You Made This Possible: Turning On Paid (But Keeping Everything Free)
A Thank You, an Announcement, and a Promise: All Stories Stay Free
Dear readers,
Less than two weeks ago, I published my very first post here. I was hoping a handful of people might find my stories and maybe leave a comment or two. Instead, 95 of you have joined me—reading, sharing, and racking up over 6,600 views in the very first month. That’s more than I ever dreamed possible for this strange, intimate corner of Substack.
Thank you for showing up, for your encouragement, for your curiosity, and for every single moment you’ve spent with my words. You’re the reason this space feels so alive already.
One of the most astonishing parts of this first month has been the support from writers I’ve admired from afar — like
, , , , , and — who’ve read, subscribed, or even recommended my work to their own readers. If you found your way here through one of them, welcome. Their encouragement has made all the difference in helping me find my people in this vibrant, daring community. If you love bold, boundary-pushing romance and erotica, I can’t recommend their work enough.Today, I’m taking another leap. I’m turning on paid subscriptions but with a BIG caveat: ALL of my posts will remain free to read and comment.
Why now?
First and foremost, nothing is going behind a paywall. Every story, every post, every bit of craft and confession I share here will remain free for everyone. But here’s the reality: Substack gives writers more tools, more reach, and more visibility when they offer paid subscriptions. If I want these stories — and our community — to reach the broadest possible audience, this is the next step.
But there’s more to it than that. Writing fiction, especially the kind that pushes boundaries and explores desire in all its complexity, is a leap of faith every time. Paid subscriptions aren’t just about money—they’re about making it possible for me to spend more time writing, to dream bigger, to take risks and invest in this world we’re building together.
Here’s what paid subscribers get:
Early access to new posts — sometimes a few hours, sometimes a few days before everyone else.
Substack Chat just for paid subscribers, where we can talk about writing, books, life, and whatever else we’re not ready to post for the world.
A real say in what comes next. I have two new projects outlined and, for paid subscribers, you’ll get to help decide which one I write next.
Founding Subscriber Perk: The first 10 founding subscribers get a custom short story*—your scenario, your characters, your fantasy, 750–1500 words, just for you.
*Some reasonable T & Cs apply.
Monthly and yearly rates are set as low as Substack allows. If you want to support this work, thank you — truly. If you’re here to read, and only read, I’m just as grateful. I want everyone who wants these stories to have them.
What’s next?
Tropical Permission is coming to Amazon/Kindle Unlimited by early August—with sequels in the works.
More stories. More honesty. More ways for us to connect and build something daring, open-hearted, and true.
If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read, or you want to help me take these stories even further, becoming a paid subscriber is the single most powerful thing you can do. And if you’re here early, you’re part of the foundation—shaping what this space becomes.
Thank you for being here at the beginning. For giving these stories a home. For making this all possible.
With so much gratitude,
L.H.
💋
P.S. - Chapter 9 of Tropical Permission will go live at 11:30 am ET for paid subscribers, 6 pm ET for Free. In the future, I will likely have a 24 hour delay between paid and free.