Ache is an intersectional feminist press publishing writing and art on illness, health, bodies, and pain.
Since 2017, Ache has published a literary magazine, books, and art prints by women, transgender and nonbinary people that explore the complexities of living with illness and pain. I wrote for them about baby loss grief, and when I read it back, I thought, sh*t, I should write a book off this piece.
And it’s thanks to you.
“Why?,” I hear you ask (okay, maybe not).
“Because!,” I’ll reply, “I developed the work here on Substack, in early 2024 when I was writing a Substack a week (something I’m considering going back to — always considering things, but I’m at a juncture in life where I’m trying to work things out, and I’m sure readers can relate!)”
A very early version of my piece — just a tiny slice of it — appeared here, and then I edited and worked on it to get it ready to submit to Ache, which I did earlier this year. A reel on Instagram explains how I almost missed their response (pesky junk folder).
So thank you all for keeping me accountable!
My contribution is autofiction, takes place in a Temazcal in Mexico, and follows a woman dreaming of a life, a partner, and the child she lost.
It’s in their Winter 2025 issue, priced £20.00.
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I’ve been really impressed by Ache, and editors Kirstie and Rosalind, who have managed to keep a niche but super impressive press going at such a shitty inflection point for the indie publishing industry (have you seen this statement released by many indie presses?). Their covers are gorgeous, print quality is surreal, and the content reminds me (for those of you who participated, remember, and supported <3) of what we did with I Hope You Like Feminist Rants.
Ache No. 4 is a special extended issue of feminist writing on illness, health, bodies and pain. I’m so happy to be included in this list of stellar writers.
ESSAYS, FICTION AND POETRY: Abigail Tarttelin, Azadi Aliela, Anastasia Ushakova, Brittany Brewer, Caitríona Daly, Eliza Blackorby, Jess Barber, Kara Rennie, Kat Chimonides, Laura, Postlova, Maija Mäkelä, Molly Gough, Byuka Krow , Charlotta Öberg, Christine Kanownik, Dena Igusti, Elspeth Wilson, Frances Cannon, Frankie Parris, Gray Harper, Jay Whittaker, Jennifer Brough, JP Seabright, Julie Morrissy, Leonnie Hertig, Maria Hardin, Ottavia Silvestri, Pauline P Lee, River Snowdrop, Romany Stott, Ruth Lexton, Tabby Carless-Frost, Teddy Webb, Anna Carnegie, Apurva Vurity, Brigitte de Valk, Char Heather, Denise Rose Hansen, Emma White, Fan Sissoko, Margaux Vialleron, Meghan Murphy, Michaella Parkes, Nadia de Vries, N.K. Woods, Olivia Dreisinger, Priya Khanchandani, and Susannah Morgan.
PLUS, ARTIST INTERVIEW: Featuring an interview with artists Nancy Willis and Jenny Polak in conversation with Susannah Morgan, discussing ‘The Sleepers’ a new exhibition exploring how women artists have articulated sleep and rest at The Women’s Art Collection, Cambridge.
More beautiful covers from past editions below, still available to order…
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"“Why?,” I hear you ask (okay, maybe not)."
Haha, don't worry, I'll always ask why?!