It’s me, Ottessa Moshfegh, the writer…

You might have heard of a book called “My Year of Rest and Relaxation.” I wrote that, and five other books of fiction. I’m not on social media, but now I’m on Substack because it feels like a zine from the 90s you stay up too late working on, and then you sneak into the office at school to Xerox it for your friends the next day. I never did that because I would never do anything like that. And I would never do anything like this either. That’s why I am doing it. Because I was recently reminded of the end of that Rilke poem where he goes, “You must change your life.” #profundity

Why subscribe?

I’m not doing publicity here—this is just my thing. So I will be my full self. Subscribe and I will invite you to read and watch and listen to things I wouldn’t let anyone else publish or post. Free stuff once a week or so.

Why pay to subscribe?

If you pay the money, you can read everything on here, much of which will be for paid-subscribers. I’ll be uploading scans of my notebooks from high school, for example. I’m writing a memoir about high school. I’ll be writing a column called “Writing Advice” every week in which I’ll answer paid-subscribers’ questions. And then once a month, you get access to a live chat with me.

Founding membership gets you a one-hour Zoom with me (which can include thoughtful feedback on a short story you’ve written). And I will pray for you for nine days in a row. And other bonuses I’ll think of.

“Ottessa Moshfegh’s Substack is better than any MFA experience.” —Ilana Bradford

“I like the free coffee.” —Ed Chin

“Finally a place where I can be myself.” —Britney Spears

Do you have a question?

Is the question for me? Send it to itsottessab@gmail.com.

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