Return and a quick note x

Hi all!

I’m back (sort of) following the birth of my daughter. Unfortunately, she’s gotten off to a bit of a shaky start, so I’m not able to get back to work or Sinobabble as quickly or fully as I’d hoped.

That being said, I’m still managing to find time for myself here and there (currently writing this on my phone while she sleeps on me!) so I’m hopefully able to write, record and share with you all on a semi regular basis.

Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey I sent out a while ago. Those who have earned the year’s subscription to the paid tier of the newsletter have been notified. Your answers really helped me think of a sustainable and improved way to keep Sinobabble going while I grapple with the reality of raising 2 children, working, keeping my house clean, and learning how to paint watercolours (don’t ask).

Here are some of the decisions I’ve come to based on your responses:

1. I’m going to be returning to my historical roots a bit in the Substack. This is not only where I’m more comfortable, but also what you said you would like to see more of based on the survey. I’ve decided to go back to the beginning of the 20th century like the original series on my podcast, and write more about underrepresented stories about China you may never have heard of! Be prepared for more fascinating biographies, underground political movements, cultural false starts (remember Esperanto?), and at least a little bit of art history (sorry, someone has to read my thesis).

2. The podcast will be more about sharing things I’ve read about and thoughts I have about modern China. Though I’m not based in China anymore, I read about it every day, and I read so many good stacks that listeners may never come across that deserve to be shared! Examples of topics I have lined up include “Is China becoming South Korea?” and “Is Xi Jinping’s reign coming to an end?” If you’re not subscribed to the podcast but are interested in these sorts of things, follow along on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform.

3. Paid subs either on Substack or Buy Me a Coffee will get the same exclusive content: podcast episode transcripts, opinionated articles, and behind the scenes on an exclusive project I’m working on (more details to be revealed at a later date!)

4. I will produce audio versions of most newsletters, though I haven’t decided if this will be a paid only feature (feel free to give your opinion on this in the comments!)

5. I want to start live streaming Q&A sessions more regularly. I did one once and it was a lot of fun. I will figure out timings and logistics at a later date, but this is a fun thing i thought we could all do together. Let me know what you think.

That’s my main update for now. I won’t get specific on things like how often I’ll post, as we’re still in early days with my daughter’s health diagnosis, but I’m looking forward to diving back into the community!

Oh and shout out to all the stacks I’m subscribed to, I’ve done lots of reading while I’ve been away and you guys are smashing it. Special shout out to newly discovered stacks Robert Suettinger and Peking Quack! Highly recommend :)

Edi xx