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keepwritingproject.bsky.social
keep writing project
@keepwritingproject.bsky.social
110 followers 140 following 320 posts
a monthly letterpress postcard subscription since 2008.
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chief correspondent: hope (they/them) @hopeamico.com
archive assistant: leslie (they/them) @oneironaut17.bsky.social
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keepwritingproject.bsky.social
keep writing project @keepwritingproject.bsky.social · Jan 26
Since 2008, the Keep Writing project has mailed a monthly postcard that is one part art, one part ask. Conceived, designed, and printed by Hope Amico, subscribers expect a handcrafted card and a thoughtful prompt for response in their mailbox.

Subscriptions are $72/year.
A hot pink background with a teal circle, surrounding a black typewriter. Yellow words read "welcome to the keep writing project". A yellow background with a hot pink circle. There is a white sketch of a postcard in the middle. The text reads - "How it works: This arrives in your mailbox!" A teal circle surrounds yellow text that says "Open it!" Diagrams of the postcard being opened to show the inside and outside are below it on an aqua background. The inside of t he postcard is labeled with arrows pointing to each part - A question, Hope's return address, perforation to separate the return postcard and the art, and the art print. The outside diagram shows the back of the art print, which has a story, and the other half of the outside has space for a response. A teal, block printed question mark on a hot pink background. Yellow letters read "subscribe at: hopeamico.com" "see the archive of responses: keepwritingpostcards.tumblr.com".
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 78
September 2015
May we all... lead many lives.

When Travis died, I knew I wanted to print something for him, something to share
with friends at the memorial I would be attending in New York. I sifted through
letters and zines and finally came upon this wish for our younger selves:
Handwriting printed on a blank white postcard. "May we all stay in touch & lead many lives." The back of the postcard. It's got a heart, and is signed "Travis" at the top. The text reads: "Words from an old friend. This is Keep Writing number 78 September 2015. for Travis Fristoe - Prolific penpal with distinctive and difficult handwriting. Honest critic, sincere listener, dependable friend. Choices were made. The consequences are our loss. May the peace that eluded you in life be yours now. Next month we return to the usual format of exchange, but this month, write to an old friend and ask them: how are you? really? and then listen."Write: 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608www.gutwrenchpress.com
July 18, 2025 at 8:28 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 77
August 2015
What keeps you going when you’re down

I love this card but I think the wording was often misleading. You tell me: it is
meant to say, you have to take care of yourself first. You can’t be depressed or
sick and help others.
A postcard, two postcard lengths long. It is white, and the text is black and red. It reads - "July to August, summer vacation, sprinkled light and swimming, but the past 10 years I cry easily the whole month. I miss my friends. Something happened, something is still happening. Sadness, anger, anxiety, reasonable responses to the tragedies we remember in our bones. How do we prevent paralysis? I make these cards. I write to you. Your turn - How do you deal with difficult times? On the back of this card, tell me about the work you do that keeps you from the mire. Not your job, but how you keep going. Use words, pictures, or whatever you need. Then cut at the fold, stamp this card, and send it away. The other half is for you to keep." "Hope 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608 USA" "Keep writing no. 77 August 2015 see archive of responses at www.keepwritingpostcards.tumblr.com."The bottom half of the double postcard has a beehive, both in large combs in the background in red, and a zoomed out picture of one on a table with bees approaching it in black. It says "It's hard to be useful + sad." The back of the postcard. "Advice from a Spencer Tracy movie as relayed by Louis CK. This is keep writing number 77 August 2015. 10 year Katrinaversary edition. Find your work and do it. Don't shove down the sadness but don't let it immobilize you either. Welcome new subscribers. Subscribe! View the archive! Read responses!" www.gutwrenchpress.com write! 3205 Filbert St. Oakland CA 94608. PS See you at the SF zine fest sept 6th." The back of the postcard. It has some of the beehive design from the front, and says "To be of use..."
July 16, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 76
July 2015
The best thing in your neighborhood

