Welcome!
This newsletter is for book people and anyone else who believes that stumbling on the right words at the right time can change how we see our lives.
What you’ll find
Every other Saturday I write to you with one or more of the following:
Essays inspired by what I’m reading, writing, and discovering
Book recommendations and links that entertain, enlighten, or offer escape
Author interviews that plumb deeper than the writer’s most recent book to explore their creative process and how they view their journey as a writer and a human on this earth
Opportunties to share your stories, wisdom, books, ideas and Moments of Zen over a metaphorical cup of coffee
In between issues, you can access the archives whenever you’re looking for a book to match your moment. These include:
Every post since this newsletter’s inception in March 2020
The Right Book at the Right Time, “micro-interviews” with writers and readers about the book that found them when they needed it most
More resources to help you find your next read: #Bookstacker network and Spark Author Page
No paywalls. Ever.
Spark content is available to everyone and you choose how to support the work. First and foremost, lend your voice. Chime in on the comments, hit that heart button when you like what you read, share a story or a book you just read with us. Then share Spark with friends so we can grow together.
If you like what you find here, consider a paid subscription ($5/month or $35/year) or use this link to make single contributions of any amount via PayPal.
Either way, no paywalls. I’m glad you’re here.
A little bit about me
As a reader, I was precocious — I learned when I was four and haven’t stopped since. As a writer of fiction, I’m a late bloomer. I published my first novel, Casualties (Berkley), in 2016 at the age of sixty. My second novel is nearing completion, something you’ll hear more about here.
I’m an oldest child from a large family. I grew up in small town that I left when I was seventeen. I’ve raised a son, fallen in love a few times, been married twice, worked as a journalist, waitress, a pharmaceutical marketer, consultant, freelance writer and, once, briefly, as a nude model. I’ve made bad decisions and good ones. They all played a role in where I am now. They all fuel what I write.
Books have served as both roadmap and flashlight as I’ve made my way. They’ve sheltered me when I needed time to think or figure things out, been company when I was lonely. They’ve shown me possibilities, made me uncomfortable, helped me grow, use my brain, feel more alive. This is true for the books I write and the ones I read.
This newsletter has evolved since I launched it in 2020, but so have I and the community that has grown here. Here, we talk about family, aging, youth, tough questions, silly questions, what hurts, what soothes, what delights. Then we share the books or essays which help us us find our way. I love it when readers and writers find each other here.
Get in touch
I check DMs on Substack regularly or you can reach me at betsymarro.spark@gmail.com. You can also find me on Facebook and on Instagram or Threads at @egmarro_spark.
Want to know a bit more?
Here’s a sample of some of Spark’s more popular posts
Is being here enough? A riff on Amy Krause Rosenthal’s Encylopedia of an Ordinary Life
In my defense, he would not shut up: Did I disgrace myself or was I a hero?
Here’s what readers say
“Betsy’s writing is beautiful , thoughtful, often induces introspection and sometimes laughter and/or serenity. It is a must for book lovers!” - Janice McFarland, reader and member of four book clubs.
“Spark has an intimate, personal feel to it. No matter the topic, each newsletter openly shares an emotional response to the topic or topics. Sometimes I giggle; sometimes I cry; sometimes I nod my head; always I make some sort of emotional connection. I also love learning about new (or new to me) authors.” - Lisa Stice, Poet
“Betsy’s stories are the strength of this newsletter. She shares her experiences, hopes, doubts, and fears with honesty and humor. Reading Spark is like enjoying coffee or a drink with the author, who, whatever dilemma she is dealing with, is always generous and reassuring.” -Andrew Merton, author
“Spark delivers on its process. I come away from it inspired, lit up by new ideas or thought-provoking questions. More than that, I feel part of a larger constellation of people who think deeply, read widely, and approach each day with curiosity.- Shelley Marie Motz, Founder of Sift.Shift.Lift.
And here is a bit more about my first novel and other writing
My first novel, Casualties (Berkley, February 2016) is the story of Ruth Nolan, a successful defense industry executive who must face the consequences of her choices when her son returns from war altered in ways neither of them expected. You’ll find more of my writing at the San Diego Union Tribune, LiteraryMama.com among other places and can hear me read a story about one of my most embarrassing moments here.
