I long to feel the weight of goodness, and maybe you do too.

Hi, I’m Rachael, kidlit novelist and mom-to-5.

I live with perfectionism, C-PTSD, and a squishy postpartum tummy.

One reason I thirst for the little moments — the little places of curiosity and beauty — is because, if I don't look for those, the hard will overwhelm.

This e-letter comes to you once or twice a month.
Just two minutes to help you and me cultivate curiosity.

You may never read my fiction, and that's okay!

Right here, I’m all about growing and deepening as a person, one word at a time.

Somehow, you found me! — and I’m glad to find you too.

I do believe fiction is magical. That’s why I write it.

As a kid, books were some of my best friends. Reading felt powerful. Thrilling but safe. I spent decades in Redwall, Tortall, Hogwarts, and the Lower Elements.

I’m a mom now and a tired human on the humbling journey of becoming softer and more curious.

That journey brought me back to my childhood dream of authorship.

Fiction is more powerful than I realized. It gives us the power to empathize, wonder, and explore. To learn about ourselves and others. To build our capacity to see and care and consider.

That what my fiction is all about. The power in words and worlds. The power in self-kindness and curiosity. The power in learning to notice.

“A book can’t change the world on its own.
But a book can change readers.
And readers?
They can change the world.”

— Sarah Mackenzie, Read-Aloud Revival

Subscribers receive:

An e-letter on being curious in life and literature, with themes like:

  • dwelling: a word or phrase to ponder

  • book connections for you or the kids in your life

  • heart resources and prompts to spark curiosity

  • periodic updates on my kidlit fiction series

I’m glad you’re here!

To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.

Subscribe to This Half Acre

A two-minute letter to the curious and weary. Exploring life one word at a time.

People

Recovering perfectionist and softening human. Growing curious and kind through parenting, novel-writing, and being a person (not a robot).