When I lived in Oakland, I struggled to find the kinds of friends and community I
had in New Orleans. But sometimes I would find something sweet that reminded
me of my favorite city.
A double length postcard, a yellowish shade, with brown and red ink. The text on the top half reads: "One year ago, we moved to a lovely large house in a rowdy part of town. It's nice to have studio space at home, but the situation outside is rough, sometimes sad. Three blocks away, a few folks started a garden in a park. Now City Slicker Farms is an urban farm with chickens, a farm stand with a graduated payment scale, and part of a Saturday morning ritual for us, walking a few blocks around the neighborhood, buying greens and eggs, giving a extra dollar because we can. They help the people of West Oakland access fresh food through backyard gardens, the farm stand, and outreach. They are currently raising money to complete building a new center on the land they own. Check it out: www.cityslickerfarms.org. Your turn! Tell me about the best thing happening in your neighborhood.Using words or pictures, talk about what makes it so great, and where it is. Tear at the fold, and drop it in the mail. Responses from the East Bay will be in a map available August 1st as part of a tour of neighborhoods." Hope lists their address - "Hope 3205 Filbert St. Oakland CA 94608 USA." The lower half of the postcard has an illustration of a garden, with the quote "We are stronger together than we are alone.", credited to Walter "Sweetness" Peyton. The back text of the postcard. It reads - "Once again, Sol Weiss let me use one of her illustrations. This is Keep Writing number 76 July 2015. Printed in collaboration with a sharing of the Keep Writing Collection all month at E. M. Wolfman's in downtown Oakland where visitors can submit their responses to the same prompt you have here. More participation! You are invited to the opening party: Thursday July 2 7-9PM with snacks, postcard readings, and new music from Crimewave. Also join me for Letter Writing parties in July Saturdays from 1 till 3 PM July 11, 18, and especially on the 25th as we celebrate Walton Peyton's birthday with cake and postcards. (PS it is my birthday too) E. M. Wolfman's is on 13th at Franklin. They also have great books. Write to me: 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608. Subscribe www.gutwrenchpress.com/subscribe. A brown design in the lower right, leaving space for people to write a response.
July 14, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 75
June 2015
YOU get better

Why no question this month? Because sometimes I want a break.

And I wanted to print a gradient like the background, something you can’t do on
platen presses with an ink disk.
A grey and white patterned postcard, geometric, somewhat like snowflakes. There is blue text on the front that reads "I wish I could tell you that it gets better, but I can't because it doesn't. But YOU get better." The quote is attributed to Jean Rivers. The back of a white postcard. The blue text reads - "With apologies to the 'it gets better' campaign. This is Keep Writing no. 75 June 2015. No prompt for a response because everyone could benefit from having a little less to do sometimes. Take a month to think about the balance of changing the outside world versus the change in you. Then send me all the postcards that are crowding your desk, your bag, your notebook and join me at EM Wolfman's in Oakland in July. Opening party dates TBA, plus letter writing parties and more. Time to renew your subscription? www.gutwrench.etsy.com. Mail: 3205 Filbert Street Oakland CA 94608."
July 12, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 74
May 2015
I am a________ having a__________

At this moment, I was in a yoga teacher training. I later quit teaching yoga
because of the complicated ties with colonialism and cultural appropriation, and I
wasn’t prepared to be go deeper into body and movement study.
A brown postcard, double length, with black and brown text. It reads "recently, a teacher said this to me, that we are not humans having spiritual experiences but the other way around. look, i know it's a bit woo-woo and i grew up catholic and still have my lingering doubts but this idea is amazing to me. we don't have to debate religion here but imagine for a minute that we are gobs of energy, love, electricity, whatever you want to call it, existing in this body for now. your turn: maybe this is too heavy for your afternoon mail or maybe you believe something else entirely. so tell me about it. on the other side of this card fill in the blanks. cut at the fold, stamp it and send it to me! soon!" The address listed is "Hope 3205 Filbert Street Oakland CA 94608 USA". The back of the postcard in the previous picture. In redish brown text it reads "Not the other way around. This is Keep Writing number 74. A monthly postcard series that requests your participation. I send you this, you send something back. There are directions inside. And, though I usually tell you to take your time, send it back when you can - Get on it! Your responses will be shared in Oakland in July. Meanwhile, you can see them on th e internet: www.KeepWritingPostcards.tumblr.com. Or write me a letter:" And lists the same CA address from the first picture. The back of the brown postcard. It says "I am a" and then leaves a blank to be filled in. The second line says "having a" with another blank.
July 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 73
April 2015
What will you bring to the collapse of industrialized society?

