“A distinct literary voice.”

Bringing you personal essays about the meanderings of life.

About the author:

I’m a writer and visual artist based in Edinburgh. I studied playwriting at the University of Arts in Berlin and my first book of essays “Things I Have Noticed” was published in 2020. My second book of essays “Things I Have Loved” just came out!

You can get my books here.

If you want to get a more visual insight into my life you can follow me on Instagram: @sophiahembeck

What is the Muse Letter about?

I write personal essays, short or longer observations on the quotidian, pop culture, and sometimes I interview interesting artists. I started the Muse Letter in May 2020 during the turbulent times of the first lockdown to inspire and feel connected to the outside world.

The Muse Letter is driving on artistic excellence, read all about it here.

What is for free subscribers?

Occasional public posts, are highly limited. I believe that art must be cherished, and thus be paid for. If you believe that, too, see what is for paying subscribers. xx

What is for paying subscribers?

With a paid subscription you get the monthly Sunday Muse Letter and irregular long-form essays, that are published when they are ready.

You also get to read the special essay series’ only for paying subscribers that are published through the year, e.g. the Glimpse of Summer series and you have access to the archives which are mostly paywalled.

Plus: discounts on museletterpublishing.com x eternal gratitude.

The Top 3 of my favourite and most successful Muse Letters of all time:

The Muse Letter

On male fragility: I want to see it

—————— “I almost cried.” – “Why didn’t you?” —————— I have never seen my dad cry. I …

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2 years ago · 10 likes · 2 comments · Sophia Hembeck

The Muse Letter

Is this art? - A meditation.

is this art or a thought better kept to myself is this art or do i just want to impress my mum is this art or a cry for help is this art or a more interesting way to get you into bed is this art or your childhood trauma…

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3 years ago · 9 likes · Sophia Hembeck

The Muse Letter

There is no arriving. (I hate that.)

Every November it seems I need to die another death. Surprisingly knowing this does not make it easier. Surprisingly it is mostly the same shit feeling every time because every time I still happen to believe that once and for all I have fixed things (e.g. me) until I realise I have not. Of course…

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2 years ago · 6 likes · 2 comments · Sophia Hembeck

SUBMISSIONS TO THE MUSE LETTER:

THE MUSE LETTER is always on the lookout to support fresh, new voices.

Please submit your best nonfiction and nonfiction only. I am interested in literary essays and memoir. Please submit only one essay at a time. Essays should be between 1200 and 3000 words. It may take up to ten weeks to respond but I will respond to all submissions. Please provide a short biography of 150 - 300 words and list your social media handles/website etc..

Currently there are no funds to provide payment for successful applicants however if I choose your essay to be published on The Muse Letter there will be a paypal/ko-fi link for readers to donate tips to the contributing author.

Submissions will only be accepted at

themuseletter@substack.com

Please make yourself familiar with the tone and writing of The Muse Letter before you submit.