A note from Mixed Messages
Where I've been, and what's to come!
Hi, welcome back to Mixed Messages! This week I’m sharing a little update on where I’ve been for the past couple of weeks, plus when you can expect our 3rd anniversary giveaway…
You might have noticed that there’s been no Mixed Messages for the past two weeks. One week off was intentional (I celebrated my birthday at the start of September, and no work was being done then, let’s be honest), the other wasn’t.
I’ve been struggling with my mental health lately. I’m very open that I live with anxiety and depression and have done for years. Thanks to medication and therapy I’ve been doing OK, but recently a few personal, professional and emotional challenges have hit me hard.
Sometimes you just need a break, so that’s what I gave myself. My cup was full, as they say, and I needed some time to give my body and mind what they were desperately craving – rest.
Thank you
If you know me, you’ll know that rest doesn’t come easily, but it’s what I needed. Thank you for being patient with me, for sticking with Mixed Messages and for your lovely and always-appreciated messages of support.
It means so much that this newsletter has grown to the size it has and that I’m now emailing THOUSANDS (PLURAL, THOUSANDS!) of you each Monday morning. It makes me smile to read your comments and to know that the words of my guests help you feel seen and less alone. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!
The giveaway
On that note, as has become tradition and to say a big thank you to all of you, we’re running another giveaway to mark Mixed Messages 3rd anniversary. I’ll be announcing the prizes and how to win on Wednesday, both here and on social, so make sure to follow Mixed Messages on on Instagram and Twitter now. Book lovers, you’re in for a treat…
Sustainability
Finally, I wanted to talk about money. Mixed Messages has always been free, and I don’t have plans to change that in the near future. However, it takes time to secure guests and interview them, as well as money in terms of Zoom subscriptions and transcription software.
I would be eternally grateful if you chose to support Mixed Messages financially so that I can keep running it weekly, whether as a one-off donation or ongoing support. While the newsletter is free, you can choose to be a paid subscriber (I think this is in your subscription settings) or donate to my Ko-fi.
You can also shop the Mixed Messages Bookshop storefront, where I could earn a small amount of commission from your purchase, at no extra cost to you.
If you aren’t in a position to support me financially, I understand completely! Life is tough. There are other ways to champion Mixed Messages, like simply continuing to be a subscriber, commenting on and sharing posts, supporting us on social media or just telling a friend that we exist.
Again, I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has already donated or supported me, and for every single one of you for being here. It truly means the world to this mixed writer!
Right, that’s enough from me today! See you on Wednesday for our (almost) regular programming.
Check back on Wednesday for Mixed Messages’ 3rd anniversary giveaway. Next week, I’ll be talking to poet Sarala Estruch (for real this time). Subscribe to get Mixed Messages in your inbox on Monday.
Enjoy Mixed Messages? Support me on Ko-Fi! Your donations, which can start from £3, help me pay for the transcription software needed to keep this newsletter weekly, as well as special treats for subscribers. I also earn a small amount of commission (at no extra cost to you) on any purchases made through my Bookshop.org affiliate links.
Mixed Messages is a weekly exploration of the mixed-race experience, from me, Isabella Silvers. My mom is Punjabi (by way of East Africa) and my dad is white British, but finding my place between these two cultures hasn’t always been easy. That’s why I started Mixed Messages, where each week I’ll speak to a prominent mixed voice to delve into what it really feels like to be mixed.
I am so glad you recognized the need to take a break and were able to do so. I super appreciate this blog and share it with folks on the regular. The breadth of guests and therefore experiences of mixedness in a society that really wants to draw lines around complex human identities is hugely validating.