The Vibe of the Party We’re Throwing Here on Substack
What started as a simple way to escape algorithms has grown into a vibrant, creative community where we write, read, and dream together. Here’s the new rhythm for Unscripted.
Dear friend,
I am excited to share with you the plans for my new interactive storytelling universe.
I got on Substack a while ago because I wanted a place to write long-form content without worrying about algorithms. I didn’t want to obsess over making my website cuter, chasing search engine optimization, or figuring out how to get you to even see that I’d posted something.
I just wanted to write.
To connect.
To build community the way I used to back in my blogging days — deeply, personally, without all the noise.
What started as a random decision to avoid algorithms has grown into something much more intimate — this living, breathing space for interactive storytelling.
For a while, I was a little all over the place (as longtime readers can confirm). But lately, I’ve felt called to anchor myself — and my connection with you — in something more intentional.
Starting now, Unscripted will follow a simple rhythm:
📅 Every Thursday, you’ll hear from me in one of two ways:
📝 Letters from Lauren — a personal note, a reflection on life as a creative entrepreneur, a behind-the-scenes story about the creative life, or an answer to one of your questions.
🎬Plot Twist — our interactive serialized novel that you and I are building together.
Mixed in with that, you’ll get the occasional announcement post (like this one) and, when the mood hits, I’ll throw in a Queerie Bradshaw update.
And because consent matters, you can always adjust your preferences to choose which emails you get — or unsubscribe at any time.
A Focus on Interactive Storytelling
I don’t want to talk at you, I want to engage in conversations and write books with you.
I want you to ask questions, reply in the comments, and engage in conversation about the creative life via Letters from Lauren.
I want you to help name characters, choose what happens next, and be part of the messy, magical process of creation in Plot Twist.
Everyone can read along and reply for free as an Audience Member, but if you want to help shape the story — including seeing the behind-the-scenes content (and yes, the sex scenes, for many obvious reasons) — you can upgrade to a Story Editor or Associate Producer tier.
My goal is that this is more than just a typical Substack. I want it to be the heart of my storytelling universe — where serialized fiction becomes novels, audiobooks, and, if all goes as planned, television shows.
And I want you here for every step — behind the scenes, inside the story, and chatting with me about the process like good friends.
🎭 Choose Your Role in the Story
My new tiers allow you to decide how much you want to engage in what’s going on here.
These tiers aren’t about paywalls — they’re about participation. They’re an invitation to step inside the process and help shape what comes next.
Because Unscripted isn’t just my story — it’s ours.
Whether you’re an Audience Member, Story Editor, or Associate Producer, you’re part of this creative community equally.
Here’s a breakdown of each tier:
🎟 Audience Member (Free)
Come for the stories.
Get all public Plot Twist episodes and Letters from Lauren delivered straight to your inbox. Read, comment, and join the community conversations at no cost — because I want you to be able to join in the fun no matter what your current financial situation.
✍️ Story Editor (Paid)
Step behind the curtain.
Story Editors get to help shape Plot Twist by voting on story directions, joining comment threads, and reading early drafts before anyone else.
You’ll also unlock bonus content — including the sensual scenes — plus exclusive letters about the creative process and my artistic life.
As a thank-you, you’ll also receive my Creative Life Blueprint course (a $149 value) completely free, because your own creative journey matters too.
🎬 Associate Producer (Founding Tier)
Help build this world from the ground up.
You’ll get everything above, plus your name in the story credits, early access to new projects in development, and the ability to gift a one-year Story Editor subscription to a friend.
This tier is for the dream-builders, patrons, and champions of queer, inclusive, independent storytelling.
Choose your role, grab your ticket, and let’s make some story magic together.
💌 Share the Story
Every story is better when it’s shared — and this one’s no different.
If you have a friend who loves stories about resilience, creativity, and queer joy, invite them to join us here in Unscripted.
Sharing is not just caring, it also pays off for you! I’ve set up incentives as a thank you for bringing friends along on this journey:
1 referral = 1 month free Story Editor access
3 referrals = 3 months free Story Editor access
6 referrals = 6 months free Story Editor access
You get free access. Your friend gets to join in the fun. We all get to be in collaborative community together. It’s a win-win!
Because that’s the beauty of Unscripted: it’s not just my storytelling world. It’s ours to share together.
Next week, you’ll get your first of the new Letters from Lauren from me, and then after that we’ll have the next installment of Plot Twist! (Catch up here on what’s happened so far!)
Until then, reply to this email or comment on this post and let me know what you think about this new structure. I’d love to hear from you.
With you in creative collaboration,
Lauren
P.S. You can read for free forever — no guilt, no pressure.
But if you want to be part of the creative process and help keep these worlds spinning, I’d love to have you join me as a Story Editor or Associate Producer.
Not only does it give you behind-the-scenes access, it helps me continue to offer this collaborative storytelling space for our community.