In 2005, in New Orleans, while awaiting Hurricane Katrina, I collected all there
perishables our friends bought to the house we would share during the storm.
A white postcard with purple and black text. On the top of the postcard, the text reads "with the collapse of industrialized society, what will I miss? straws, bubble baths and ice cream. of course, these are just the silly small things, the things I could give up now if I wanted. what will I bring to the post-collapse survival? a one-pot meal repertoire. making do for dinner! Your Turn: what will you bring to the apocalypse? on the back of this card, write about and/or illustrate your skills for survival. no skills too small! tear or cut at the fold above, stamp it and drop it in the mail to me. and remember to start sending past postcards to be a part of the show in july!" Hope's address is listed as 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608 USA.The bottom half of the postcard has a purple city scape with a sign in front of it that says "TEAR IT DOWN". The back of the postcard, white with black text. "no foolin'. this is keep writing number 73, april 2015. thinking about spring and the end of the world and the little things that make days better. subscribe and get news at www.gutwrenchpress.com. send your oldies in now to be part of a collection shared in oakland in july! write: 3205 filbert street oakland 94608. www.gutwrenchpress.com" A black box on the white postcard, with a little cityscape along the bottom.
July 8, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 72
March 2015
Encourage a friend

Another design I liked so much I redesigned it in 2023.

When Bear and I briefly shared a lofted 1 bedroom apartment near LSU, I was
very unsure about my decision to move to Baton Rouge to be a 31 year old
undergrad.
A creme colored postcard with blue text that reads "timely words from a friend, a postscript on a note of thanks. everyone could use some encouraging words. not generic cheers or self-congratulatory bits to let us off the hook from the hard work, but a little something to loosen us from the muck of self-doubt. your turn. tear this card at the fold, stamp it, and on the other side, send yourself or someone you know some love. i will leave the address blank for you if you want to send it to them. if you like, send me a photo on instagram to share @gutwrenchhope (of course you can still mail it to me if you prefer)." "Send it to:"On the bottom of the postcard, a person in a newsboy cap holds a sign that says "You're doing a good job at life right now." The person in the newsboy cap from the front, but they've been decorated with a fancy mustache, lipstick, lots of bright colors. They are holding a sign that reads "Fly your freak flag always! #BelieveInYou" The person in the newsboy cap from the front, decorated with some extra bronze and black sparkling lines. Their sign reads "You are loved" with a heart.
July 6, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no. 71
February 2015
How will you contribute to the fight for racial equality?

Six months after the murder of Michael Brown, I was living in Oakland. The
immense tragedy, frustration, months of protests, and lack of accountability by
cops had me feeling worn down.
A creme colored postcard with green and brown text. The top half reads - "every time i hear the names of unarmed citizens killed by police i feel sick to my stomach. too many names, too many lives ended because of unchecked power and unexamined fear. do you think this doesn't affect you? our complacency allows it to continue. your turn. marching in the streets isn't for everyone. on the back of this card, share ways you want to help dismantle racism in our culture. use images, words, whatever you need to express your ideas. then cut at the fold, stamp it and drop it in the mail." hope's address is listed under an icon of a handshake - "hope 3205 filbert st oakland ca 94608 usa". the lower half of the postcard has a quote above a bronze printed tumpet. "what others did was their responsibility, for which they would answer when the judgement trumpet sounded. But what I did was my responsibility, and i would have to answer too." - James Baldwin, "The Fire Next Time". The back of the same postcard, in green text. "because reading james baldwin is only a start. this is keep writing number 71 february 2015 in honor of black history month and the struggle that continues today. the civil rights movement didn't end in the 60s, there are still plenty of folks still fighting for what is fair. let's talk: 3205 filbert street oakland ca 94608. www.gutwrenchpress.com" The same trumpet from the front, but printed in green.
July 4, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no. 70
January 2015
Happy New Year

I remember printing this one on the Universal 1 again but who can trust memory.
Again, with the experimenting. Linocut image, big type, opaque white ink tinted
with purple on dark paper. Subtle colors, a not so subtle reference to water.
A dark grey postcard, with all caps, sans serif font reading "IMMERSE" in black. The bottom half of the postcard has blue waves that are under the lower half of the word.
July 2, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 69
December 2014
Share a holiday tradition

