Hi everyone and welcome to the very first Episode of Your Potato Digest. That’s right we’re now not only a newsletter, but a Podcast too. You’ll find pretty much everything from the podcast in the show notes below. So if you prefer reading instead of listening, go for it (and check out the graphics anyway). And before we get started, if you’re new here, this is the pecking order for the newsletter: * Housekeeping (Podcast Only): Updates and general reminders. * The Poe-tato Writing Collective Returns: Submissions now open. Interested in learning more? Click the button below. * Potato of the Week: A special feature highlighting a writer as nominated by the community (and chosen by RNG). * Notable Writing Mentions: Some highlights of writing pieces submitted to our weekly share thread. * Your Story Time Prompt: A weekly writing prompt to inspire your next story. * Lastly, A Poetry/Story Reading (Audio Only): This week’s reading is Fear’s Manifest Take #2. Music Used in this Episode: * Dreamy Lofi by RomanSenykMusic * Happy Hour by Retrositive * Phone Anime by Melodigne * There’s another song but I forgot to grab the link. So I’ll update this later. Now, if you haven’t done so yet… please consider subscribing! Doing so gets you notified when new episodes come out, as well as whenever a poem or short story is posted! And uh, it just lets me know that you’re enjoying this content. You’re doing it? Great, thank you, muah The Potato of the Week is… A (is my name)! As nominated by Bridget B., A (is my name) is a queer, non-binary, Buddhist artist, dancer, and write who hopes you find something you in their posts. We’ll be highlighting their poem, “Non-Denial” — which is a piece centered around one’s own struggle to accept or obtain peace. But before I dive into my own thoughts, here is what Bridget shared about A’s writing: “A’s writing is so raw and true. In these times I find their voice to be an anchor.” Wonderfully said, and I couldn’t help but agree about it being raw and authentic. While A is particularly masterful in their use of language and imagery, I also loved how strongly you can feel their emotions throughout. The strength in emotion lends itself to the uncertainty the writer might be feeling towards peace, and how that uncertainty becomes a struggle throughout the poem: “Peace thumps in the lump resting somewhereBetween my chin and chestEmbracing this distinct feeling makes my breath catchLike a fish on a hook, I thrash aboutWithout water to envelop, I can’t swim to safety” For me, I’ve known peace for most of my life. I was privileged to live in a relatively safe household, and felt like a normal kid going to school. So I can’t say I’ve walked the same roads someone like A or anyone else might’ve been forced to walk. But I’m honored to be able to provide a platform for their voices. But honestly, that’s enough about my interpretation and thoughts on A’s poem. A was really kind in sharing with me a bit about their writing, and the intent behind this piece: “All of my poems are about struggle of some sort, so tormented! Non-Denial is about knowing I will never find peace if I’m not willing to surrender to honesty in self-reflection - and - Accepting that in order to evolve I will always have to give my heart to something beyond this body - and - The physicality of shedding uncomfortable parts of myself that I’ve gotten cozy with.” Thank you so much A for sharing that, and yeah. This was a fantastic poem, and I hope everyone else thinks so too. Plus, if any of you would like to support A further, please subscribe to them. Congratulations on becoming Potato of the Week, A! Other Pieces Nominated: * Every Version of You by Maryellen Brady 💗📚: “Maryellen’s writing moves a reader in such a way that the piece remains with them long after its been read.And the myriad emotions while reading creations like these are truly a journey!I’m a big fan of Maryellen’s work and she keeps raising her own bar higher 💜” - Nimita Kaul * The Seeds My Teacher Planted by Daniel Coates: “Daniel’s work feels crafted rather than rushed, and that care shows on the page. For anyone who enjoys writing that is intelligent, immersive, and willing to explore deeper questions without losing its human core, Daniel is a great one to read. He’s also started exploring poetry. He also has a serial called the water thief.” - Verdant Butterfly * Beginnings III by Wendy Russell: “Nominating Wendy Russell! Her work is always amazing and she does lots with the community and this piece is a perfect showcase of that.” - Daniel Coates Notable Writing Mentions! Three stories from our weekly share thread that I thoroughly enjoyed. 1. Swan Dive by Kate M. Sine: An incredible piece from Kate which pulls from elements or names requested by others via a prompt. This one takes little time to get to the point, addressing how an “Icarus” is always needed — “Sacrifices have to be made to tell a good story.” And uh… damn, Kate is absolutely right. This poem is also unafraid to get its hands dirty, delving into a horrific series of events for its main focus: The fate of the young prince Ambrose — who catches himself struggling to fend off a great witch. I’d tell you more, but it’s better to read the full piece. Chop-Chop! by Anton Anderson: A story split into three perspectives focused on a singular event, and written for Bradley Ramsey’s The Halls of Pandemonium challenge. Anton does a tremendous job navigating this, making the characters and their conflicts feel so natural. There’s the cat, who is curious about what it means to be picked up by two humans, and then taken to the vet. Then there’s the mouse, scared of the humans, but relieved when they’re only there for the cat. And lastly, the crow, who ponders what it’d be like to be taken in by the humans — not when its hurt, but to be at home. Very well done! Your Story Time Prompt A weekly writing prompt to inspire your next story. Prompt: Fairy tales often originate in much darker variations, then over time changed to be... a bit more cozy. So, let this prompt be a challenge to create one that is uniquely grimdark, but in a way that is also cozy without losing its darker elements. Can you do it? Rules: * Write a short story or poem based on the prompt. * Responses must be no more than 2,500 words. * Link your response in the comments to be eligible for a shout-out next week. Thanks so much for reading through or listening to this episode! If you’re not subscribed yet, please do so! I post poetry and writing prompts regularly, so you won’t want to miss out on those. Or, if you’d like to support me further, consider upgrading your subscription. See you all next time! Of Potatoes and Poets is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Of Potatoes and Poets at potatoesandpoets.substack.com/subscribe
