Hello there!

Relaxing with coffee in Los Angeles

Welcome to Spark Dept. a newsletter for writers and creators about those sparks of inspiration that inspire our creativity. Grab a cup of coffee, a notebook, and settle in!

I’m Kary, the author of the poetry book 1912: Poems of Time Place & Memory, producer of the art-house feature films Pill Head and Werewolf Serenade, and the creator of SparkTarot® a contemporary, feminine Tarot deck and guidebook.

Here, I share not only my own art and writing, but ideas and inspirations from the creative people, places and things around me that incite a project, and keep me inspired to continue and finish it.

When you subscribe…

$0 Free Subscriber

When you subscribe for free, you’ll receive occasional posts about all of the above.

$33 monthly/$375 annual

Becoming a paid subscriber means you’ll have access to the Spark Writers Group where you’ll receive:

  • Weekly writing prompts to spark creativity and consistency.

  • Access to a private paid subscriber chat—a space to share your thoughts, progress, and even your work.

  • A voice in shaping this community—help decide what features, lessons, and events will best support your writing journey.

  • Explorations in writing motivation, time management, overcoming self-doubt, and more (built as we go).

  • Supportive community discussions, fun practices, and potential live classes—without feeling overwhelming.

This isn’t just another writing group. It’s a space to rediscover your voice, reignite your passion, and finally commit to the writing life you’ve always wanted.

$500 Founding Subscriber

All of the above, plus you’ll be first to find out about new projects, and you’ll have my heartfelt gratitude for being a supporter of the arts!

I’m energized by the idea that ideas appear, move forward and want to go out into the world when we curate, appreciate, and interact with what is already around us, whether it’s people, our environment or even objects we enjoy. Because what surrounds us becomes us.

Please comment on what you like and what you want to see more of! So excited to dive deep together about what and how we create!

A short bio…

I’m a writer, designer, and filmmaker, with an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art and Writing from California Institute of Integral Studies. My work explores how the particularities of “place” contour our experience. I live and work in the San Francisco North Bay. When I’m not writing, you’ll likely find me surrounded by nature, a good book, and endless cups of coffee. karyhess.com

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Spark Dept. is about the sparks of inspiration that inspire us as writers + creators. Subscribe to download your free ebook for writers: "Writer’s Life: 5 Days to Reclaim Your Voice"

People

Kary Hess, MFA, is a writer, editor, and artist. She leads writing workshops for women ready to begin—or return to—their writing journey. Through the lens of place and seasonal perception, her work examines how our lived experience is shaped.