Sometimes you just want to draw palm trees and holiday lights. I was trying out
making holiday cards, something I didn’t enjoy. But I like them as Keep Writing
cards.
A white double length postcard, with blue cursive type, and some red block lettering. It reads "growing up, we spent christmas eve at my grandpa's. we opened one present before going to bed and ate chocolate oranges for breakfast. now in my 30s without kids and far from my family, we have thanksgiving without turkey, but with all our friends at our place, christmas is still chocolate and oranges but also baking cookies and listening to the santaland diaries. traditions are important, and so is adapting. your turn: on the other side of this card, share your holiday traditions. however and whatever you celebrate. cut this card at the fold, stamp it, and drop it in the mail." the address is "hope 3205 filbert street oakland ca 94608 usa."The bottom half has two palm trees printed in teal, with strings of red lights between them. The words "MERRY MERRY" are printed white inside red rectangles above them. The text on the back reads "here come the holidays. this is keep writing number 69 december 2014. just a few more holiday craft sales and it's silk nog and rum in bed for me. welcome new friends, hello old. check www.gutwrenchpress.com. for archives, news, stories, and more. but i do prefer a letter, write 3205 filbert st oakland ca 94608." In the middle of a white postcard, the words "MERRY MERRY" are white letters printed inside individual teal rectangles.
June 30, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 68
November 2014
Share a forgotten historical fact

There was a while where Anita Hill was just a law professor at Yale, before we had
to listen to hours of similar testimony and interrogation of Christine Blasey Ford.
A lavender double length postcard with black and blue text. The text on the top half reads "I was a teenager when anita hill testified in front of congress about being sexually harassed by her boss. don't worry, he was still voted onto the supreme court and she is a professor at brandeis who endured public ridicule because her dude employer hit on her at work. i still get angry when i hear 'judge clarence thomas' on the news but i realized some of my friends don't know why. YOUR TURN: how short our memory is. on the other side of this card, tell me about a historical event that still effects you but seems forgotten. use drawings, words, news clippings, photos. cut this ard at the fold. stamp it, drop it in the mail and send it on its way. check instagram for yours and other postcards @gutwrenchhope." the address is listed as "hope 3205 filbert st oakland ca 94608 usa". The bottom half of the postcard has a print of two women holding a sign that says "I still believe Anita Hill." The back of the postcard - The text reads: "after reading cassandra among the creeps' by rebecca solnit in the october issue of harper's, i thought: do you remember anita hill? this is keep writing no. 68 november 2014 the 'kids these days' edition. after much procrastination, my website is revamped. maybe i was waiting for technology to catch up to my minimal skills because it finally looks how i've been imagining. check it out, same name different face. www.gutwrenchpress.com. as always, write! 3205 filbert st oakland ca 94608."
June 28, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 67
October 2014
Knuckle tattoos!

I told you I was on a roll.

It was fun to draw hands! It is fun to think about knuckle tattoos. I still don’t have
any.

Letterpress printed with polymer plates on chipboard and some French Paper
with a borrowed Heidelberg Windmill Letterpress.
A double length postcard, with grey and orange font. The top half says "who hasn't thought about knuckle tattoos? this is my tribute to my home state -new hampshire- and one of its best features, a solid motto. too bad the libertarians agree. your turn. what will you put on your knuckles for all to see? or what do you have? would you change it? on the other side of this card, fill in the knuckles with your eight letter phrase. tear at the fold, stamp it and drop it in the mail to me. the other half is for you to keep!" there is an orange arrow, under which is an address, "Hope 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608 USA".The lower half of the postcard has a pair of firsts, facing forward, with "LIVE FREE" tattooed on the knuckles in orange. The same fists in the first image, but with no tattoos. The same kraft postcard, with grey text. "... or die. this is Keep Writing no. 67 October 2014 getting ready for the New Orleans Bookfair and fixing up the ol' etsy site. subscribe! www.gutwrench.etsy.com write! 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608."
June 26, 2025 at 9:03 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 66
September 2014
Share an annoying saying

