Subscribe to join the book’s
story-sharing community
Encouraging others in their creative life is at the heart of everything I’ve done in what I call my second life, first as a hospice scribe and then as a writer working in public places. I now want to offer readers of The Cure for Sleep an inspiring and supportive online story-sharing space.
How it works
Each of my monthly newsletters over on Substack takes a key moment from the book, inviting you to respond to that theme with a short true tale of your own – using the comments field to share a story of up to 300 words.
All stories that respect the contributor guidelines and the foundational spirit of the project – inclusivity, kindness, respect for the privacy and feelings of others – are then curated on this site (see below).
“If you’re writing away by yourself and anxious about showing your work to others, here’s a lovely opportunity to share in a kind, supportive space. Have a look. Take the leap. I’m so glad I did”
Sheila de Courcy, contributor
The monthly newsletter also includes extras such as my recommended texts for emerging writers and links to events and conversations happening around The Cure for Sleep.
I hope you will join me on Substack and I look forward to reading your words.
Stories beyond the book
season 2 (2022)
Stories beyond the book
season 1 (2021)
001 mar: bedtime stories
002 april: memory games
003 may: bonding
004 june: choosing
005 july: promises
006 aug: size & shape
007 sept: time
008 oct: desire
009 nov: regret
010 dec: faith
011 jan: rebirth
“It could be enough, more than enough, to be a person occupied for the rest of my life by what might look to others only an idiotically simple gathering in of small and obscure moments: the collecting of stories from ordinary people like me.”
The Cure For Sleep
“It’s a special act of generosity when a writer you respect asks for responses to extracts from their work. Fear held me back but then I responded to the piece on regret. No regrets”
Tim LeRoy, contributor
“It’s a privilege to be a small part of this reflective conversation and the community it brings into being”
Nicola Pitchford, contributor
“I’m so glad to have constellated the courage and drafted something that assembles peace”
E E Rhodes, contributor
thecureforsleep.com 