Who Will Write the First Blockbuster Serial Novel or Memoir?

And how Charles Dickens’s working notes can help

“Charles Dickens’ Cat Extinguishing the Candle,” illustration from Anecdotes of Animals and Birds (1880)—based on a story that one night, after Dickens had worked himself to the point of exhaustion and had fallen asleep (which he often did), his beloved cat turned out light for him (alternate view: said cat is causing mischief, distracting the great writer from finishing his work)

There hasn’t yet been a blockbuster serial novel or memoir on Substack, one that draws a million readers, makes publishing houses rethink the industry, and gives writers unprecedented agency. Notice I said yet.

It’s going to happen. How do I know? Because there’s a ridiculous number of extremely talented writers—many with MFAs, prestigious awards, fellowships, and publications—who aren’t getting the readership and attention they deserve.