That story is long and a bit complicated but one part of it was that I agreed to be a
temporary full time manager while a permanent one was found.
A Keep Writing postcard, open to show the "Your turn!" text and the print. The top half, in a mix of orange and red text, reads: "For 3 months I worked with someone who often said 'moving forward...' as she discussed plans that led to hasty action. Or more plans. Or to another meeting. But we can't go back. We're always moving forward. Her words carried no weight with me. Now that I've lost my job, the options are open. I reclaim her bits of meaninglessness as a call to action. Your turn. Hello to new friends. Here is your challenge: Think of something that annoys you, a saying, an idea, a complaint. Now make it yours. Write, draw, or describe it on the back of this card. Tear at the fold, stamp it, and drop it in the mail. The other half is for you to keep! (Don't forget that I will share what you send on instagram @gutwrenchhope unless you ask me not to)". Hope lists their address in red - "Hope 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608 USA". The bottom half is a print in red and orange, that reads MOCING EVER FORWARD with several arrows pointing to the right. The response part of the postcard, which is three red arrows pointing to the right. The back of the postcard, in red text. "Here we go! This is Keep Writing no. 66 September 2014 the unemployed edition. If you've been meaning to renew your lapsed subscription, now is a great time - www.etsy.gutwrench.com or do it in person at the SF Zine Fest 8/30-31 and at the New Orleans Bookfair in early November. Phew. Summer was great. Let's keep it going. Write 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608."
June 24, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 65
August 2014
My goals

Again, a month with no question but here’s why:
I knew I would be traveling for July and August to the southeast. I planned ahead. I printed cards for both month’s, mailed July’s, probably from the airport post box as I often did when I traveled.
A kraft colored postcard that reads - "Goals for 2014" on a background of small v marks. The list reads: "Keep a savings account (checked off), write more letters (checked off), finish a new zine, go back to Rome, make paper (checked off)." There is an arrow pointing from the last point to a piece of handmade paper attached to the postcard, with the word "look!". The back of the postcard, with words in teal. It reads - "Greetings from Penland, NC! I'm turning lucky 37 on a mountain, making paper. This is Keep Writing no 65 August 2014. GOALS part II where I share my goals for this 2014, a mid-year birthday check-in. Here's my list. Now you get another month to send me yours. I'll be back soon with a new assignment for you. Subscribe! www.gutwrenchpress.etsy.com. Write! 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 64608. p.s. that's a little piece of handmade paper for you!"
June 22, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 64
July 2014
Set a few goals

The second most popular design. A former co-worker, Sol Weiss illustrated a few cards for me. The tight registration was something I usually avoided, but it looked good. I reprinted this card many, many times, and redesigned it in 2023.
A Keep Writing postcard, open to show the "Your turn!" text as well as the print. The paper is white and the ink is black. Text on the top half: "Do I have lists of lists? Maybe. When Misha told me about the sign he saw on a middle school, I was surprised it took me so long to consider the balance between options and focus. I forget that is why I make lists - to prioritize. Your turn! On the back of this card, set a few goals for yourself - for the day, year, your life, your job, whatever. This isn't a bucket list (I hate that term) - this is ambitious focus. This is the work we do. Cut at the fold, stamp it, and drop it in the mail to me." Hope lists their address beside the text - "3205 Filbert St, Oakland CA 94608." The print at the bottom is a left hand leaning back, thumb facing the viewer. Text around it reads - "You can do anything, but you can't do everything." A left hand, thumb facing the viewer, from the edge. It's cupping the word "GOALS" written in a stylistic font. The paper is white. The text on the back of the print. It reads - "Advice from a middle school in new orleans. Illustrated for you by Sophia Weiss, illustrator and ambitious lady extraordinaire. This is Keep Writing no. 64 July 2014. Goals part I: trying to stay motivated without being overwhelmed. Subscribe! www.gutwrench.etsy.com. Write! 3205 Filbert St Oakland CA 94608."
June 20, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 63
June 2014
New address

