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Welcome to my Substack!

Hi I’m NJ, A lifelong language enthusiast and budding philosopher who believes in the power of words to lift spirits and spark insight.

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My Substack is organized into 5 sections + a Cozy Chair Reading Spot.

1. Craft Essays: Thoughtful explorations of craft (fiction/poetry) and industry.

2. Poetry: Poetry & Essays on big (and lil’) philosophical questions.

3. NJs Bookshelf:

   • A Library of Books that left a Mark.

   • Monthly Poetry Book Recommendation.

   • Books that every writer should read to improve their craft (all genres).

4. Contests/Opportunities: Shortlists of vetted writing contests for those itching to submit their work (but despise long list of information), Publishing Opportunities, & Grants/Fellowship programs.

5. Publications & News: My personal journey as a full-time writer (the wins & losses), news of publications, as well as any events I’m attending and/or hosting. Including Lives “In the Margins, with NJ” The auxiliary events in between writing.

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But don’t Forget to Visit our Community READING Space The Cozy Chair, it’s our corner of the internet dedicated to community events, art, learning, and connection.

Featuring:

• Moonlit Mics: Monthly Open-Mics

• Seasonal Story Club: (quarterly) Slow-Read Book Clubs

• Serialized Fiction

• Choose Your Own Adventure Series w/Live Votings

  —After completion the full project is released w/every possible story branch [$]

• Author’s Voice Podcast: Live Novel Readings [$]

• Workshops [$]

• Beta Reads [$]

*All events are listed on the homepage. [$] Paid or Paid Subscriber Events.

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I’d love to hear from you—what’s a book or poem that’s made you feel a little lighter lately? Until next time keep dreaming, and above all, keep reading.

-Sincerely, NJ. Simat

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Paid Subscribers:

• An open-door policy: If you have questions about Literary Craft (or industry) then message me for tailored 1-on-1 guidance on your piece or project.

• Never hit a paywall: Access to Archives, Beta Reads, Author’s Voice Podcast, and recorded lives.

• A free copy of all new publications.

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POEtic Threads!

For those of us who live in words, edit with caffeine, and revise until our eyelids stick to our scleras. POEtic Threads focuses on comfortable, wearable pieces, that nod to the writing life: for when you’re deep in the draft trenches, heading to a reading/book club, or just want to be cozy.

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