’ve made that I can then archive digital versions of that zine on my website or Internet Archive (like this). I’ll send fewer emails (monthly or quarterly) that point directly to my website and / or compost heap. So the email newsletter becomes a channel to share my work and not the medium of the work itself.
(How does that sound ?)
I’m less and less comfortable having the work that I make live on someone else’s platform and this is an experiment I am excited to try.
I’ve been circling around this idea for months now and I finally discovered Mail Blog via Independent Creative and it inspired me to give analogue a go.
If you’re considering how creating for the Internet in general is informing your work I’d really recommend the book The Medium is the Message by Marshall McLuhan.
In the Studio ✂️
Meanwhile here are a few updates from my creative ecosystem.
First up, Entwined has gone to the editor!
I’m also taking a course on sensory regulation with my partner. David and I are painting these sensory regulation cards and I’m very excited about them. (I don’t have it handy, but let me know if you’d like an affiliate link.)
A lot of creative energy is also going into creating spaces for learning.
And I’m also using our new laser printer to design our own handwriting sheets. (We’re saving the paper for a recycled paper bookmark project I’ve been ideating for about 5 years.)
I also made this Wheel of Time inspired snowflake for WoTtober
In the Garden 🌱
Our garden is completely feral.
But these volunteer tomatoes are VERY happy.
Books 📖
Inspired by Hayley Dunlop I thought I might share more of the picture books we’re reading. This one has been a big hit. (No loose teeth yet, but we’re preparing to understand when it does happen.)
Digital Foraging 🍁
Enchantment means “to be inside a song.” via Writing Excuses
You can see another example of The Medium is the Message by these flashbacks to the time I was a “YouTuber.” I’m exhausted just thinking about trying to mask as much as I did in 2016.
Seven years past.
How to Make Leaf Rubbings on YouTube
Eight years past.
October Favorites 2016 on YouTube
via Double Double Toil and Trouble an October roundup post on Substack from 2022.
The Compost Heap is free to all. Thanks for exchanging your time and energy. If you’re feeling particularly generous here are other ways you can lend your support.
Leave a comment (it’s free!)
Restack or recommend on Substack.
Buy my book.
Forward this email to a friend.
Pledge $3+ on Patreon (or upgrade to paid) for monthly snail mail from me.
The Internet is like a tin can telephone. It’s just a rusty can until someone talks back.
What are you making? What are you growing? What are you finding inspiring?
I appreciate you.
This newsletter is a curated collection of tidbits from my overgrown Compost Heap (or digital garden.) Rummage around, turn the heap, and see what you can find for yourself. 🪱🐛🌱
Illustrations by Gracie Klumpp of Leave the Fingerprints. 🐞