Ok, I moved into a new place in Oakland, a beautiful old Victorian that charmed me
with a sunny front room and a tiny back yard. It soon revealed its own problems
but in this first month I set up a studio in the front room which had gold flocked
wallpaper.
A Keep Writing postcard, open, showing the front and back to the camera. It is a cream colored card with brown ink. There is sewing along both the left and right edges. The top half is upside down to the viewer, and reads "We've moved! 3205 Filbert St, Oakland CA 94608, Keep Writing" with a dashed line at the top that reads "Cut here to form envelope flap". There is a squiggly, faint design behind the words. The bottom half says - "Hey! It's an envelope for all the postcards you've been meaning to send. 1. Cut at the dotted line. 2. Fill with completed postcards. (Mail cookies separately). 3. Glue or tape flap and stamp it! Send it on its way. 4. If you live in the Bay Area, prepare for a house warming party." with a heart at the end of the last sentence. Hope lists their new address again for mailing purposes. A close up on the text that explains how to mail postcards inside the envelope, as described in the previous picture. The other side of the postcard - Text reads "Welcome home. This is KEEP WRITING no. 63 June 2014. Subscribe! www.gutwrench.etsy.com. Write!" There is a line crossing out Hope's old address. Below, it says, "No! Now:" and lists Hope's new address (as described in the first photo).
June 18, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 62
May 2014
Dump all your worries here

I feel like this is where I start hitting my stride. I know, I skipped number 60 and
then the month of April, but the next year or two of cards is what I think of when
someone asks about this project. Maybe it is the press.
A double length postcard, white paper with a mix of blue and orange text. The top half is mostly written in blue, and reads - "I worry like it's a sport. There is a lot of garbage in my head lately that doesn't need to be there. I'm dumping it out and sending it to you in the hopes of a lighter start of summer." In orange, the words "Your turn". Back to blue - "On the back of this card, write down all the troubles and secrets you don't need to keep. Then bury the with scribbles, paint, glue, and paper, or whatever you need to compost those thoughts. Tear at the fold, stamp it and drop it in the mail to me." On the right side, a blue arrow points to the right, and under that, orange text reads "Hope 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607." The response side of the postcard, with a series of dark orange scribbles on the far right side. Text on the back of the card. It reads - "Spring cleaning! This is Keep Writing No 62 May 2014. Don't let worries weigh you down. There are so many good things to notice, like postcards! Subscribe! www.etsy.gutwrench.com. Write! 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607."
June 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 61
March 2014
Tell me about the signs you’ve been listening to.

No. You didn’t fall asleep there. I got so excited that I was printing on a Heidelberg
Windmill that I skipped number 60.
A double length postcard, with a combination of dark and light blue ink. The postcard is white. The top postcard has the following text - "I believe in signs and listening to the sea. I asked an ancient mummy for advice. My cat is my favorite fortune teller. Mercury in retrograde or not. Things were all f*ed up for a few days. Your turn. What is the shore saying to you? Rewrite the caption on the other side of this card and tell me about the signs of superstitions you've been paying attention to. Tear at the fold, stamp it and drop it in the mail." Hope's address is listed - "Hope 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607 USA". The bottom half of the postcard is turned sideways, meant to be viewed in portrait. It's a print of a ship coming towards a cliff with a building, yarn-like smoke coming out of the windows. There is text that reads "Come Home". The same image as on the lower half of the postcard in the last image, without any text or the yarn-like smoke. Now there are just some choppy clouds of navy. The back of the card. The text reads - "No. You come home. This is Keep Writing No 61 March 2014. It's Carnival time in New Orleans, but in California, I'm just glad it's finally raining. Illustrated by Jeremy Sedita. Write to him! seamonsterworkshop@gmail.com. Printed on a Heidelburg Windmill in West Oakland. Subscribe! www.etsy.gutwrench.com. Or write! 1506 Center St Oakland CA 95607." There is a blue arrow pointing to the right in the middle of the postcard.
June 9, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 59
February 2014
Tell me how you met one of your good friends

