Substacks recommended by Debra Fried

Recommended by Debra Fried

The Long Middle

By Lisa Renee

Letters about life in the middle.

Pieces of Jim

By Jim Nolan

I write humor pieces about subjects of timeless appeal, like air compressor technology.

If you want a short, smart, well-written essay that will make you laugh and nod with understanding and appreciation, read Pieces of Jim. It's always a treat.

- Debra Fried

E.R.J. McKay

My WIP memoir is here: thevaticanofthehollies.com

In My Shoes

By Karen McIntyre

Writing the book I wish I had when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Writing about disease isn't easy. Writing about it with humor and honesty is an act of grace. Karen has begun a blog that will do just that.

- Debra Fried

Rob Rooney

If you work in advertising or simply find it interesting (it can be, I swear) you'll love this newsletter. Rob Rooney's takes are intelligent and fun to read - and they're more about human nature than about business.

- Debra Fried

PatouPivots

By Patou Nuytemans

Patou Nuytemans. 30 years Ogilvy. 30+ markets. 6 homes. One constant: the pivot. Stories about how brands, agencies, creativity, organisations, leaders and I can change.

I love this blog - Patou has just left Ogilvy - the same global agency I worked for. Our paths didn't cross there, but I'm so glad they've crossed here. In Patou's thank you's to the hundreds of people she's worked with, there's humanity, joy and professional wisdom. I don't always love "work" blogs but this one is an exception. Probably because it's anything but a work blog.

- Debra Fried

Shaved Meats, Piled High

By Laura Lippman

Blatant self-promotion for my novels because I never want to have a real job again. But, hey, it's only monthly and it's free.

I can't believe I just discovered Laura Lippman. She had me at "I take a lot of selfies" and kept me laughing and nodding from then on.

- Debra Fried

How Not to F*ck Up Your Face

By Val Monroe

philosophical and practical advice for anyone who's ever looked into a mirror

If you're into beauty, but kind of hate the beauty industry because it messes with your self esteem while confusing the hell out of you, this is the newsletter for you. If you're like me, and need all the help you can get, I recommend How Not to F*ck Up Your Face. Also, it's funny and kindhearted, and who can't use some of THAT?

- Debra Fried

Debra’s Newsletter

Recommended by Debra Fried