Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom

Writing has always been the pastime that I was most passionate about. In particular, I was fascinated by the concept of the serialized story.

What is a serialized story? A long time ago, when periodicals were still popular, authors such as Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray would write novels, releasing them weekly, chapter-by-chapter, for an eagerly expectant audience.

These chapters would eventually be gathered into the format of a novel, and usually (like in the case of Dickens), these novels would be enormous. They are investments of time to read, but worth every moment.

Time passed, and the world of publishing evolved. Now it is easier than ever to publish a novel: more authors are choosing to take their stories into their own hands, publishing them on their own terms.

Self-publishing is often spoken of as if it was inferior. I disagree. I have always favored the idea of being in control of my work, though it requires extra effort with regards to editing, formatting, and promotion.

You’re Invited

I am celebrating today because the proof copy of my short story, The Tearoom on Ensorcell Avenue, has arrived at last. You can preorder it on Amazon by visiting this link.

What is The Tearoom on Ensorcell Avenue?

For almost two years now, I have been publishing stories serially on Substack. The first story I shared in this manner was called The Graveyard House. It’s the first of a series, and needs a bit more work, but I plan to publish it, as well.

The Tearoom on Ensorcell Avenue is different. Somehow, it became a self-contained world. Somehow, it became the beating heart of my newsletter – of my creative life – of who I am as a storyteller.

Where to Find It

Tales from the Tearoom is what I call it on Substack, and a Table of Contents can be found here where all of the published chapters are available for perusal.

Unlike The Graveyard House, I made Tales from the Tearoom a feature exclusive to paying subscribers. Writing involves so much mental energy; I knew that I could no longer prepare a new chapter every week, publish it for free, and expect to feel fulfilled.

Artists deserve to be paid for their work.

But I still wanted casual readers to know what The Tearoom was about. So I decided to release Season 1, which includes the first four posts of Tales from the Tearoom, on Amazon. On May 30, you’ll be able to buy it for your Kindle, or order a paperback.

(I’m holding a paperback in this photo. They’re adorable. Less is more; I certainly believe that to be the case with this story).

If you would like to join the Tearoom Circle and read Tales from the Tearoom on Substack, with new episodes posted every week, click here!

Leaving Comfort Zones

I’m so excited by this project that I dared try something I’d never done before. I’ve taken to TikTok, because I love these characters so much – and the world that I have created – that I just need to talk about it.

Follow me on TikTok: @TearoomPress

If you want to hear me talk about The Tearoom on Ensorcell Avenue, using my actual voice, watch the following video. I’m awkward. I’m trying a new medium, and not fully comfortable with it yet.

But I’m having fun.

I hope that you visit Ensorcell Avenue. I’ll be posting more about it here. My heart is full – my imagination working at full speed – and I can’t wait to share this story with more people.