The sweetest response I received to this questions from two friends I had
introduced, who sat at a coffee shop in New Orleans and wrote it together. They
weren’t dating, just friends.
A white, double length postcard, with black and light grey text. The top says "Valentine's Day is for sweeties, sure, but old friends and close friends give the good love too. Your turn: On the back of this card, honor a good friend. Describe how you met, how you keep in touch or something special about your friendship. Tear at the fold, stamp it, and drop it in the mail to me. Go! Hope 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607 USA." The bottom has a print of a castle inside an oval with swirling smoke coming out of its chimney, shaped like twirling yarn above it. A white postcard with black text, that says "My full time job is interfering with my full time life. this is Keep Writing number 59 February 2014 featuring guest artist Jeremy Sedita. We met in Seattle in 2002 where he and a friend were showing a super 8 film they had filmed, processed and edited that day. I was a baker about to head south but only after a few afternoons of cinnamon rolls and great plans. He is the king of porch sitting in the Pacific North West and continues to inspire me to make more and slow down. He has a five year old apprentice and recently started sending me his drawings to turn into postcards. Contact him at seamonsterworkshop@gmail.com don't miss another drawing by him next month. Subscribe! www. gutwrench.etsy.com." A white postcard with the same squiggly yarn design smoke from the first photo.
June 7, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 58
January 2014
New Year’s Card

Ok, as you know, most months I ask a question. Sometimes I skip a month, sometimes I use the wrong number. Sometimes, I don’t ask a question and just send you something to enjoy. I like this especially in January.
A grey postcard with a blue plus sign in the upper left and a smattering of abstract white flowers in the upper right corner. Blue text reads - "It doesn't snow in Oakland. Or even rain much. The constant sun, lack of drastic temperature function, a plethora of delicious food makes it hard to complain. Still. Complacency is easy if you let it settle in. Forget the hard work, let's get pizza. New Year's is my favorite because it is a reminder to look back, to check in, to see where you're going. Then dress up in all the sequins and glitter you can, slough off the unnecessary, welcome the new. So hello 2014, I'm not totally ready but I'm giving it my best." The back of the grey postcard has more of the little abstract white stars in the upper right. Blue text reads "This is Keep Writing number 58 January 2014. A departure from the norm in the form of a gift for you. With nothing to return. Holidays are busy. Life is busy. Here is a minute to look back for a better path forward. Happy New Year. Subscribe: www.gutwrench.etsy.com. Write: 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607."
June 5, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 57
December 2013
What is your work?

Well, reading the information on the outside of this card, I printed it at home, so I
was still gratefully using Ben’s universal one. Thanks Ben. I doubt I thanked him
enough.
A double length postcard with lavender and blue text. The top says - "my friend Bear teaches Vinyasa yoga in New Orleans. often at the beginning of a class a teacher will ask you to set an intention, something to work on, your focus. Your turn: as 2013 comes to a close think about what your work is, however you interpret that, tell me about it on the other side of this card. use words, pictures, whatever you like. then tear at the fold, stamp it, and send it to me. Hope 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607." The bottom half has small blue crystals above and below a quote - "Do the work where you need to & soften everywhere else." The back of this postcard. "Set your intention. this is keep writing no 57 december 2013. working on softening at the end of the year. letterpress printed with love at my home and inspired by bear hebert, vinyasa yoga instructor and good friend. subscribe for monthly postcards at www.gutwrench.etsy.com or write! 1506 center st oakland ca 94607. Send:" A drawing of a flower above a small blue crystal print. Arrows pointing down say "Transforming sunshine", arrows pointing up say "Accelerating decay". A postcard with a pen drawing of a desert over a blue crystal print. There's a water tower, some cacti, some hills. A little stick figure sits on top of the tower, and the words say "Making time for unimportant things".
June 3, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 56
November 2013
Say thank you

How cute was it to celebrate 5 years? Maybe I can say that now
that I’ve had a 10 and 15 year anniversary party. I’m glad no one did the math in that it may have been 5 years but I was at least 2 postcards short of 60.
A double length postcard in a beige color with red and black text. The top says - "Five years ago I was riding my bike home from school. Already missing my friends and afraid I would never be able to keep in touch. Why was I in school anyways? Oh yeah, to make postcards! Thanks y'all for going along. Your turn: On the back of this card, thank someone you can't. If you can thank them, well why send me the card! Tear at the fold, stamp it and drop it in the mail. Thanks! Hope 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607 USA." The bottom half of the postcard has three kittens in black, holding a little white sign with the word "Thanks" in red. A beige postcard with teal text. The text says - "Celebrating 5 years of postcards! This is keep writing number 56 November 2013. Thank you for writing back, being interested, and inspiring me. As an anniversary special, during the month of November, you can renew your subscription for $5-30 for one year. Send your renewal via paypal to gutwrenchhope@gmail.com. And you will be sure to get 12 more months of postcards. Send what you can, it's ok if you can't. But keep writing! 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607. Send it to:" A beige postcard with the word "Thanks" printed in teal in the lower left.
June 1, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 55
October 2013
What are you reading?

