“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. Originally from Germany, I write in English and German. I studied playwriting at the University of Arts in Berlin and my first book of essays “Things I Have Noticed” was published in 2020. I am currently writing on my second book “Things I Have Loved”. Coming out Valentines day 2023!

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 pop culture, and sometimes I interview interesting artists. I'm interested in the moments that begin when we look away from the person we are talking to. That pause we make when we are just about to form an opinion. And to write that down.

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. Now almost two years later I have gained over 2000 free subscribers and over a hundred paying subscribers. The goal is to reach at least 500 paid subscriptions as it would ensure a sustainable work practice and would also lead to more content and cool things I could do with this project when not worried about money all the time.

What is for free subscribers?

With a few breaks in between the Sunday installment of the Muse Letter is always free.

What is for paying subscribers?

With a paid subscription you get the Weekly Musings, the paywalled content of the Sunday installment with tips for living a better creative life and inspiration.

You also receive all the special series’ only for paying subscribers that come out 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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2 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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a year 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.