the beautiful worst

10.19.21 vol. 7 - issue 7

Hey zine readers! The leaves are still green here in KC, but there's crispness in the air and soft sunlight that marks the undeniable start of Fall. I've been baking croissants between a flurry of deadlines and noticing how, as my work routines adjust to the change in seasons, my creative questions--what does it mean to belong? How do stories bridge the gap between us?--have remained the same, and are actually questions that have either followed or guided my process since I was an undergrad studying creative writing. For this month's issue of The Beautiful Worst, I'm sharing some of my recent work that culminated as a result of this nearly 20-year inquiry, as well as updates from the community and a question for you: What are the questions that follow or guide your creative orbit? xo.Katie

Now Available: The Myth of the West - Part One

Since January, I've been serializing an East-Meets-Western novel through my story subscription program. In monthly installments, the story has taken readers across the country, around the world, and through time, but was missing an important detail--a title!

The Myth of the West chronicles the adventures of Mira Wang, a mind reader who uses her abilities to survive on The Road and evade a mysterious presence known as The Sheriff.

The Myth of the West - Part 1 is available as an e-book exclusively to subscribers and is a fun way to follow along or catch-up on the story, especially as we continue into Part Two. Read the first chapter of The Myth of the West on my blog.

This Month's Story: "The New Girl"

For October's story, I'll be sharing my first essay since 2020. "The New Girl" recounts the friendship that taught me the possibilities of belonging and launched my search for the words to describe my experiences as mixed race person. "The New Girl" will be the introductory story to a memoir-in-essays I've been working on about multiracial identity. Read a preview on my blog.

Join the story subscription program to download your copy of The Myth of the West - Part One and receive "The New Girl" in your inbox when it's published next Friday.
Subscribers can also access my complete library of short stories, essays, craft notes, and e-books.

A Beautiful Worst Throwback: vol. 3 Issue 9

L: Deer Flash, 2017 R: Red Clover Fading Brown, 2021

In 2017, artist Jenn Houle stopped by the Beautiful Worst to share her paintings and sculptures exploring the relationship between nature and humanity, and how we find meaning in the experience of art and nature. Check out Jenn's solo exhibition, Terrestrial Magnetism, at Fitchburg State until December 10, 2021. Learn more at her website.

Community Bulletin Board

A New Season of Ink From The Embers

On the subject of creative cycles, author Corinne Cunningham and artist Toby Schreier--siblings and co-hosts of the podcast Ink from The Embers--start their second season with a discussion on New/Re-Starts. Tune in on their website or your preferred podcast platform.

Virtual Movie Night

Over on my Discord server, the AV Club selects a film to sync and live chat from our screens at home. This month, we're watching Mandy on Saturday, October 23 at 8pm Central Time. Join the server for the movie night and to chat about books, recipes, creativity, and more!

Fundraiser for Cafe Caphe

Cafe Caphe, Kansas City's first and only Vietnamese coffee shop, is currently raising funds to move from their food truck to a brick and mortar location. Jackie and her team have been instrumental in raising awareness for the AAPI community in Kansas City, and the city is more vibrant because of their hard work. I can only imagine how much the city will thrive with a dedicated community space like what Cafe Caphe is envisioning. Read about Jackie's mission in Startland News and pitch in to Cafe Caphe's GoFundMe for their brick and mortar.

Your Turn!

What is your creative orbit? What are the themes that you return to with your art? Reply to this email to share your thoughts in the next issue of The Beautiful Worst, or join me on Discord to discuss!