It also took me a full year to get an Oakland library card and ten years later I can’t
picture any of the libraries I went to. Who was I in 2013? I was trying. (Editors note: these captions are written in July 2024. Summer.
Kraft colored double length postcard. Top has black text - "1. Joan Didion 'A Year of Magical Thinking' From the West Oakland Library. 2. Brian Herrick 'Ebb And Flood' A comic book I traded for at the SF zine fest. 3. 'Oxford American' A magazine of Southern writing that used to amaze me enough to continue a subscription, but lately it disappoints. Your turn: On the back of this card, tell me a little about what you are reading, where you got it, and what you think of it. Tear at the fold, stamp it, and put it in the mail. The other half is for you! Hope 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607." The bottom half says "Reading Rules" in fancy font on red lines. The back of the kraft colored postcard, with black font. "After one full year of living in Oakland, I finally got a library card. This is Keep Writing number 55 October 2013. Visit me at the New Orleans Anarchist Book Fair October 19th and 20th and at the East Bay Anarchist Book Fair October 26th in Oakland. Postcards, Hand Bound Books, and Prints from our friends, Astropress. Want postcards every month? Subscribe! www. gutwrench.etsy.com. Write! 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607." There are two little black lines of four pointed stars in the lower right. A kraft colored postcard with a small print of a bookshelf in black on the bottom.
May 30, 2025 at 9:01 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 54
August 2013
Venn diagram

This project started as a way to
1)keep in touch with friends and pen pals and
2) challenge myself to try new techniques in printing and design.
The second part gets lost sometimes.

I was really excited about overlaps and balancing colors.
A double length postcard. The top has blue and orange text, and says "Venn diagrams illustrate the intersection of two ideas. Your turn. On the back of this card, fill in the diagram to demonstrate the overlap between any two things. Tear at the fold, stamp it and drop it in the mail. Send it back! Hope 1506 Center St. Oakland CA 94607 USA." The bottom has a blue and orange venn diagram labeled "My Life" - Blue is labeled with "as it was" and orange is labeled "as it could be". A blank venn diagram - two blue circles, with an arrow pointing both left and right under it. The back of a white postcard. The text reads "So much potential for improvement. This is Keep Writing number 54 August 2013. a little late but my new one hour train commute ensures that more of you will hear back from me and maybe I will even read a book. subscribe! www.gutwrenchpress.com. write! 1506 Center St Oakland CA 94607. Send it to:"
May 28, 2025 at 9:02 PM
keepwritingproject.bsky.social
KEEP WRITING no 53
July 2013
Never Get Old/Never Get Young

I am not sure what I meant by this and if I re-printed it I might reconsider
the phrase “never get young.” A better example of a pair of phrases that I
carry despite their oppositional meanings would be: never give up//quit
everything.
A double length postcard on white paper. The top text is yellow and blue, and reads - "Happy birthday to me. I like getting older and contradictory advice. Your turn. On the other side of this card, write two opposing phrases to contemplate while waking on a cold beach in July. Tear at the fold, stamp it, and send it to me before I turn 37. Send it back! Hope 1506 Center St. Oakland CA 94607 USA." The bottom text reads - "Never get young/never get old." A white postcard with blue arrows pointing left and right. There are two kinds of handwriting in black - A swirly, stylistic one says "Fashion Style" and a blocky, serif one says "Style Fashion". A white postcard with blue arrows facing left and right. On the top, cursive reads "Life is just a dream." and has a doodle with black scribbles above it. Under the arrows, handwriting says "Face Reality" with various geometric hashtag shapes around it. A white postcard with blue arrows facing left and right. In block letters above them, black text says "Fully Embrace". Below them, cursive says "Do not attach".
May 26, 2025 at 9:01 PM