You’ve found this newsletter today. You see, it’s from this guy, Vince Wetzel. You may know me. You may not. The name of the newsletter intrigues you. You click in and wonder, “Is this going to be worth it?”
Why it matters:
It takes me 2-3 years to push out a quality novel. The next, Lose Yourself, comes out next Spring. This is a way to connect with readers with new original short stories and reflections on quality life quotes and to share my writing journey.
My goal is to provide something worthy of your time to click open each week.
A little deeper…
How am I going to operationalize this endeavor?
A systematic cadence, of course! I will send out a specific style of post every week so that I can focus on that one thing, and you know what’s coming.
First Friday - Fiction. You can tell I like F-ing alliterations. These will be short stories revisiting characters you know and introducing you to characters you haven’t met but may play a part in future novels and projects. Also, look for longer-form fiction played out in multi-part serials.
Second Friday - Fridge Philosophies. Again, with the F alliterations. I can’t help it. Some may know about the whiteboard I keep on my refrigerator to inspire my teens. Here, I’m going to share what those quotes mean to me and how they help me be present, live more intentionally, and prioritize the most important.
Third Friday - The CHOW (Clueless Hack On Writing). I’ll provide updates on my projects, interview other writers on their process, and generally share my triumphs and struggles with this craft
Fourth Friday - Extra Mustard. Each week will include a Side of Mustard (see below). For Extra Mustard, expect more sports takes, thoughts on podcasts, books, streaming shows, and other randomness.
Side of Mustard:
Last week, I drove to Napa for the day. Have you heard about that place? I know, it’s an international destination and it’s an hour’s drive from my house. Do you want to know how many times I’ve taken a day trip there in 20 years of living in West Sacramento? Twice. Ridiculous. But it was the perfect day. Perfect weather. We visited great bookstores - Copperfield Books and the Napa Bookmine. I picked up a copy of one of my favorite authors, J. Ryan Stradal’s new book “Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club.” If you haven’t ready The Lager Queen of Minnesota and you like beer (or even if you detest the stuff) do it. Great book
Kings-Warriors: So the last time the Kings were in the playoffs, my daughter was four weeks old. She’s now 17. In 2006, I was also in the midst of my 10-year NBA boycott because of the 1999 strike. Yes, this also coincided with the great Kings run. Anyway, regardless of the outcome of this series, this is a boost for Sacramento. It wasn’t that long ago that they were off to Seattle. It was very recent when they were unwatchable and firing coaches and GMs with the frequency of country music award shows. I’m very excited about the future. And while the Kings are down 3-2 in the series, I’m hopeful they light the beam at least two more times and advance.
Listened to the It Girl by Ruth Ware on long car rides recently. Ms. Ware is a great writer, and Imogen Church, the narrator for all of her books, is fantastic.
I am writing this Mustard at the airport. My flight to Santa Barbara (I know, boohoo) was canceled, and now I’m waiting for a new flight to Burbank and a two-hour drive to Santa Barbara so I can make a work meeting tomorrow. I am thankful there are other options, but I am disappointed. Yet, I am excited to send off this newsletter and start this endeavor with you.
Thank you for reading. Please share, comment, like, etc.
Great musings; reminds me that I need to read for pleasure more often.
And the boys say that the Warriors are going to keep the beam dim this season ...
They have bookstores in Napa?